INTERVIEW: Man Without Country — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Man Without Country

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I have been spending time with Man Without Country…

and asking the man behind the name, Ryan James, how Remember the Bad Things came about. It is a stunning song from an artist who has been making big waves and looks set to hit the big leagues. I ask him what it felt like transitioning from a duo to being a solo artist; how it feels having his music played on T.V. shows – he reveals what tour dates are coming up.

I ask Ryan whether there is more material arriving this year; which three albums mean the most to him; if there is a new artist we need to get involved with – he reveals what he hopes to intend in the remainder of this year.

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Hi, Ryan. How are you? How has your week been?

Not too bad, thanks! Uneventful, which is fine!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Ryan James and I make music under the moniker ‘Man Without Country’.

Can I ask where that name, ‘Man Without Country’ comes from? Is there a story behind it?

It’s taken on multiple meanings over the years, but it originally came from a “sense of not belonging”, which still feels relevant to me even to this day. The press-bio-friendly version is that it comes from the Kurt Vonnegut book, A Man Without a Country, but, in truth; I first heard the phrase in the Tom Hanks-starring film, The Terminal.

Remember the Bad Things it out. What is the background of the song?

It’s a song about the mind’s tendency to flag negative memories as being more valuable and important to us than the positive ones. I understand why it is that we’re programmed that way, but I just couldn’t accept it. I knew that, if I wrote something about it, I would, in some way, be taking away the power of these negative thoughts, for myself and, hopefully, for others who can relate.

Is there going to be more material this year? How far ahead are you looking?

Yes, definitely. I’ve been working on an album since last year and it’s coming together. It’ll be out later this year!

Your music has been played on shows like Made in Chelsea. Is it a good experience seeing your music on the small screen?!

It’s certainly not a bad experience! It’s always nice to have that recognition - and the exposure obviously helps.

Man Without Country has gone from a duo (with Tomas Greenhalf) to you. Have you noticed a difference in sound since becoming a solo artist?

Everything’s a bit more personal now, which I’m sure has affected the sound. There’s always compromise on both sides when working with someone who shares an equal interest in the outcome as you. One benefit is that I no longer have to find ways to try to explain or translate my ideas to another person - and can just get on with it now.

Of course; the downfall is that you have nobody to share the excitement with, or tell you when something is a bit sh*t.

Do you recall when you started making music? Were there certain artists who influenced you?

Vaguely. I was very young - I think around eight. My school were offering brass instrument lessons and I guess I was just bored and decided to join. I quickly realised that it wasn’t for me and, to get out of it, I told my mum that I was more interested in keyboards.

It wasn’t until my late-teens that I first picked up a guitar and, by the time I was competent enough to just about get away with playing in bands, I would have been listening to the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Thrice. I still love both...

If you had to choose three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Difficult one!

I’d have to say that Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlaticism changed a lot for me and was the album that first made me realise that I wanted to write meaningful lyrics - and eventually build up the confidence to sing.

John Grant’s Pale Green Ghosts would have to be my highlight and best discovery of the past decade.

A classic one for me would have to be Depeche Mode’s Violator.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading off to?

I do! You can catch me supporting ionnalee at Heaven, in London, on 9th May and I’ll be hitting the road with Draper in September for a co-headline U.K. run. Tickets are still available on my website!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I really want to be able to physically touch and hold my next album, Infinity Mirror, in my hands.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

MWC’s 2013 U.S. tour, which concluded at SXSW, was an experience I’ll never forget. It was such a great adventure.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just keep working at it and developing your craft, and don’t take drugs. Being boring is better than sucking.

IN THIS PHOTO: Empathy Test

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Off the top of my head, I’ll say Empathy Test. Lovely guys with great music who are already killing it and building up a strong following without a record label. I really wish I was that screwed on starting out.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I often find it’s best to just do something mundane. Meditation has helped a lot when I want to take a break from music. Gardening is another one - I grew some pretty impressive courgettes last year. Other than that; I enjoy travelling and spending time with my wife and dogs.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

As I’ve already mentioned them; let's go for Policy of Truth by Depeche Mode