Interview with RYAN OCHSNER
- From January 2007
Kellie Pickler tour questions from August 2007
ON THE ROAD WITH KELLIE PICKLER
How did you initially get in touch with Kellie and/or her crew for this touring position?
Kellie was getting ready to start touring heavily in April. The guitar position opened up, and Kellie's road manager gave me a call. He used to road manage Lonestar back before I worked with them. He had come out on the road with us a few times, and I had the chance to meet him then. It's funny how things come back around sometimes. You never know where things are going to end up.
How long did it take to learn Kellie's music when you made the transition to her band?
It was very "last minute." When I was called, I had just a few days to learn a couple of songs for a brief radio show in Indianapolis. After that show, I had about a week to learn the rest of the material. It wasn't quite like when I went out with Lonestar for the first time, but it was still very fast paced. I had to use every minute of my time in those first few days to get the songs down.
Is this touring gig any different to you than any of your previous ones?
Every gig has its own flavor or feel. I'm thankful to be out on the road with a great group of people and to work for a wonderful artist. We all have a good time!
What is your favorite song of Kellie's to perform live?
I really enjoy playing "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind." It's a rockin' country tune with both guitar players on electric. It's a high energy, fun song.
Do you have a favorite memory of being on the road with Kellie and the other band members so far?
There are definitely many fun memories we've had so far. Most recently Kellie brought her kitten, Pickles, out on the bus, and we've all been having fun with the little guy!
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
How and when did your first break in the music industry come about?
I moved to Nashville in August of 2004 from Greeley, Colorado. I played a few small gigs around town throughout the next year, and in June I went on the road with Paul Scott. We played in Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and we were also a house band at the Wildhorse. I was able to taste a bit of the road life.
Around that same time I met Michael Britt (Lonestar) when I sold a guitar to him. I had a Tom Anderson T Classic listed for sale on an online forum. He contacted me and was interested in it, so we talked about working something out. I was going to be in Colorado the following weekend, and Lonestar just happened to be performing in Denver, so Mike invited me out to the show. I was really blown away by the performance. I remember thinking how great it would be to play with an act like that someday. The following week Mike ended up taking the Anderson off my hands in trade for a Fender Custom Shop tele and a Fulltone Full Drive II pedal that he had. We essentially became friends through this.
I continued to play with Paul throughout the summer, and then in September he made the decision to quit touring. His plan was to finish up a few shows throughout the fall and then he would be done. I loved playing on the road, and I feared things might be put on hold for a long time. We were playing the Wildhorse at the end of September when Mike called me and asked if I would come out on the road and fill in for their other guitar player for the following weekend. I didn't hesitate to take the opportunity. I got a CD from Mike, and I remember charting out the full show that night. We met the next day on Music Row for an audition. I played through a few songs with him and we talked about logistics. Then he told me that the bus call was 9pm Wednesday night. I couldn't believe it.
My first show was in Omaha, NE at the Qwest Arena. There were around 15,000 people at the show, and it was the largest venue I had ever played. At the time I didn't realize that the guys were actually looking to find a guitar player full time. I finished out the weekend, and Mike asked me if I would take the job. The rest is history. I've been with them for over a year now, and I feel thankful every day for being able to do what I love.
What goals have you accomplished and what do you still want to accomplish with your music career?
I came to Nashville in hopes of playing guitar for a recording artist. Sometimes I can't believe I get to do what I do at a young age. I've played the Opry, performed on television and for the President, and I have seen so many great places around the country. Some of these things I figured would take 10 years or more; that is if the opportunity were to even come about. I feel very blessed to be where I am at with everything that I've accomplished. For me, though, this is not a point in which I say I am content. After being in Nashville, I see that there are so many opportunities. I want to continue doing what I do, improving as I go along; but I would also like to focus on new things. This past year I've tried to make time for writing and playing in the studio. I think I would also enjoy producing at some point.
What is your motivation behind your accomplishments and what continues to motivate you?
