“There’s something called a three-field crop rotation, where one is simultaneously growing sustenance but leaving one field fallow for the next rolling meadow. A cycle of influence, pulling across the chaff, always making new progress.
It seems fitting that this metaphor suits multi-instrumentalist and producer Ryan Chin, who has never seemed content in making music in just one scene. Starting his career as a drummer for successful indie electronica act Doprah, moving into deep session work for a gamut of Aotearoa’s most successful independent acts, whilst also adopting the nom de plume Ryan Fisherman only demonstrates the natural embracement of change of a mature recording artist.
His first debut album Vibe is an intensely self-reflective work, featuring notable musicians from across his storied history as a touring and recording artist. The album’s opiate country oeuvre rightfully earned a finalist placing at 2021’s Best Country Artist category at NZ’s Country Music Awards. Alongside extensive coverage on RNZ and festival appearances, Chin established himself as an austere voice in Aotearoa’s alternative music camp.
Now refocusing into new weird folk territory after supporting the likes of Julia Jacklin, Tiny Ruins and Kane Strang, Ryan Fisherman continues moving forward, making personable tunes for the ever-loved and to-be-loved.”
I am not sharing many bands from New Zealand, so whenever I do, it is a special occasion. The album is a really interesting piece with quite unique sound blending lo-fi rock with indie rock, folk rock, country, and everything else you can find there. It has a pretty distinctive atmosphere that is making worth listening to. I recommend you find 31+ minutes of your time to start from the first track and finish it with the last. I hope listeners of this blog are fans of listening to albums as a whole. As they always intended to be listened to.
I am enjoying whatever this album aims to be and it was a nice surprise discovery of recent month.
I have reached out to artist and asked him our 3 Qs:
What inspired you to start making music and what keeps you making music?
When I was about 11 years of age, my Dad got out his old drum kit from the garage. I remember playing on it for about 5 minutes and feeling so intrigued and inspired to learn more about how to play music. I haven’t stopped making or performing music since. Simply put, music is how I express myself.
What was the most challenging thing in your music (artistic) path?
When I was younger I always feared what people would think of me and my music. It held me back for a long time. But with age comes maturity and the ability to care less about what people think. I try not to think about it and just put out music.
What would you dream to do if anything was possible?
My greatest music dream would be to keep releasing music for as long as I can. In some ways I’m already doing that haha. But life is busy and music can take time. I just want to keep enjoying making music and I hope other people will too.
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