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Soul Bounce/ Bounce Worthy!
Soul Bounce/ Bounce-Worthy!
http://soulbounce.com/soul/2010/04/bounce-worthy_gloria_ryann.php
Bounce-Worthy Bounce-Worthy: Gloria Ry'ann Moon | 04/27/2010 at 12:00 PM
Photographer and podcaster Stevie Robinson is what Malcolm Gladwell, author of the book The Tipping Point, would describe as a maven--one who always seems to have the know about the hottest new thing. When it comes to music, Stevie is usually behind the hottest new indie act of the moment. While checking out some of her latest photos and videos, I came across the music of new artist Gloria Ry'ann. Vocally similar to the late legend Minnie Riperton, Gloria's voice is a soulful confection that is both sweet and light while effortlessly maneuvering over the highest highs that we haven't heard since Mariah Carey was singing songs for grown-ups. From Googling her, I learned that she has shared the stage with such greats as the duo Ashford & Simpson anddiva Patti LaBelle, in addition to pop princess Rihanna. I haven't gotten word on when her debut CD will drop, but you can check out her single "O.M.G." below in the interim. If you really want to hear her shine, however, then videos of her performing at an event celebrating soul legend Marvin Gaye and a live recording of her take on Minnie's "Inside My Love" can be found after the bounce. One word: Incredible.
http://soulbounce.com/soul/2010/04/bounce-worthy_gloria_ryann.php
Bounce-Worthy Bounce-Worthy: Gloria Ry'ann
Photographer and podcaster Stevie Robinson is what Malcolm Gladwell, author of the book The Tipping Point, would describe as a maven--one who always seems to have the know about the hottest new thing. When it comes to music, Stevie is usually behind the hottest new indie act of the moment. While checking out some of her latest photos and videos, I came across the music of new artist Gloria Ry'ann. Vocally similar to the late legend Minnie Riperton, Gloria's voice is a soulful confection that is both sweet and light while effortlessly maneuvering over the highest highs that we haven't heard since Mariah Carey was singing songs for grown-ups. From Googling her, I learned that she has shared the stage with such greats as the duo Ashford & Simpson anddiva Patti LaBelle, in addition to pop princess Rihanna. I haven't gotten word on when her debut CD will drop, but you can check out her single "O.M.G." below in the interim. If you really want to hear her shine, however, then videos of her performing at an event celebrating soul legend Marvin Gaye and a live recording of her take on Minnie's "Inside My Love" can be found after the bounce. One word: Incredible.
Finding The B-Side
http://findingthebside.com/2010/06/catching-up-with-gloria-ryann.html
Catching Up With Gloria Ry’ann
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
I was excited to receive a preview of Gloria Ry’ann’s music from Stevie Soul because as we music enthusiasts can attest, Stevie knows good music. And, Gloria Ry’ann is making it.
The Chicago native moved to New York to pursue her music career and it’s obvious that she made a very wise decision. Not only has Gloria brought her impressive four-octave vocal range to several national tv shows including the Today Show and the Mo’Nique Show, but she has also performed with such artists as Jennifer Hudson, Patti Labelle, Ashford & Simpson and the late Teddy Pendergrass. Gloria has released two singles, O.M.G. and Back With You.
Gloria Ry’ann says music is the “fabric of her soul”. I’d say that’s the perfect description for an artist who is quickly weaving her way into more of our iPods. She kindly answered a few questions about what inspires her music and her future plans.
Mimi Soul: What are some of the things that influence your music?
Gloria: My different experiences growing up and my desire to learn about the artists I appreciate and love and who they listened to and learned from.
Mimi Soul: Could you tell us more about your song Back With You?
Gloria: Back With You is my second release and is now available on CD Baby and will be available on iTunes, Amazon and everywhere else. The inspiration for the song came from just realizing that sometimes we take people and loved ones for granted and we don’t tell how we feel until it’s too late.
Mimi Soul: You’ve worked with such legends as Ashford & Simpson, Patti Labelle and Teddy Pendergrass. How have those experiences influenced your sound?
Gloria: They changed the face of music and I was able to learn from being in their presence. The direct influence on my sound comes from the way they worked at their craft. Even though they are legends, they worked on their craft every day. I try to emulate that and maintain the same work ethic that they displayed when I’m working. They are all very unique and have distinct sounds and I think I am unique as well.
Mimi Soul: Which artists and producers would you like to work with in the future?
