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Recently, we caught up with Christian Dryden of The Ritualists. Among other things, we touch on what he’s been up to during the lockdown, his origins in music, the bands’ newest music, and a whole lot more.
If you would like to learn more about The Ritualists, the link to their webpage is here. Once you’ve checked that out, dig into this interview with Christian. Cheers.
Andrew:
Christian, I appreciate you taking the time today. How have you been holding up over the last year or so? What have you been up to?
Christian:
Hello, thanks for having me. This last year has been somewhat of a dark adventure for everyone. I’ve been lucky enough to have spent a great deal of time in the studio creating this new album.
Andrew:
Before we dive into your professional career, let’s go back a bit. What first got you hooked on music?
Christian:
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved music. As a very young child, I would organize and put on “performances” for my entire family, where I would mime along to my favorite songs.
Andrew:
Who were some of your early influences?
Christian:
Duran Duran was the first band I seriously loved and appreciated. Particularly, “The Chauffeur” appealed to my very young ears. For me, I found the song to be a little dangerous, with its dark and mysterious tones, while still touching on a melodic voice I found comforting.
Andrew:
Let’s talk about recent events. Tell us about your new album Baroque And Bleeding.
Christian:
Like many artists, I imagine, it is somewhat the product of the pandemic. Our first album was derailed by the lockdown, which led to me spending a great deal of time writing and tinkering with multiple instruments. As a band, we were lucky enough to have our label, Suite 484, grant us relatively unfettered access to a wonderful studio in Manhattan. So, it was a goal of mine to come out of this thing (are we out yet?) with a fully-realized, new album for our fans.
Andrew:
What lyrical themes are you exploring with your new music?
Christian:
With this record, I’ve made a conscious effort to be more accessible, lyrically. I’ve tried to take my personal thoughts, feelings, experiences, and explore their connection to more-common themes, and archetypes. Some of the greater themes we explore include the sacrifices we make for our art, pitfalls of being earnest in a world that seems to reward the vapid, the highs and lows of presumed fame, and failure, superstition and mythology, and how they subconsciously inform decision making in our everyday lives, and of course, love, both lost and gained.
Andrew:
How about the production side of things? Do you self-produce, or do you bring in outside voices?
Christian:
We had the honor of working with Ed Buller (White Lies, Pulp, Suede), who mixed and co-produced. John Davis (Led Zeppelin, U2), mastered the album. These outside voices came as an absolute thrill and were invaluable to the process.
Andrew:
Are you into vinyl? Cassettes? CDs? Or are you all digital now? What are a few of your favorite albums and why?
Christian:
I’m a vinyl fanatic. I’ve amassed a decent collection. Though I’m definitely less concerned about the collectibility of a pristine cover, and more concerned about a good-sounding record. Some of my favorite records are:
- David Bowie (Station To Station) — It is one of the most-unique sounding records I’ve ever heard. Bowie seamlessly combines Glam Rock, Plastic Soul, and pre-New Wave/Art/Experimental. His voice is at its peak, and the songs all have incredible emotional resonance.
- Suede (self-titled) — The combination of pseudo operatic vox with guitar playing that sounds like The Smiths meets Jimi Hendrix, is just unstoppable for me. The hooks are huge. It’s dangerous, sexy, and subversive
- The Horrors (Skying) — The production on this is unparalleled. In my humble opinion, a psychedelic masterpiece and again, really emotional/theatrical songs.
- The Doors (self-titled) — Dark and mysterious, but still very raw. Morrison’s perona, I think, overshadows his actual vocal, and lyrical abilities. The songs and the performances are fantastic
- Black Sabbath (Sabbath Bloody Sabbath) — Powerful riffs coupled with melodic vocals so comfortably nestled over the backdrop of psychedelic atmosphere.
Andrew:
What other passions do you have? How do those passions inform your music, if at all?
Christian:
I’m a total history buff. I was a history major in college, and I still make a point of picking up new books on historical topics. Some of my favorites include Alexander The Great, early Christianity, and The French Revolution. I’ve definitely referenced a good amount of Greek Mythology in my songs, as well as other history-related topics.
Andrew:
In your opinion, what is the state of the music business these days? Should artists be hopeful? Scared? Both?
Christian:
The music business is a bit like the Wild West, no one is entirely sure of the rules, but everyone seems convinced they are likely getting robbed. I’m hopeful because vinyl has made such a strong comeback, but scared that basic tenets like successful artists need to be competent musicians, seems lost on too many.
Andrew:
Last one. What’s next on your docket? What are you looking forward to most in the pos-COVID world?
Christian:
We greatly look forward to touring in support of our new album. Pandemic permitting, we have our sights on England!
Interested in learning more about The Ritualists? Check out the link below:
Dig this interview? Check out the full catalog of VWMusic Interviews, by Andrew Daly, here: www.vinylwritermusic.com/interviews
