Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ryann.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into country music wasn’t exactly a straight line, but I think that’s part of what makes my story interesting.
Before pursuing music, I wore quite a few different hats. I was a teacher, a model, and even spent ten years as a firefighter, becoming the first female interior firefighter in my department, serving alongside my dad and brother. Music was always something I loved, but for a long time, I never knew quite how to make it my career.
In 2018, I decided to take a chance on myself and pursue country music professionally. I grew up loving the storytelling and authenticity of ’90s and early 2000s country, and that influence has always been at the heart of what I do. I wanted to make music that felt honest, relatable, and a little rough around the edges.
What started as a leap of faith eventually turned into a career that’s taken me to stages across the country, opening for artists like Clint Black, Kip Moore, Jo Dee Messina, Drake White, Jackson Dean, and Stephen Wilson Jr. Along the way, I’ve released original music, built an incredible community of listeners, and learned that there’s a whole lot more to being an independent artist than just getting up onstage and singing.
One thing people are often surprised to learn is that I’m actually a self-taught guitar player. I didn’t pick up the guitar until 2020, which just goes to show that it’s never too late to learn something new or challenge yourself.
Today, I’m continuing to write, record, and release music that reflects who I am and the experiences that have shaped me. My latest single, “The Fixer,” is a great example of that. It’s about being the person who’s always trying to hold everyone else together while sometimes forgetting to take care of yourself.
I’ve never been someone who followed a traditional path, and I don’t think I’d have it any other way. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I still feel like I’m just getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ha! Is it ever a smooth road? Especially in the music industry! I think one of the biggest misconceptions about being a musician is that you just get to write songs, play shows, and have a good time. And while those are definitely the best parts, there’s so much that happens behind the scenes that people never see.
Being an independent artist means wearing about 15 different hats, often all in the same day. You’re the artist, the marketing department, the social media manager, the booking agent, and sometimes even the roadie. It’s exhausting, and there have definitely been moments when I’ve questioned what on earth I’m doing.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to navigate an industry where talent and hard work don’t necessarily guarantee opportunities. You can pour everything you have into a song, a show, or a project and still not get the response you hoped for. Learning not to take those moments personally has probably been one of my biggest lessons.
There’s also the financial side of pursuing music independently. Recording, releasing, promoting, and touring all come with a price tag, and you’re constantly trying to figure out how to invest in your career while keeping the lights on.
But I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that success rarely happens in a straight line. There are incredible highs, frustrating lows, and plenty of moments somewhere in between. I’ve had the opportunity to share stages with artists I grew up listening to, and I’ve also played shows where I’m pretty sure the bartender was my biggest fan that night. You learn to appreciate both experiences, even if one is a little harder on the ego!
At the end of the day, I genuinely love what I do. The challenges have made me more resourceful, resilient, and appreciative of every opportunity that comes my way. I’m still figuring things out as I go, but I think that’s part of the adventure.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a country music artist and songwriter, and if I had to describe my sound, I’d say it’s a little bit of old-school country storytelling with a modern edge. I grew up on the country music of the ‘90s and early 2000s, and I’ve always been drawn to songs that actually say something. The kind of songs that make you feel something, whether it’s heartbreak, empowerment, or realizing you’ve made a few questionable decisions along the way!
My music tends to lean into real-life experiences, and I’m not afraid to explore the messy, complicated, or less-than-perfect sides of life. I think there’s something really powerful about writing songs that make people say, “Wow, I thought I was the only one who felt that way.”
But as much as I love writing and recording, performing live is where I really come alive. There’s nothing quite like walking onto a stage, connecting with a room full of strangers, and watching music bring everyone together.
What am I most proud of? Honestly, the fact that I’ve built this career from the ground up. I didn’t come into the industry with connections, a major label, or some grand master plan. I’ve had to learn a lot through trial and error, and I’ve worked incredibly hard to create opportunities for myself. Every show, every release, and every person who chooses to listen to my music means something to me because I know what it took to get here.
I’m also incredibly proud of how much I’ve grown as a performer and songwriter. I’ve become more comfortable trusting my instincts, finding my own voice, and not worrying so much about whether what I’m creating fits into whatever happens to be popular at the moment. That’s not always easy in an industry that’s constantly changing, but I’ve learned that the best thing I can bring to the table is simply being myself.
As far as what sets me apart, I think it’s a combination of my life experiences, my work ethic, and the fact that I’ve never really fit neatly into one box. I’ve been a firefighter, a teacher, and a model, and now I’m a country singer. Not exactly the most conventional resume! But I think all of those experiences have shaped who I am, how I approach my career, and the stories I want to tell.
I’m also not particularly interested in chasing every trend or trying to be someone I’m not. I want to make music that feels authentic to me, put on a show that people genuinely enjoy, and build a career that lasts. If someone leaves one of my shows feeling like they’ve made a new friend, or hears one of my songs and feels a little less alone, then I feel like I’m doing something right.
Any big plans?
I’m really excited about what’s ahead! I feel like I’m at a point in my career where I’m starting to get a clearer picture of where I want to go and what I want to accomplish. I’ve spent the last several years building a foundation, and now I’m focused on taking everything I’ve learned and using it to grow beyond the markets where I’ve already established myself.
A big priority for me moving forward is expanding my touring footprint. I absolutely love performing, and I’d love to get in front of more audiences in parts of the country I haven’t had the opportunity to play yet. There’s something really exciting about walking into a room where nobody knows who you are and hopefully leaving with a few new fans by the end of the night. That’s the kind of challenge I genuinely enjoy.
On the music side, I’ve been leaning more into writing songs that push me creatively. I’m finding myself drawn to a slightly grittier, moodier sound while still holding onto the storytelling and melodies that made me fall in love with country music in the first place. I don’t necessarily see it as reinventing myself, but more like growing into the artist I’ve always wanted to be. I’ve got some ideas I’m really excited about, and I’m looking forward to seeing where they take me.
I’m also putting more energy into building a real community around my music. Streaming numbers and social media followers are great, but what means the most to me is having people who genuinely connect with what I’m doing, come to shows, sing along, and stick around for the journey. I recently launched my fan community, the Roadside Riviera, as another way to connect with those people beyond the stage.
As for big changes, I think the biggest one is simply being more intentional about the opportunities I pursue. I’ve always been someone who likes to stay busy, but I’m learning that being busy and moving forward aren’t necessarily the same thing. I want to focus on the shows, songs, and experiences that genuinely help me grow, both personally and professionally.
I don’t have a crystal ball, and if I’ve learned anything from this industry, it’s that plans can change pretty quickly! But I’ve got some exciting things I’m working toward in 2027, and I’m looking forward to seeing what doors open next. Hopefully a few of them lead to some really great stages, new music, and a whole lot of miles on the road!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephanieryann.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieryannmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieryannmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephanieryannmusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RmyIKIhWEsbhLMEkyRO79
