Ryan Lallier Interview

Ryan Lallier(Ex Waking Ashland/New Atlantic Tour Bassist)


Hey, thanks for taking the time for us here at Headphones Turned On. To start off, could you state your name and what you do?

My name is Ryan Lallier and I write songs and sing them.

Back in 2005, Waking Ashland released “Composure” via Tooth & Nail Records; which was high rated by many people, bringing up comparisons from Mae to Copeland. Why did Waking Ashland decide to drop off of T&N and go with a different approach to Immortal Records?

Tooth & Nail is a Christian record label. We weren't a Christian band despite all the songs about God. We felt more comfortable on a less genre specific Record Label.

Can you describe how you felt being dubbed similar to artists such as Get Up Kids and Mae?

I listen to the Get Up Kids in high school so that makes sense. We toured with Mae while they were supporting their first record. I liked that but I'm not real familiar with anything else they've done.

When performing in WA, you played many shows either headlining or supporting. Could you tell us your best memory and could you tell us why?

We played at alot of different levels. I always enjoyed play smaller club but I have to say playing the Yokohama Arena in Japan for 25,000 people was pretty great.

In April 2007, WA released “The Well.” What grade would you give the album because I’ve read 10 reviews and seen from high 8’s to low 6’s.

Probably a 6 or 7. There are some great moments but I haven't heard it in awhile.

How was it to work in the studio with Chris Shaw(Bob Dylan, Weezer, Wilco).

It was incredible. He is really talented and fun. He had some great stories, like when he played bass on the LL Cool J MTV Unplugged.

What was the real reason WA broke up? Was there any band blood between Jonathan or any other member?

Nice try. I can speak for myself and say that there is no bad blood.

Where do your influences come from?

I really like the Beatles and a guy named Josh Rouse. My family is a huge lyrical influence.

What is your favorite album? And to anyone who hasn’t listened to it, tell us why they should!

I dunno that's pretty hard to say but like that new Wilco record. Nels Cline is probably one of the best guitar players around. That Fray song How To Save A Life is pretty nice too. It's rare that a band on the radio tackles social issues and doesn't make it cheesy.

Now, your going under the name “Ryan Lallier.” Is there any other direction in music you want to explore? What direction would you like to see your new band head in?

Yea, but I'll probably just end up making pop songs. With intersection production. That's what I enjoy most.

How would rate your fans throughout your journey with Waking Ashland?

They're amazing. I love 'em. I still can't believe people bought our records.

What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2007?

I'm going to keep demoing songs and hopefully get a record out before the end of the year.

New bands are starting to break into the music scene. Any advice you could lend to them?

As long as you make music that you're proud of you have success. Waiting around for things to happen isn't too realistic either. Touring is pretty important.

How hard is it for a small band to survive in a era where it seems there are more bands with an equal amount accessibility (the internet, etc) than ever?

Really hard I think. I think there's like 6 million bands on myspace. That's terrifying.

What can you learn from your time in Waking Ashland in your new bands? What will may you differently this time around?

It's really important to be honest. It's especially rare in the music industry. I want to remember to have fun.

Did you feel at all negatively affected by being lumped in with such ambiguous new genres as "piano rock" with other bands such as MAE, Something Corporate, This Day And Age, etc?

Yea, I don't know what they mean. I get that we had pianos in our band but I didn't get it. I guess we kinda sounded like Something Corporate huh?

Is there anything else you would like to address?

Just thanks to all the people who've been writing me on Myspace it's really sweet.