Gloria: Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Richard Rudolph, Leon Ware, Maxwell and Sy Smith
Mimi Soul: If you were to write a song about your journey as an independent artist, what would be the title and why?
Gloria: It would be called So Thankful, because I take nothing for granted. I’m aware that nothing happens overnight and I appreciate the people that I’ve met and the people who have allowed me to work with them. I don’t take my talent for granted. It’s God-given it’s something that I was born with.
Mimi Soul: What can we expect from you this year?
Gloria: You can expect me to release my EP this summer and in support of its release I plan on doing a lot of traveling and performing across the country and overseas. I’ll also be releasing a few music videos in support of the project. I’m currently in the studio working on my full length project. Expect a few surprises and guest appearances.
Mimi Soul: I’d like to ask a fun question. If you had to part with all of your music except three albums, which three would you have to keep?
Gloria: Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key of Life, Aretha Franklin’s Greatest Hits, Miles Davis – Kinda of Blue and bonus cds Minnie Riperton- Perfect Angel, Chaka Khan’s Greatest Hits and John Coltrane – A Love Supreme.
Thanks Gloria! I’ll let you all know as soon as I hear more about her EP. In the meantime, be sure to follow her at the links below.
Follow Gloria Ry’ann
Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/gloriaryann
Twitter http://twitter.com/gloriaryann
http://findingthebside.com/2010/06/catching-up-with-gloria-ryann.html
Catching Up With Gloria Ry’ann
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
I was excited to receive a preview of Gloria Ry’ann’s music from Stevie Soul because as we music enthusiasts can attest, Stevie knows good music. And, Gloria Ry’ann is making it.
The Chicago native moved to New York to pursue her music career and it’s obvious that she made a very wise decision. Not only has Gloria brought her impressive four-octave vocal range to several national tv shows including the Today Show and the Mo’Nique Show, but she has also performed with such artists as Jennifer Hudson, Patti Labelle, Ashford & Simpson and the late Teddy Pendergrass. Gloria has released two singles, O.M.G. and Back With You.
Gloria Ry’ann says music is the “fabric of her soul”. I’d say that’s the perfect description for an artist who is quickly weaving her way into more of our iPods. She kindly answered a few questions about what inspires her music and her future plans.
Mimi Soul: What are some of the things that influence your music?
Gloria: My different experiences growing up and my desire to learn about the artists I appreciate and love and who they listened to and learned from.
Mimi Soul: Could you tell us more about your song Back With You?
Gloria: Back With You is my second release and is now available on CD Baby and will be available on iTunes, Amazon and everywhere else. The inspiration for the song came from just realizing that sometimes we take people and loved ones for granted and we don’t tell how we feel until it’s too late.
Mimi Soul: You’ve worked with such legends as Ashford & Simpson, Patti Labelle and Teddy Pendergrass. How have those experiences influenced your sound?
Gloria: They changed the face of music and I was able to learn from being in their presence. The direct influence on my sound comes from the way they worked at their craft. Even though they are legends, they worked on their craft every day. I try to emulate that and maintain the same work ethic that they displayed when I’m working. They are all very unique and have distinct sounds and I think I am unique as well.
Mimi Soul: Which artists and producers would you like to work with in the future?
Gloria: Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Richard Rudolph, Leon Ware, Maxwell and Sy Smith
Mimi Soul: If you were to write a song about your journey as an independent artist, what would be the title and why?
Gloria: It would be called So Thankful, because I take nothing for granted. I’m aware that nothing happens overnight and I appreciate the people that I’ve met and the people who have allowed me to work with them. I don’t take my talent for granted. It’s God-given it’s something that I was born with.
Mimi Soul: What can we expect from you this year?
Gloria: You can expect me to release my EP this summer and in support of its release I plan on doing a lot of traveling and performing across the country and overseas. I’ll also be releasing a few music videos in support of the project. I’m currently in the studio working on my full length project. Expect a few surprises and guest appearances.
Mimi Soul: I’d like to ask a fun question. If you had to part with all of your music except three albums, which three would you have to keep?
Gloria: Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key of Life, Aretha Franklin’s Greatest Hits, Miles Davis – Kinda of Blue and bonus cds Minnie Riperton- Perfect Angel, Chaka Khan’s Greatest Hits and John Coltrane – A Love Supreme.
Thanks Gloria! I’ll let you all know as soon as I hear more about her EP. In the meantime, be sure to follow her at the links below.
