Meet John Ryder

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Ryder a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

John , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being a musician in a sea of others, it’s hard to stand out as you’re finding your voice. I’ve learned over time that growing with the trend and learning how to adjust to your perspective of situation; is the only way to find yourself through what I like to call the “Death and Rebirth”. Whether you’re an artist, creator, in business entrepreneur or doing a day to day job. Learning to adapt your perspective and execution will allow you to shift with any tide.
As I mentioned before, I’m a musician. In this day in age that means being a content creator, social media manager, video editor, music editor, promoter, etc. We wear so many hats! That hasn’t always been the case. I remember growing up and seeing musicians focusing purely on their one instrument. Those musicians–sadly–are still further down the river than most; or maybe in best cast scenario they found a business or band to associate with that’s allowing them to tread water. I dont mean that in a negative way by any means. It’s just if that one ship goes down, they have no where to go.
By being one of the hardest workers in the room, I’ve learned how to do a lot of things well. Things that give me an edge–I learned Davinci Resolve for video, Photoshop for photo editing, and I’m constantly tweaking social media. Those tools gave me the confidence to do what I’m going to tell you next….
“Dead and Rebirth” If something isn’t working–throw it in the trash, burn, and be okay to walk away from something. Regardless of how comfortable it was or how well it did. Don’t be afraid to start a new.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I play in two bands Ghostmade Cellophane and Saint Ultraviolence.

We have some big things coming!!!

Saint Ultraviolence we just put out our first single “Violent Obsession”; a song on commentarying on the current state of violence in the world and how normalized we are with it. How some people are quick to violence rather than talking to each other. We also have a music video coming out December 10th.

Ghostmade Cellophane we just put out a new song called “The Reckoning”. We haven’t announced it yet but we do have two music videos filmed that will be coming out over the next 2 months. We also have some new music coming out at the beginning of 2025.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Go all in. You’ll regret if you dont,

2. Learn how to adapt. Dont get caught treading water or sinking below the surface,

3. Don’t be afraid. Fear is your friend. Get comfortable with it everyday.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I have to thank my girlfriend and really close friends (they know who they are). They are the ones I can throw ideas at or talk to for anything regarding the process. They’ve heard songs months before they come out. They seen me make great art and make piles of poo. You need a good circle around you. Doesn’t matter big or small–if they are cheering for you to succeed–their good people

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintultraviolence/ https://www.instagram.com/ghostmadecellophane/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostmadeCellophane https://www.facebook.com/SaintUltraviolenceband
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxuSq9J4JxE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd2QtcdjPpY
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/saint-ultraviolence https://soundcloud.com/ghostmadecellophane

Image Credits

Shutterfoxxi
Skeleton Structure Productions