The most motivating thing for me is to stop and realize the dream I had when I was younger and to see that I am so blessed to be able to live that out already. It is also still very inspiring to see my favorite artists perform. I recently went to see Emerson Drive when they were in town, and I was blown away by their performance. I try and make notes of the things I really like and apply them to my playing and performance. I'm driven to want to continuously improve. I think if you're not getting better, you're only getting worse. I still try to practice often, although that can be difficult when times get busy; and I try to listen to other opinions and really step outside of my own viewpoint to see them.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life (music related or not)?
I have to say that between God and my family, they are the greatest influences in my life. My family has always encouraged me in whatever I've been involved in, and they've always been there for support in life. They believed in me, and that is what gave me the mindset to go forth and try and accomplish my dreams. God has been there in anything and everything I've done, and He's opened doors, allowing for great things to happen.
If you could collaborate with anyone musically (whether on the road, in the studio, songwriting, etc) who would it be and why?
To play for one artist in a live setting, it would be Reba McEntire. She is such a phenomenal entertainer, and I've always enjoyed her music.
What advice would you give to those who plan to get into the music business?
To have success in the music industry, you've got to be good. That is a given. Realistically, anybody can have talent, but if you've got a good personality, that really adds a lot. It's definitely a networking industry, and being sincere in building relationships will get you far. If you have a dream, always remember it, and never give up. I think success will come if those things are kept in mind. There is no real sure-shot way of making it in the music business, but I think the majority of success is accredited to a strong mindset and drive.
THE INSTRUMENTS
Do you have a favorite guitar that you play?
I've always been a huge fan of Tom Anderson guitars, and they're really a great company to work with. My plan was to have a custom guitar made by Tom when I got a gig playing with an artist on the road. Back in November of 2005 I started talking with Roy at Anderson Guitars, and we began to put something together. It is a Hollow T Classic in a custom color I had in mind. It's a translucent stain in plum with a plum sparkle paint misted over the top. It has a quilted maple top on a swamp ash back. Because it's translucent, you can see a bit of the wood grain under the sparkle. In addition to looking great, it really does play extremely well. After it was finished in February, I sent it to Charlie McVay to have a B-Bender installed. He did an amazing job on it. It is definitely my favorite guitar, and I love playing it.
Most recently, I've acquired a McPherson acoustic. It has a Carpathian Red Spruce Top on a Macassar Ebony back and sides. It's the best acoustic I've ever played, and it's a new favorite of mine. I'd like to get another McPherson at some point.
Do you play any other instruments besides guitar? (If so, what?)
I played piano for my first instrument, and I enjoy writing songs on one sometimes. I've tinkered with many instruments including a bit of pedal steel guitar. I would like to focus more time learning more eventually, but at this point I would say that I am primarily a guitar player. I recently started playing around with mandolin and lap-steel.
THE SONGS
Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing songs?
I find inspiration in things that affect my life. Emotion stimulates ideas for me. Sometimes a phrase will come to mind when I'm going through something in life. I'll usually make a note and put together a piece of a song. Often I won't finish a song until months later.
Who are some of the other artists/songwriters you have written with or for?
I have only been serious about writing for the past year or so. I used to dabble in it, but I never sat down with somebody else to actually finish something. Recently I've worked with a few good friends of mine. Jason Wall and I have written a number of songs at this point. He is an engineer that I've worked with a good amount in the studio with. I also have done a bit of writing with my friend Brian Carter. He played drums for Paul Scott.
Do you have a favorite song that you've written so far? If so, what is it and why is it your favorite song?
I would have to say at this point my favorite song is "All She Wants." It is a song that I wrote with Jason Wall. I just love the message and the music. It tells a story, and it is a very emotional song.
What is your all time favorite song to play on the guitar?
I really don't have a single favorite song to play on the guitar. I definitely play a few licks often when I pick a guitar up. My favorite song may change from day to day. This is what makes music so wonderful.
ON THE ROAD WITH LONESTAR
What is your favorite LONESTAR song to perform live?
This is a difficult one. I think I have to go with "County Fair," a cut from the Let's Be Us Again album. It's just a fun song with a driving country feel. "Mountains" and "You're Like Comin' Home" are also favorites of mine. I'm also really excited to start performing some of the newer songs from their new album, Mountains.
Do you have a favorite memory of being on the road with the guys so far?