Follow Gloria Ry’ann
Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/gloriaryann
Twitter http://twitter.com/gloriaryann
http://souldiscoveries.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/soul-discoveries-interviews-gloria-ryann/
Soul Discoveries – Interviews Gloria Ryann
01. Soul Discoveries – How are you today?
. Gloria Ryann – Awesome, happy and smiling
02. Soul Discoveries – What music have you been listening to lately?
. Gloria Ryann – I’ve been listening to a mixture of gospel, hip hop & r&b.
03. Soul Discoveries – When can we be expecting a debut album from yourself?
. Gloria Ryann – I’m releasing my ep this summer. The first release is Back With You
04. Soul Discoveries – Which artists have inspired you during the creative process of your debut album project?
. Gloria Ryann – When I think about a debut album, I think about Jill Scott’s , Mary J, Lauren Hill and Maxwell and I want to aspire to the greatness they brought to the soul music scene from the jump.
05. Soul Discoveries – You are a talented artist. Does music run in through your family?
. Gloria Ryann – To a certain extent, my mother is a performer at heart, and I just discovered my father has a beautiful voice. I had a singing group with my cousins when I was in grade school.
06. Soul Discoveries – Do you have any advice for unsigned artists?
. Gloria Ryann – Hustle. Do everything related to music such as open mics, talent shows, festivals, what ever it takes. Network. Be available when opportunities knock, because it’s about laying building blocks and having a good reputation.
07. Soul Discoveries – What are your song subjects about? What inspires you lyrically?
. Gloria Ryann – My songs are mostly about love. I write from an emotional standpoint, how I feel, how I want to feel and I imagine how certain emotions would affect me.
08. Soul Discoveries – What do you think of Soul Discoveries?
. Gloria Ryann – I appreciate that it’s a discovery zone of signed and unsigned artists … and a platform for us all tell our stories and promote our music.
09. Soul Discoveries – What message do you have for Soul Discoveries readers and your fans?
. Gloria Ryann – Support independent music, support good music, support the arts. Support something positive and uplifting. Spread love and you will receive it back ten fold.
10. Soul Discoveries – Thank you for this interview good luck with everything.
Gloria Ryann - Thank you for spreading the word. Much love to you…Holla.
Soul Discoveries – Interviews Gloria Ryann
01. Soul Discoveries – How are you today?
. Gloria Ryann – Awesome, happy and smiling
02. Soul Discoveries – What music have you been listening to lately?
. Gloria Ryann – I’ve been listening to a mixture of gospel, hip hop & r&b.
03. Soul Discoveries – When can we be expecting a debut album from yourself?
. Gloria Ryann – I’m releasing my ep this summer. The first release is Back With You
04. Soul Discoveries – Which artists have inspired you during the creative process of your debut album project?
. Gloria Ryann – When I think about a debut album, I think about Jill Scott’s , Mary J, Lauren Hill and Maxwell and I want to aspire to the greatness they brought to the soul music scene from the jump.
05. Soul Discoveries – You are a talented artist. Does music run in through your family?
. Gloria Ryann – To a certain extent, my mother is a performer at heart, and I just discovered my father has a beautiful voice. I had a singing group with my cousins when I was in grade school.
06. Soul Discoveries – Do you have any advice for unsigned artists?
. Gloria Ryann – Hustle. Do everything related to music such as open mics, talent shows, festivals, what ever it takes. Network. Be available when opportunities knock, because it’s about laying building blocks and having a good reputation.
07. Soul Discoveries – What are your song subjects about? What inspires you lyrically?
. Gloria Ryann – My songs are mostly about love. I write from an emotional standpoint, how I feel, how I want to feel and I imagine how certain emotions would affect me.
08. Soul Discoveries – What do you think of Soul Discoveries?
. Gloria Ryann – I appreciate that it’s a discovery zone of signed and unsigned artists … and a platform for us all tell our stories and promote our music.
09. Soul Discoveries – What message do you have for Soul Discoveries readers and your fans?
. Gloria Ryann – Support independent music, support good music, support the arts. Support something positive and uplifting. Spread love and you will receive it back ten fold.
10. Soul Discoveries – Thank you for this interview good luck with everything.
Gloria Ryann - Thank you for spreading the word. Much love to you…Holla.
