Interview: Emily Ryan Releases New Single 'All The Time'

“All The Time” captures those late night thoughts that refuse to switch off. Are you  someone who overthinks at 2 am, or are you usually asleep by then? 

- I’m always awake! Honestly I’m the biggest night owl, always have been. I  always joke my sleep schedule is 4am-Noon. That’s Ideal for me! I cannot  sleep if my brain is busy, so yes overthinking for sure but always looking for  my next creative idea or finishing something I’ve started.  

You wrote this song in Atlanta with Ghostkid. What was the vibe in the room that day,  and did anything unexpected shape the final track? 

- Ghostkid is so fun to work with, he’s brilliantly creative, and passionate about  making a great record. We vibe really well in the studio because I can match his  energy and passion which I think is important. We recorded 4 songs in a three  day stretch and we had a blast. I don’t think he really knew what to make of me  at first but my vocals really did the talking and then we got to writing and it was  just a good time and I think we mad 4 really cool, creative and different tracks  that week.

The song feels very honest and personal. Do you find it easier to write about things while  you are in the middle of feeling them, or after you have had some distance? 

- Honestly it really depends. I don’t have a specific process because I think its hard to  structure a creative process. I take notes of ideas as I get them so I can keep track of  my thoughts and elaborate on them later when I’m in the studio. Also, because I write  about everything, my life, my friends lives, things I see in the world or in movies its  not always so black and white. I think the simplest answer is I keep track of my ideas  and elaborate on them later.  

You are originally from Detroit and now based in New York City. How have those two  places influenced your sound or your writing routine? 

- They have influenced me so much. I am very lucky to be able to call two very  musical cities home. Growing up in Detroit I was always exposed to tons of  music. Classics from Motown to concerts of all genres there was never a  shortage of musical inspiration, and a great theater and music program in my 

high school, which was so lucky for someone like me who knew I was going to  pursue music from a young age. These things made me really value live  instruments and a full band which I preform with today! So that background  really shaped the kind of music I like to preform live. Once I moved to NYC I  think my music addiction got worse with so much more volume of art to enjoy.  And of course being in New York for my entire adult life, shaped me as a person  and that person is who you see on stage now.  

When you are not replaying moments in your head for song inspiration, what helps you  switch off and reset? 

- Switching off for me is really hard. Like all the time it is insinuating, I am always  working in my head, the only time I really turn off is when I’m traveling or at dinner  with my husband or friends. I try really hard to be present and relaxed in those  moments to really enjoy them. Other then that, I thinking about something or  working always. 

If “All The Time” had a setting, like a specific room or time of night, what would it look like  to you? 

- I love this question because I am a very visual person and I write music while  thinking about what it would look on stage or in video. So while there is no video for  this song, I very much picture it taking place in a dark room. Like a bedroom or  maybe just a black box with a cool bed, something very stripped down and simple.