FOR FANS OF: Blink 182, All Time Low, Simple Plan
Ryan Scott Graham is the bassist and backing vocalist of New York pop punk band, State Champs. He also has a solo project called Speak Low If You Speak Love. It’s clear that Ryan is very passionate about his interests and it shows not only through his music but also through his creative lifestyle.
Continue reading to get to know a little more about Ryan Scott Graham and listen to his guest playlist!
1) How did State Champs get started with music?
State Champs actually started in 2010, just a couple of friends from high school wanting to play in a band. I didn’t join until around 2014 when they were looking for a permanent bass player and someone who could sing back up! I met the guys through a mutual friend and the rest is history - 7 years later, we’re about to drop our 4th studio album!
2) Who are some of your biggest influences?
I’ve always been extremely inspired by Third Eye Blind, from the musicianship to the lyricism. It would be hard to find a band that I’ve listened to more than 3eb. Never been a massive pop punk listener, so I know a lot of people ask me this question expecting Blink 182 or Green Day, but I think the reason I bring a different flavor to the band is because I’m approaching the genre with a total outsider's perspective. Any band or songwriter that can pull me in with a great lyric has my respect.
3) What is one of your favorite memories with State Champs?
I think one of the most memorable shows I’ve had with the band was opening the main stage at Reading and Leeds festival in 2016. R&L is one of those iconic English fests that has been going on since the 90’s, thousands of people just out on the grass in the middle of nowhere watching an always incredible lineup. I used to read about it in magazines, so to play on the main stage for about 10,000 people was a massive honor.
4) What can you tell us about State Champs most recent release, "Unplugged - EP"?
I can tell you that it kicks ass! The fans have been asking us to do some more acoustic material for a handful of years now, so we went into the studio for about a week to write and record a few new songs and put a spin on some old favorites. I love writing songs on an acoustic guitar, and since it’s such a different approach to songwriting than Champs usually takes when writing for a record, it felt refreshing and fun. We wanted to try our hand at writing songs that lean a bit more pop.
5) What is one of your most favorite songs to play live with State Champs?
From our last record cycle it has to be Frozen. It’s definitely one of the highlights from the record for me, so whenever we play it live I get excited. I’ve got a little dance to go along with the intro and the fans have become savvy to it, so there’s definitely quite a few videos floating around out there if you want to see what I mean!
6) What is your zodiac sign?
I’m an Aquarius! I hope that’s alright…
7) I see on social media that you are really big on vintage fashion. What's one of your favorite pieces you've gotten your hands on?
Yeah! I’ve been into vintage for as long as I can remember, shopping around at thrift stores in high school for the goofiest t-shirt I could find - but I’ve really started taking it seriously the past couple of years. I’ve got a decent collection going, but my favorite piece is this Lemonheads tee from their album “Lick.” The fit and wear is really amazing and it’s a pretty rare one in general, so all that factors into why I personally love it so much. Listen to the Lemonheads if you never have!
8) What is the rest of this year looking like for you guys? Any big plans?
The year is looking big! We’ve got a new record coming soon and a tour planned for the fall, hoping that becomes a reality. We’ve already had to reschedule it behind the scenes a number of times due to COVID.
9) Is there anything you would like to mention about your solo project, “Speak Low”?
I’m also working on new music. It’s a pretty big departure from the sound of State Champs, so if you’re into more mellow, indie-rock, you might wanna check it out. I’ve been recording some poppy solo songs, as well as writing for another full band full length LP.
10) What do you love about music?
What’s not to love?
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