Better Blends Spotlight Artist: Gloria Ry'ann
http://better-blends.com/?p=6713
Spotlight Artists: Gloria Ry’ann “Glow”
Submitted by c.blak on June 1, 2010 – 1:06 pm
Spotlight Artists: Gloria Ry’ann “Glow”
Before we get into anything else, I would like to say “thank you” for taking the time to do this interview. Now, in regards to your earlier years, I know that you were born in Houston, TX and that you eventually moved to Chicago, IL at some point. Do you have any memories of the time that you spent in Houston, or was the move to Chicago too early in your life for you to form any lasting memories of your time there?
We moved when I was two. I have many memories of Texas because I have lots of family there that I visited every summer. I have a lot of musical memories. I’m from a family of performers and music has always been a staple in my life..
So, what was life like for young Gloria Ry’ann growing up in the Southside of Chicago?
I stayed busy… I always got caught doing something I wasn’t supposed to be doing. I was very mischievous. I wanted to know everything… I wanted to know how everything worked.
Who were some of your favorite singers/performers while you were growing up?
Mariah, Janet and Whitney. They were, and still are, some of my favorites.
My parents managed to instill their love of Jazz and Blues music in me even though I’ve spent the majority of my life listening to Hip Hop and R&B music. Besides Soul music, are there any other musical genres that have had a major influence on you as an artist?
Jazz … I appreciate how jazz music was created and evolved as a new genre. And the musicians were able to play in different time signatures and play in different keys all in one song . Jazz musicians and singers were able to be more expressive and open to trying new things musically, and didn’t loose fans while doing so.
Did you know at an early age that you wanted to become a professional singer, or did the idea grow gradually over time?
I’ve known since I was around 8 years old. Instead of going outside to play, I would sit by my mother’s stereo listening to music and reading the liner notes on albums. I guess you could say I was studying. I did a lot of talent shows and a lot of practicing in the mirror.
For a lot of performers, being a singer and being a songwriter are two ideas that are synonymous. Did those two talents blossom simultaneously for you, or did your love of one craft sort of push you towards the other?
Yes they blossomed simultaneously. I was writing at an early age.
The bio on your site talks about the fact that early in your life you received singing lessons from the renowned musical teacher and composer Dr. Lena McLin. Could you tell us how that opportunity came about? What was it like to be a student of someone as accomplished as Dr. McLin?
I sang at a fundraiser that she came to…we spoke and exchanged numbers and I started working with her the following week. Working with her was amazing…I learned a lot. She’s like family to me…she’s still my musical mother/mentor.
[Gloria Ry'ann test 2]
Moving a little forward in your career, what motivated you to make the move from Chicago to New York?
Big dreams and sheer determination motivated my move.
When did you get your start as a background singer? How long have you been singing professionally?
My very first professional gig was with DannyBoy in Chicago. I was 17 .
I’m sure people often ask you what it was like to make the move from being a background singer to stepping to the forefront. But I would like to know how you initially reacted when you went from being an aspiring singer to performing professionally as a background singer?
For me it’s an easy transition. You have to take certain steps to get where you want to be. It’s a foot in the door and a great learning experience. I know a lot of my favorite artist got their start doing background. I’ve been performing and doing my thing since I was a kid. Working as a supporting vocalist is a great opportunity for you to travel, sing and to practice your chops.
So far in your career, you have not only had a chance work with newer artists such as Leela James, Rihanna and Jennifer Hudson, you have also had a chance to work with some legendary names such as Patti Labelle, Ashford & Simpson, and the late great Teddy Pendergrass. As a singer, is it a challenge to work with different generations of musicians or is there a common thread that is shared by all of these different artists?
When you’re traveling with an artist his or her name is attached to everything that happens on the road. They are responsible for everyone. Generation wise, the old school camps and new school camps travel very differently… some are more organized than others. Overall, I thank God I haven’t had many challenges.
As a background singer, you have had an opportunity to work with many different artists at different points in their career. Can you share with us any particularly special moment or experience that stands out in your memory during your time as a backing vocalist?
The Patti Labelle gig. I sang background for her. She took me under her wing that evening and she wouldn’t let me leave her side. It solidified that I was on the right track. She gave me a standing ovation after I performed solo, held my hand for the rest of the evening, and she introduced me to Natalie Cole. She was very encouraging. I’ve always admired her and I always will.
Working for Ashford & Simpson was a dream come true. They accepted me as family and they’ve been really good to me. They were my first background gig in NYC, which really jump started my career.
O.M.G
0:00 / 0:00Right-click and save as to download.
