Matthew Ryan

Do you have any hobbies? I read a lot of poetry and consider myself a very amateur photographer. I also enjoy a full on game of badminton. Seriously. I'm pretty good and probably a little to competitive.

What got you interested in being a professional musician? I remember watching U2's Under A Blood Red Sky and thinking that Rocknroll could be an existential force for good. That made sense to me with all I was feeling with where I was from and the struggles I saw and the belief that things could be better. Bono remains a pretty influential monument in my mind about what's possible. U2 also made me feel good about being Irish. Which, with where I was from, with all the stereotypes and trouble, it felt good to have something represent my heritage other than shamrocks and getting drunk.

Do you have any unusual stories from the road? Well, once Gary Jules and I were pulled over at gunpoint in Ohio under suspicion of kidnapping a gas-station attendant. True story.

What’s your favorite city to tour? Edinburgh, Scotland is hands down my favorite city to tour. But, I've been to so many beautiful places. I saw so much of Italy about a year ago, it was amazing. Chicago, New York & Minneapolis are favorites as well. Vancouver too. There's so much to love out there.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years? Basking in the future that perseverance brings.

What’s the hardest thing about touring? I love arriving but I hate leaving. Touring is like falling in love and breaking up everyday.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? I would say do as much for yourself as you can for as long as you can. It's tempting to let other people take over the details, but more often than not no one s going to care about your future more than you will. Look at every event in your career as a collaboration and keep an eye on your ego.

What producer would you wish to work with? And why? I've always wanted to work with Brian Eno. He was the first producer that ignited my imagination. He has a way of making progressive, timeless music. There's as much heart as there is intelligence in his work. I love that he doesn't seem to over revere the past, but leans forward with almost if not truly baroque roots.

Have you met any interesting people since you started performing? Though I wonder sometimes if he even remembers, my favorite meeting was a dinner with Peter Gabriel in Park City, Utah. I'm also, always still floored by listeners that come up and tell me stories about how my work has been a part of their lives. Recently, I had someone tell me that they discovered my music when a homeless person gave him a bag full of CDs he had found in a park. I figure that's a pretty good metaphor for my career and the real nature of things.

As you first started out, did you ever feel frustrated and wonder if this was ever to be? To be honest, I still haven't reached my goals. I remain very ambitious and often wonder if I can go as far as my dreams go. I make a good living, but that's utilitarian, there's more to what we do than what we earn.

What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever done? Hmmmmm. There's been some funny stuff out there. Dignity is the least we can offer each other.