We recently caught up with Mike Ryan, the New Brighton singer-songwriter, and chatted about the Klee Music EdenHurst Sessions, his choice of cover, and his new album. His five song set – including a fantastic cover of Esme Bridie’s Only Lonely People – can be purchased in limited CD and download formats from Klee Music.
Liverpool Noise: How did you get involved in the Klee Music EdenHurst Sessions?
Mike Ryan: I have the legend that is Chris Currie from Mersey Radio to thank for my involvement in the Klee Music EdenHurst Sessions. I believe that one of the artists scheduled for the sessions unfortunately caught Covid and had to pull out. Chris very kindly recommended me as a last minute replacement and I was invited along the night before. He has been a big supporter of my music over the last couple of years and I am very grateful to him for championing me. Thank you, Chris!
LN: We believe that the recording and filming session day is a bit daunting…people arriving, recording, then leaving. How did you find the experience?
MR: I had an absolute ball doing this session! I have recorded at studios throughout Liverpool over the years, including Parr Street, The Motor Museum and Elevator, but had not had the pleasure of working at 3rd Planet. There wasn’t a lot of time to prepare for the session, which helped in some ways. There wasn’t time to get too nervous or over-think things. I like to work quickly so the EdenHurst set-up really suited me. I felt quite relaxed throughout the recording process. Jose Ibanez, who was engineering the session, was a joy to work with. I hope to work with him again in the future. I met so many gorgeous people on the day; it was a pleasure from start to finish.
LN: You did a brilliant cover of Esme Bridie’s Only Lonely People. Why did you choose to cover that song, and in the style that you did?
MR: I love Esme’s songs. I listened to her most recent EP before the session and was really taken with her lyrics. I usually connect with the melody in a song first, but it was the lyricism in Esme’s songs that resonated with me, particularly Only Lonely People. I think the song’s message is something we can all relate to on some level. My interpretation of it was that it was about connection and about how much of ourselves we give away. The line, ‘you’ll never take my soul,’ really stood out for me. I decided to reimagine the song as if PJ Harvey had written it. I am a huge fan of hers. Her lyrics almost have a story-tellers quality to them, not unlike Esme’s. From there, it was a case of giving the song a more bluesy rhythm and trying to build up the tension in the performance as the song progressed. It’s probably my favourite song on the EP.
LN: You have just finished a new album. We have had the honour and pleasure of having a sneak preview of it, and it’s fantastic. How does it differ from your previous releases?
MR: My new album is bigger and better and more eclectic than anything I have ever done before. I am so proud of it and can’t wait to share it with everyone. Like my first two albums, it was recorded in my home studio. However, this time, I wanted to push myself to another level: as a songwriter, musician and producer. My first album, Night, was mostly acoustic and far more stripped back than this record. My self-titled second album was more ambitious in terms of the instrumentation and recording process, including using loops and samples for the first time on some songs. My intention with the new record was to create something poppier and more upbeat. The first track even has horns on it! I deliberately tried to write the catchiest songs I could and I think I have achieved that. There are still elements of the first two albums so it feels like a natural progression, but this is the most complete record I have ever made.
LN: What have you planned for the rest of 2022?
MR: Gigs! I am due to play at Future Yard in Birkenhead June 18th, which I am really excited about. It’s a gorgeous venue and is a real champion of the local music scene. I was delighted when they asked me to play. I will also be performing at the Zanzibar in Liverpool the next day so it will be a busy weekend! There will be more shows to announce in the near future, including at the Hope Anti-Supermarket in New Brighton. There is also an album release gig planned for September which will be my first full-band performance. I can’t wait to play the new songs live!
Follow Mike Ryan on Facebook and Instagram for updates and stream his music here.