Your single “O.M.G.” has a really sexy and very steamy sort of feel to it. I’m sure the song has become a fan favorite and it’s easy to hear why. Could you give us a little background on that song and how it came about?
A lot of my writing process is about how I’m feeling or how I want to feel. Whenever I’m working in the studio my imagination runs wild, and that’s just a part of my creative process. “OMG” was born from this process.
[Gloria Ry'ann] A lot of today’s R&B and Soul music is often criticized for being overly sexual or offensive. With “O.M.G.” in particular, did you find yourself consciously making an effort to write a song that was sexy but not vulgar, or did you avoid censoring yourself and instead just went wherever the moment took you?
I didn’t have to think too hard about it. That song came out pretty naturally.
“O.M.G” seems to be written from a very specific point of view and addresses a very specific situation. Now, the obvious question is whether this song is based on a particular moment in your life or is it strictly an example of you being creative as a songwriter?
A little of both.
I think that a lot of people have been in a situation similar to the one in “O.M.G” and can recognize the sort of feelings and emotions that arise when a person realizes that they have these deeper feelings for someone who has always been “just a friend”. Do you find that it’s harder to perform a song that deals with a subject that is so personal?
No. Actually it’s easy to perform a more personal song…I’m able to be in the emotion and it conveys the story better.
Your latest single is entitled “Back With You”. Can you tell us a little bit about that song? How it came about? Who worked with you on producing it? How fans can get their a copy for themselves?
It’s available now on CDBaby.com (here), and will be available on iTunes and everywhere else soon.
The song itself is about longing for lost love and not telling the person how you felt at the time. It’s about having someone right in front of you and not appreciating them.
Are there any plans to release anymore singles in the near future?
Yes, we’re going to release more music soon. I have enough material to release my EP and I’m currently working on my album.
As far as the EP, what can we expect to hear on that release?
The EP is comprised of material that I’ve recorded over the last 8 years. It’s just a taste of what’s to come. These songs are good songs that are introducing me to the world. They won’t be on LP, which will be comprised of all new material. The EP will be available at the usual internet outlets (CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, etc.) very soon. And as I mentioned, the single “Back With You” is available on CD Baby right now (here).
Overall, what would you like for your fans to take away from your music in general and from your upcoming album in particular?
I’d like for them to learn about my personality, my passion, my likes & dislikes all through my music. I’d like for them to get to know “Glow”!
What can you tell us about your upcoming full-length album? Will it be an independent release or are you considering working with a record label?
All I’m telling you about the upcoming project is that it’s gonna be a banger. We do have a tentative title but it’s a secret. :-D . The producers are a host of folks with hits under their belts, but not until the project is complete will their identities be revealed. We have some great surprises in store.
My EP will be released this summer. I’m releasing it independently. As far as choosing a label, I’m open to whatever label that presents the right situation and the right energy and that’s vested in seeing me succeed.
Are you enjoying the process of creating an album? Is it a challenge to be in such a creatively demanding position?
It’s challenging to bring different personalities together and schedules, but it’s also exciting. Everyday there is something new. I’m even learning new things about myself in the process.
Inside My Live (Live @ The Sugarbar)
0:00 / 0:00Right-click and save as to download.
[Gloria Ry'ann] As our readers may or may not know, you are known for doing an incredible cover of the Minnie Riperton classic “Inside My Love”. I’ve had a chance to hear you sing it (via YouTube) and I have to take my hat off to you for doing such an amazing job. Is that song something that you only do as a part of your live shows or are you planning to record your own version for your album?
Awwww thank you boo. The plan is to include a studio version on the album. I’m going to be re-recording it very soon.
I’m sure that your fans would love to know when and where they can see you perform live. What are your upcoming plans as far as touring and doing shows? What is the best way for fans to keep track of you and your performing schedule?
My page on Reverbnation (reverbnation.com/gloriaryann) is the best way to keep up with my performance schedule. I’m in the studio working on my album so currently I’m not doing too much performing other than touring with Leela James as a supporting vocalist.
Before we end this interview, I want to ask if you have any other future projects or plans that you can share with us?
The sky is the limit. My future has limitless possibilities. I’m excited for this journey.
I would like to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to do this interview. Is there anyone that you would like to shout out before we end this interview?
