Meet Isaac Ryder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Ryder. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I used to go to my brother’s band practices. I played air guitar because I knew I was going to be a musician. When I was 13 years old, I found a $100 bill on the sidewalk next to a Family Dollar walking to my brother’s band practice. My birthday was 3 days later, and I took my birthday card money and that $100 and birthday card money and bought my first guitar from the pawn shop. I learned 5 chords and taught myself the rest, and wrote hundreds of songs. Ever since then, I have pursued music to my fullest. I grew up on real Punk Rock and sneaking into concerts. Years later, I found Pink Floyd, Grateful Deadand jazz like Dave Brubeck. I created my own versions if jazz chords because of him and started writing the most complex music. I gravitates toward music from Frank Zappa to D’Angelo. I moved all around and eventually planted myself as a new Father in Flint, Mi, and started performing with some of the greatest Jazz-R&B artists from Detroit. I now support both of my children with a full-time music career performing at weddings, private events, and high-end restaurants as a solo artist and a full band. I also write and produce my own music all the time 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been far from a smooth road. As I write this, I am brought to tears with how much I have accomplished while fighting for my life several times. I was in a life-threatening car accident on my way home from 3 gigs in Detroit in 2015, where life came to an abrupt stop. Laying in my hospital bed, I focused on my son, all I could do is breathe and stare at the ceiling. I had months of recovery and still battle with the physical ailments at times, but knowing that I do all of this for my children keeps me moving and working on my physical and mental health. I came back stronger than I have ever been after about a year. I started working with the International Musicians League and pursued many other musical projects to financially support us all. March of 2020, I became very ill with Covid-19, and it almost took my life. It’s been another 3 years of battling the long-haul symptoms and coming back to good health. I am now at a point where I feel the healthiest I’ve ever been because my children need me. My family and music supporters need me and push me to be the strongest version of myself. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Neo-Soul and roots influenced Guitarist & Singer. I am musically involved in so much more. I love being in the studio writing and producing my own music to sell on vinyl and online music platforms. I will be releasing another single called “Ocean” June 2023. I recorded all of the instruments myself. I also love being a band leader and MC at wedding receptions and ceremonies. I love playing every type of music as it broadens my talent and enables me to provide for every walk of life and demographic. I love pleasing music supporters and providing clients with an experience that is often the best night of their lives! I love making patrons smile and sing along with me. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Hold your value and standards high. Learn as much as you can outside of what you are interested in to broaden your horizons. Get to know and take advice from as many musicians as possible. Take your time with your own original work and if you want to be a full-time musician, it takes time and another maybe another career path to support your original art. Show up on time, serve the band members, venue owners, and patrons well. Never stop learning and practicing. Be kind and open to criticism. If what you’re doing is easy, you’ve got to try harder. Everyone is capable of growth, so don’t stop growing and pursuing the path of the best version of yourself. Network with others in your field and find a group of musicians that support each other 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.isaacryder.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaacrydermusic/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/isaacrydermusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/isaacrydermusic