I have many. We've seen some great places together, and we always have good times with lots of laughs. One of my favorites was when we performed for President Bush at Ford's Theater this past summer. Another great time was when we pulled two shows off in a single day. We played a corporate show in Charlotte in the early afternoon. After the show, we rushed to the airport and flew in a private jet (Gulfstream G4) to Atlanta to play the 2nd show that evening.
What instrument(s) do you play on the road with Lonestar?
I play acoustic and electric guitar.
What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?
I really enjoy nearly every aspect of touring. I love traveling and seeing a new place each day. I love traveling on a bus. The shows are always the best part. Things that are tough sometimes would include being away from friends and family, and I don't like missing out on things back home when we're gone. Richie wrote a song called "Always In The Band" on this new record they just released. It really hits home with this subject of following a dream and sacrificing things to do it. Anybody in the Music Industry or anyone who makes their living in music can relate to it.
What do you like to do on the road in your free time?
I usually bring my laptop out to do work online and to stay in touch with the world. I also like to go out and see the city if the weather is nice and there are things to do. On days where we are stuck in the middle of nowhere, I usually just try and relax and enjoy the day.
While you're on the road so much, how do you balance your career with your family and friends?
I stay connected with the internet and I try and call friends and family often. Sometimes I find myself talking more with them on the phone than in person. It's not easy, but knowing they are there to call or e-mail is very comforting. Sometimes I just have to go for a walk or get away from everything out on the road. I can't express how thankful I am for the few people that are really there for me to call and talk with.
ON THE ROAD
What other artists have you played with in the past?
I toured with Paul Scott during the summer of '05. He was really the first artist I worked with. Also, in recent times, Josh Gracin filled in when Richie McDonald was not able to make two of our shows on the road. It's always fun sharing the stage with new artists.
Do you have any fond memories of being on the road with the artist(s) listed in the previous question?
Being on the road when I played with Paul Scott was a great life experience. I played with Roger Carter (bass), Brian Carter (drums), and Jason Fitz (fiddle). It was a laid back gig. We were always laughing and playing practical jokes. I worked with some amazing musicians and made some wonderful friendships through all of that. That band really helped to show me the ropes as far as being out on the road and away from home. I'm thankful for that.
IN THE STUDIO
I read that you do studio work as well... What is a typical day in the studio like for you?
It really depends on the type of session. On something I'm producing, typically I'll meet up with the other producer or engineer prior to the session. I'll usually make chord charts for the band. We get into the studio and set up gear, and then it's good to have a quick meeting with everybody. Sometimes we'll quickly run through the song with an acoustic guitar, and then it's time to start running through things with the band. It really makes a big difference to work with skilled musicians. If everybody knows what's going on, a song can be tracked in an hour or so from start to finish and be done.
As far as getting tone and sounds, I usually have something in mind before I start. I try to tweak a bit with amps and pedals, but I don't like to waste time either. Some of my best sounds have come from an Anderson Cobra S into a Fender Prosonic amp.
I noticed you co-wrote a few songs with Jason Wall and also did some studio work on a few songs with Angel On The Wall Music. Can you tell us more about those experiences?
Jason and I have really had a good time writing together. We initially worked together in the studio when he had me play some guitar for a session he was producing. We've written a good amount so far, and we're already planning to get started for this next year soon.
Have you worked on any new projects in the studio lately that you'd like to tell us about?
Jason Wall and I are planning sessions throughout January on some new projects. It's nice to get new sessions and projects on the calendar. They balance out things in compared to events on the road. For me, I've got to have both. They all keep me going.
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to all the country music fans and all our readers?
Thanks to everybody out there supporting country music and coming out to all the shows. You are the ones who allow us to do what we do and enjoy every bit of it!
I would also like to say thanks to a few companies helping me out on the road: Levy's Leather Straps, McPherson Guitars, Tom Anderson Guitars, Trailertrash Pedalboards, George L Cables, Line 6, D'Addario, and Sensaphonics.
Updated: August 13, 2007
Added: February 20, 2007
Musician Spotlight: RYAN OCHSNER
[Guitarist with Kellie Pickler]