Shout out to Stevie Soul (my manager), my mom Carla Jordan, my family, friends, fans and the DJ’s, bloggers and promoters across the country that are pumping my music. I can’t thank these guys enough.
http://better-blends.com/?p=6713
Spotlight Artists: Gloria Ry’ann “Glow”
Submitted by c.blak on June 1, 2010 – 1:06 pm
Spotlight Artists: Gloria Ry’ann “Glow”
Before we get into anything else, I would like to say “thank you” for taking the time to do this interview. Now, in regards to your earlier years, I know that you were born in Houston, TX and that you eventually moved to Chicago, IL at some point. Do you have any memories of the time that you spent in Houston, or was the move to Chicago too early in your life for you to form any lasting memories of your time there?
We moved when I was two. I have many memories of Texas because I have lots of family there that I visited every summer. I have a lot of musical memories. I’m from a family of performers and music has always been a staple in my life..
So, what was life like for young Gloria Ry’ann growing up in the Southside of Chicago?
I stayed busy… I always got caught doing something I wasn’t supposed to be doing. I was very mischievous. I wanted to know everything… I wanted to know how everything worked.
Who were some of your favorite singers/performers while you were growing up?
Mariah, Janet and Whitney. They were, and still are, some of my favorites.
My parents managed to instill their love of Jazz and Blues music in me even though I’ve spent the majority of my life listening to Hip Hop and R&B music. Besides Soul music, are there any other musical genres that have had a major influence on you as an artist?
Jazz … I appreciate how jazz music was created and evolved as a new genre. And the musicians were able to play in different time signatures and play in different keys all in one song . Jazz musicians and singers were able to be more expressive and open to trying new things musically, and didn’t loose fans while doing so.
Did you know at an early age that you wanted to become a professional singer, or did the idea grow gradually over time?
I’ve known since I was around 8 years old. Instead of going outside to play, I would sit by my mother’s stereo listening to music and reading the liner notes on albums. I guess you could say I was studying. I did a lot of talent shows and a lot of practicing in the mirror.
For a lot of performers, being a singer and being a songwriter are two ideas that are synonymous. Did those two talents blossom simultaneously for you, or did your love of one craft sort of push you towards the other?
Yes they blossomed simultaneously. I was writing at an early age.
The bio on your site talks about the fact that early in your life you received singing lessons from the renowned musical teacher and composer Dr. Lena McLin. Could you tell us how that opportunity came about? What was it like to be a student of someone as accomplished as Dr. McLin?
I sang at a fundraiser that she came to…we spoke and exchanged numbers and I started working with her the following week. Working with her was amazing…I learned a lot. She’s like family to me…she’s still my musical mother/mentor.
[Gloria Ry'ann test 2]
Moving a little forward in your career, what motivated you to make the move from Chicago to New York?
Big dreams and sheer determination motivated my move.
When did you get your start as a background singer? How long have you been singing professionally?
My very first professional gig was with DannyBoy in Chicago. I was 17 .
I’m sure people often ask you what it was like to make the move from being a background singer to stepping to the forefront. But I would like to know how you initially reacted when you went from being an aspiring singer to performing professionally as a background singer?
For me it’s an easy transition. You have to take certain steps to get where you want to be. It’s a foot in the door and a great learning experience. I know a lot of my favorite artist got their start doing background. I’ve been performing and doing my thing since I was a kid. Working as a supporting vocalist is a great opportunity for you to travel, sing and to practice your chops.
So far in your career, you have not only had a chance work with newer artists such as Leela James, Rihanna and Jennifer Hudson, you have also had a chance to work with some legendary names such as Patti Labelle, Ashford & Simpson, and the late great Teddy Pendergrass. As a singer, is it a challenge to work with different generations of musicians or is there a common thread that is shared by all of these different artists?
When you’re traveling with an artist his or her name is attached to everything that happens on the road. They are responsible for everyone. Generation wise, the old school camps and new school camps travel very differently… some are more organized than others. Overall, I thank God I haven’t had many challenges.
As a background singer, you have had an opportunity to work with many different artists at different points in their career. Can you share with us any particularly special moment or experience that stands out in your memory during your time as a backing vocalist?
The Patti Labelle gig. I sang background for her. She took me under her wing that evening and she wouldn’t let me leave her side. It solidified that I was on the right track. She gave me a standing ovation after I performed solo, held my hand for the rest of the evening, and she introduced me to Natalie Cole. She was very encouraging. I’ve always admired her and I always will.
Working for Ashford & Simpson was a dream come true. They accepted me as family and they’ve been really good to me. They were my first background gig in NYC, which really jump started my career.
O.M.G
0:00 / 0:00Right-click and save as to download.
