We sat down for an exclusive interview with Logan Skloss, aka Logan Ryan of the Logan Ryan Band not long ago, where we had an opportunity to chat with him about his music and perspectives as a Texas native. Logan hails from Gonzales, Texas, a town known for being the starting place of the Texas Revolution. Gonzales is now the site of another Texas revolution as the Logan Ryan Band brings renewed energy, ancestral twang, and passionate storytelling to Red Dirt country.
Logan Skloss leads the band with his raw singer-songwriter talent with David Elder, Brent Riedel, Garret McKinley, and Leo Morales bolstering the band’s intensity on guitar, bass, and drums. Currently on tour promoting their debut album Kamikaze, the five-piece band is gaining traction across audiences nationwide with a slew of sold-out performances and trending on social media. Between the music, mustaches, and dancehall vibes, there’s nothing you won’t love about seeing them play, so check them out now so you can say you knew them when!
We had a chance to chat with Logan Ryan Skloss, aka Logan Ryan, about the album and more.
Americana Highways: I love all of your album art. It feels very classic but vintage at the same time, which I personally am a fan of. I think it suits your sound very well in the sense that it doesn’t need to be loud or beg for attention. It stands on its own. Who does your artwork? And how did you describe the aesthetic to them when you were brainstorming?
Logan Ryan: A lot of the artwork I made myself, besides 14 Days (Gold Towne Music) and Kamikaze (768 Creative). I just wanted a cool vintage illustration like older music used to have instead of a photo of myself or the band.
AH: Your new album is here! As an artist, I know the editing process is never done. Are there any tracks you specifically hear back and think “dang, I wish I would’ve added this part here or changed that line there”? I know it might be too soon, but maybe not! Are you thinking about what’s next for y’all? What are some goals you have in mind for the rest of this year?
LR: Yea, we started adding some cool stuff to the live show that we wish we put on the recorded tracks, you just have to come out and hear it! We have been actively writing new stuff on tour that we are pretty excited to go cut. Hopefully we can get an EP or some new singles out before the end of the year!
AH: The first song I heard of yours was “Tecovas,” and it was pretty immediate for me to hear how unique your sound was. Between your distinctive twang, the bouncy melodies, and the illustrative lyrics, I was hooked immediately. When did you discover your voice–your literal voice but also what you have to say in your writing?
LR: I’ve always been inspired by guys like Charlie Robison and Robert Earl Keen, and just Red Dirt, Texas country in general. The storytelling and how you can relate to their music made me wanna do it. I just write about stuff I’ve been through or what I know.
AH: Do you have a specific style y’all set out to create when making music or is it one of those things that just happens?
LR: We like to keep it country and western or rock and roll, sometimes a mix.
AH: Someone online remarked that you have a “rodeo vibe,” would you agree and categorize yourself like that? Being from Texas, I’m sure there is an element of that is just in your blood regardless. Or is that a label that you want to distance yourself from?
LR: I would say that’s the vibe we strive for and a big part of our fanbase! I tried my hand at bareback riding once, but I’ll stick to music. I grew up working ranches in Nixon and Gonzales, TX before I became a welder.
AH: As an artist, I’m sure you’re asked this all the time, but what is the creative process like for you from writing lyrics to creating the music? How do you find that balance between life’s daily struggles and giving inspiration a space to grow into something more?
LR: I think life’s daily struggles are what gives you inspiration to write. It’s different, sometimes I start with a melody then lyrics, or vice versa. If I’m driving alone or playing guitar sometimes I will just freestyle random gibberish till I find a line that’s cool, and then work around that.
AH: There are countless love songs about young love and love lost, but I thought what you did with “Signed, Love Winona” was done with such beauty and honesty. Was that based on an experience you had? How did you decide to tell that story in that chronological manner anchored by the letters?
LR: This one took me a while. I wanted a song the crowd could sing back and relate to heavily, and everyone has the one that got away. I just tried to find the most unique way to write about it. Wynonna is not a real person per se in my life, but is inspired by other people.
AH: What are the next steps in regards to recording an album and touring? Whether it’s a venue or location or recognition, what are you most excited about?
LR: We have some shows opening for Parker McCollum and Vincent Mason in September that we are stoked for! But we love when we get to go to a place we haven’t played or seen before and see all the new faces.
AH: Musically, are there new things that you want to try in the coming years with your sound?
LR: I guess time will tell, but I really wanna stick with the sound that got us to where we are and what the fans know and love!
Thanks very much for chatting with us, Logan Ryan!
More information and show dates are available here on the band website: https://loganryanband.com
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: Show Review: The Logan Ryan Band in Colorado Springs