Multi-instrumentalist and Roseville Resident Ryan Hernandez
Jan 27, 2017 10:57AM ● By Style
For multi-instrumentalist and Roseville resident Ryan Hernandez, helping to enhance the sound of other musicians is what he truly relishes. “My ultimate goal is to be what I call a ‘high-end sideman,’” shares Hernandez. “I’d be more than content to be a hired gun for someone who’s an established singer-songwriter and needs someone to help add color to their sound.” As a child, Hernandez would harmonize with his mother—a talented songwriter and pianist—and discovered his first love: the drums. Later, he picked up the guitar, piano, violin, mandolin, ukulele, banjo and most recently, the pedal steel—quite an impressive arsenal of instruments for the 32-year-old musician who regularly plays at various venues around the region, including Black Vinyl Ale Project, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, GB Alehouse and Restaurant, Strikes Unlimited, and The Firehouse Restaurant.
HLB: When creating songs, what inspires you?
RH: I work with a lot of songwriters, and the things I bring to the table are based more around the melodies and instrumentation. I wouldn’t call myself a great lyricist, but I try to convey some type of feeling through the sound. The lack of sound is also important; space in a song can be just as musical.
HLB: Do you prefer studio time or performing live?
RH: I am definitely more of a live musician, but I do enjoy recording music in the studio. One thing I’m good at is listening to what someone wants and creating that sound for them, either instrumentally or vocally. When you get hired to do studio work, time is money, and you want to give a client what they want in a timely fashion. Live music is much more relaxing for me.
HLB: If not a musician, what would you be?
RH: At one point I was interested in becoming an EMT but then I remembered blood was involved. I think because I have a great deal of patience, maybe a teacher of some kind. I gave lessons before, and I think that might be something I get back into later in life.
HLB: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
RH: Get an education, and [make sure it includes] a class on music theory. Also, you can pretty much learn how to play anything online these days, which are resources I wish I had when I was a kid. The number one thing is to put the time into your instrument. Practice as much as possible, and get as good as you can at your craft. Put yourself out there—whether it’s via open mic nights or charity work—and get your foot in the door. Hang around other musicians who are much better than you; surround yourself with good-hearted, talented people.
HLB: What do you enjoy most about the local music scene?
RH: I grew up here and have been playing for over 10 years and can honestly say the music scene has gotten better and better. There’s a really tight music community here. I have friends who moved to Los Angeles, but I don’t think that’s something I’ll ever do. There you’re a small fish in a big pond and everyone is good, so it’s hard to compete. That’s why it’s always better to work together; not to mention, the Internet is a huge way to network. I don’t think you have to be in one particular location in order to get your music out there.