Your single “O.M.G.” has a really sexy and very steamy sort of feel to it. I’m sure the song has become a fan favorite and it’s easy to hear why. Could you give us a little background on that song and how it came about?
A lot of my writing process is about how I’m feeling or how I want to feel. Whenever I’m working in the studio my imagination runs wild, and that’s just a part of my creative process. “OMG” was born from this process.
[Gloria Ry'ann] A lot of today’s R&B and Soul music is often criticized for being overly sexual or offensive. With “O.M.G.” in particular, did you find yourself consciously making an effort to write a song that was sexy but not vulgar, or did you avoid censoring yourself and instead just went wherever the moment took you?
I didn’t have to think too hard about it. That song came out pretty naturally.
“O.M.G” seems to be written from a very specific point of view and addresses a very specific situation. Now, the obvious question is whether this song is based on a particular moment in your life or is it strictly an example of you being creative as a songwriter?
A little of both.
I think that a lot of people have been in a situation similar to the one in “O.M.G” and can recognize the sort of feelings and emotions that arise when a person realizes that they have these deeper feelings for someone who has always been “just a friend”. Do you find that it’s harder to perform a song that deals with a subject that is so personal?
No. Actually it’s easy to perform a more personal song…I’m able to be in the emotion and it conveys the story better.
Your latest single is entitled “Back With You”. Can you tell us a little bit about that song? How it came about? Who worked with you on producing it? How fans can get their a copy for themselves?
It’s available now on CDBaby.com (here), and will be available on iTunes and everywhere else soon.
The song itself is about longing for lost love and not telling the person how you felt at the time. It’s about having someone right in front of you and not appreciating them.
Are there any plans to release anymore singles in the near future?
Yes, we’re going to release more music soon. I have enough material to release my EP and I’m currently working on my album.
As far as the EP, what can we expect to hear on that release?
The EP is comprised of material that I’ve recorded over the last 8 years. It’s just a taste of what’s to come. These songs are good songs that are introducing me to the world. They won’t be on LP, which will be comprised of all new material. The EP will be available at the usual internet outlets (CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, etc.) very soon. And as I mentioned, the single “Back With You” is available on CD Baby right now (here).
Overall, what would you like for your fans to take away from your music in general and from your upcoming album in particular?
I’d like for them to learn about my personality, my passion, my likes & dislikes all through my music. I’d like for them to get to know “Glow”!
What can you tell us about your upcoming full-length album? Will it be an independent release or are you considering working with a record label?
All I’m telling you about the upcoming project is that it’s gonna be a banger. We do have a tentative title but it’s a secret. :-D . The producers are a host of folks with hits under their belts, but not until the project is complete will their identities be revealed. We have some great surprises in store.
My EP will be released this summer. I’m releasing it independently. As far as choosing a label, I’m open to whatever label that presents the right situation and the right energy and that’s vested in seeing me succeed.
Are you enjoying the process of creating an album? Is it a challenge to be in such a creatively demanding position?
It’s challenging to bring different personalities together and schedules, but it’s also exciting. Everyday there is something new. I’m even learning new things about myself in the process.
Inside My Live (Live @ The Sugarbar)
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[Gloria Ry'ann] As our readers may or may not know, you are known for doing an incredible cover of the Minnie Riperton classic “Inside My Love”. I’ve had a chance to hear you sing it (via YouTube) and I have to take my hat off to you for doing such an amazing job. Is that song something that you only do as a part of your live shows or are you planning to record your own version for your album?
Awwww thank you boo. The plan is to include a studio version on the album. I’m going to be re-recording it very soon.
I’m sure that your fans would love to know when and where they can see you perform live. What are your upcoming plans as far as touring and doing shows? What is the best way for fans to keep track of you and your performing schedule?
My page on Reverbnation (reverbnation.com/gloriaryann) is the best way to keep up with my performance schedule. I’m in the studio working on my album so currently I’m not doing too much performing other than touring with Leela James as a supporting vocalist.
Before we end this interview, I want to ask if you have any other future projects or plans that you can share with us?
The sky is the limit. My future has limitless possibilities. I’m excited for this journey.
I would like to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to do this interview. Is there anyone that you would like to shout out before we end this interview?
Shout out to Stevie Soul (my manager), my mom Carla Jordan, my family, friends, fans and the DJ’s, bloggers and promoters across the country that are pumping my music. I can’t thank these guys enough.
