Stephanie Ryann is this week’s NY Entertainer of the week! She is a country artist and songwriter. We chatted about her music, her recent show at Arlene’s Grocery, and one of her favorite places to get some whiskey in the city!

upfrontNY: When did you know that you wanted to pursue music?

Stephanie Ryann: Very early on!  My mom sang in a band years back and would always sing in our house.  Because of that, I got the bug for music.  As a little girl, I would run around the house singing at the top of my lungs and putting on shows for the family. It was something in me that I’ve always had a passion for.

 

upfrontNY: Do you remember your first concert experience as a fan that you knew this was what you wanted to do?

Stephanie Ryann: It was back many many years ago…my first show was the Backstreet Boys when I was just a kid. I remember thinking how awesome it would be to perform on a stage in front of thousands of people. Every time I see a concert I’m hoping one day to do the same thing!

 

upfrontNY: You recently played Arlene’s Grocery – can you tell us about that experience?

Stephanie Ryann: Playing at Arlene’s was such an amazing night! We had a packed house, the energy was awesome and the crowd was really feeling the music. I was lucky to have friend and fellow country artist, Lauren Davidson, ask me to co-bill the show. It was my first performance in NYC and honestly, it could not have gone better! I’m looking forward to my next gig in NYC.

 

upfrontNY: What is the best part of being on stage and performing?

Stephanie Ryann: Easy! Being able to share my music, my passion with others is the greatest part of being on stage. I feel like I come alive when I’m up there. It’s a fabulous feeling!

 

upfrontNY: Do you have a favorite song to perform?

Stephanie Ryann: As far as my own music, I love performing “Whiskey Regret”. It’s a fun bar song that everyone can relate to and it’s one of the first songs I ever wrote. As far as covers, I absolutely LOVE performing “Life is a Highway”. It’s not a song you really hear anyone cover and the crowd, no matter where I perform, goes wild!

 

upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your music and your EP that you released this Fall?

Stephanie Ryann: My music is raw and real. I’m not trying to be someone else. It’s an extension of myself and my personality people don’t normally see. If I had to categorize it, it’s country with pop, rock, and blues influences, but I love hearing what listeners think. The release of my debut EP is my first attempt at putting my music out for the world to hear. I tried to choose songs that were diverse to get a feeling for what listeners really gravitate towards. I’m hoping that any listener can relate to and enjoy the music, lyrics, and message of each song.

 

upfrontNY: “Ride With Me” is such a fun song! If you could get in your car and take a ride to anywhere –where would you go , what would you do, and what artist(s) would you be listening to?

Stephanie Ryann: Thank you! It’s the most “pop” of all the songs on the EP and I like the “feel good” vibe of it. I would love to drive cross country, stopping at all the interesting and cool landmarks along the way. I’d be listening to some of my favorite artists…Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, etc…the list is endless on a trip like that!

 

upfrontNY: You have auditioned for Nashville Star, The Voice, and American Idol. What drives you to follow your dream?

Stephanie Ryann: My drive, first and foremost, comes from my love of music. Being able to write, perform, and work with amazingly talented musicians means I can wake up every day inspired, happy, and fulfilled. There’s nothing in life I want do more than write good music and be out there performing it.  I want to be an inspiration for others to follow their dreams too, no matter what field they are in.

 

upfrontNY: Do you have a favorite song, lyric, or quote that inspires you?

Stephanie Ryann: There are so many amazing songs, beautiful lyrics and quotes out there. It’s tough to pick just one, or even a few! I’m inspired daily by the people around me, new music, old music, life events… every day is a new day to inspire and be inspired by what’s around you.

 

upfrontNY: What is your dream venue, city, or country to perform?

Stephanie Ryann: It would be a massive honor to play the Opry and Ryman Auditorium down in Nashville! And of course…since I’m from NY, I’d love to play Madison Square Garden.

 

upfrontNY: What is next for you?

Stephanie Ryann: I’m out here trying to make a name for myself and make music my career. I’m working on new music, making a music video, and I’ve got more shows coming up in the Tri-State area. I’m hoping to make some new connections along the way and bring my music to a larger audience.

NYC FAVORITES

Favorite NYC music venue: You’ll have to check back with me on that. There are a ton of great venues in NYC…some big, some small… some I haven’t even been to yet.  I’m looking forward to performing at other NYC venues and seeing where that leads me.  

Favorite spot in NYC for a glass of whiskey: I have a bunch of favorites in NYC. Because I don’t live in NYC and commute in/out of Grand Central, I love to grab a cocktail at The Campbell. I love the location, the vibe, the room, the history… and not to mention, their extensive list of whiskey’s!!!

Favorite  NYC Restaurant: It’s hard to say I have a favorite…..so many are great.  I must say, Tavern on the Green is wonderful. I don’t go there often, but when I do, it’s an absolute treat! Great service, great cocktails and food and beautifully located in the heart of Central Park.  What more could you ask for?

Favorite thing about NYC: I love that NYC is a melting pot of all different types of people with different types of interests. That kind of diversity allows for so much growth and development in, and outside of the arts. Being surrounded by so many talented people is just more opportunity to be inspired.

Upcoming Show

Tuesday, April 30th –  8 p.m. at The Bitter End

Follow Stephanie to hear her music and see where she will be performing!

Instagram: @StephanieRyannMusic

Facebook: @StephanieRyannMusic

Youtube: Stephanie Ryann Music