BC News|October 03, 2013 11:59 EDT
INTERVIEW: Ryan Stevenson Shares on His New 'Holding Nothing Back' EP, Stories Behind the Songs & His Fall 2013 Tour with Audio Adrenaline
Ryan Stevenson just released his new Holding Nothing Back EP on September 10th and is looking forward to being a special guest on Audio Adrenaline's 'Kings & Queens' Tour this fall.
We would like to thank Ryan Stevenson for taking the time to speak with BreatheCast.
BreatheCast: You just released your Holding Nothing Back EP September 10th, tell us more about that?
RS: "I'm very excited about this project. I'm so honored to have the opportunity to work with Gotee Records and TobyMac. The songs on the EP are really just personal prayers to the Lord. They were all birthed and formed during a season of intense struggle, loss and uncertainty. Each song literally describes the thoughts, feelings and emotions I was experiencing daily. I always tell people, 'I can only write about my experiences'; these songs are very vulnerable and a small window into what the past few years have been like for me."
BreatheCast: How would you describe your sound for people that haven't heard of you guys and what artists have influenced your sound?
RS: "I would describe my sound as definitely pop/rock, with raw acoustics and programming infused throughout. I'd like to say it's a blend of Maroon 5 and One Republic."
BreatheCast: Tell us the story behind your single, "Holding Nothing Back"?
RS: "The song was birthed during a dark time. I had recently lost my mom to bone cancer; my wife and I had just dealt with the miscarriage of our twins; and I was facing challenges and uncertainty in my recording career. I felt completely alone, abandoned and forgotten by God! I was becoming bitter and started to question whether or not the Lord was actually good and true to His Word. It was in that moment that I felt His still small voice speaking to my heart, asking me if HE was enough for me; if HE was bigger than my problems; if I could still trust HIM in spite of all the loss and pain I was feeling. I began to weep, and just pray to him, 'I don't wanna hold anything back from you. It doesn't matter what I have to go through, I'm going to trust you. You are all I got!'
BreatheCast: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made on stage while performing?
RS: "Probably a show when my drummer kept hitting the same track over and over...I had to stop the flow of the music and go back to the drums and fix my Mac Book."
BreatheCast: If you could collaborate with one Secular Artist and one Christian Artist, who would you choose?
RS: "Secular artist would be Justin Timberlake and Christian Artist would be TobyMac or Amy Grant."
BreatheCast: What are 3 essential snacks that you guys have to have on the road?
RS: "That's easy! 1. Chips & Salsa 2. Trail Mix 3. Diet Dr. Pepper"
BreatheCast: What is a book that you have read lately that you would recommend?
RS: "Why Revival Tarries" by Leonard Ravenhill"
BreatheCast: You must be pretty excited to join the Audio Adrenaline 'Kings & Queens' Tour this Fall?
RS: "I'm very excited and honored to be a part of this fall tour with Audio Adrenaline! I have grown up on their music; they have inspired me for years. It's surreal to go out for a couple months and share the stage with them! Looking forward to it!"