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Guitarist and Singer-Songwriter Ryder Green

Jun 28, 2016 04:56PM ● By David Norby

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Ryder Green jams at local hotspots, rocking both covers—from the likes of Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jonny Lang—and originals. Sharpening his skills since childhood, the ambitious artist only began singing a few years ago, spur-of-the-moment, during a jam session. Since, Green has been writing his own songs, fronting his band and opening for Grammy-nominated blues artist Shemekia Copeland. “While there’s nothing easy about running my own business, it’s more than a full-time job,” states Green. “I get to do what I love for a career, [and] you couldn’t ask for much more than that.” 


HLB: You picked up a guitar at six-and-a-half years old. What drew you to music? 

RG: I’d see others playing or hear them on the radio, and I wanted to be part of it. About seven years ago, I started going to clubs and jams, learning a lot about performing. I played with people who were better than me, and I improved even more. I slowly achieved a following for myself and started performing occasional gigs. 


HLB: Tell us about your original music. 

RG: Modern blues-rock with some old school blues. I also have influences of funk and rock and roll, but I’m definitely working to create my own unique sound, which will keep increasing as I continue writing.


HLB: What inspires you in your songwriting?

RG: I do it if I’m happy, sad or angry…whatever emotion indicates that a good song could come from it. When I’m done, I want it to be something that makes [the viewer] feel good, regardless of the message. If someone can relate to what I wrote about, that’s a cool feeling, but above all I do it because I enjoy it and hope others will enjoy what I do too. 


HLB: What are your favorite venues to perform at and what do you enjoy about the experience? 

RG: Folsom’s Powerhouse Pub, Antuzzi’s Newcastle Inn, The Club Car in Auburn and Hop House in El Dorado Hills. I’ve also had the chance to be on stage at San Francisco’s Biscuits & Blues—one of the Bay Area’s major blues clubs. I love performing because you’re really communicating with others by sharing your music and hopefully lifting their spirits. 


HLB: Do you plan to stay local?

RG: I know there will be lots of travel involved, and I’m looking forward to the adventure of sharing my music worldwide. This area will always be my home base though. I started going to blues jams around here when I was 11—there have been so many people who’ve helped me and encouraged me to pursue my music. 


HLB: What’s the best musical advice you’ve been given?

RG: Being a career musician is basically running your own business—you have to treat it that way [at least] and remain modest but confident in whatever you’re doing. I’m fortunate to have parents who support my goals. They’ve never had the attitude that, “It’s too hard to make it as a musician,” but they’ve also made sure I understand that it’s not enough to be a good musician; you really have to understand all the business aspects of what you do, and always be on top of what’s happening in the industry.


rydergreenmusic.com
by Heather L. Becker // photos by Dante Fontana