by abby samuelson
photo courtesy of ryan nealon
Ryan Nealon has changed the music industry with his musical talent and unfailing perseverance against one cause: drunk driving. After his mother was tragically hit in years past, Ryan took the initiative to use his talents to raise awareness about the cause and effect of what drunk driving can do. Along with that, Ryan has been taking it step by step to work on a new project to help those with mental illnesses and continue to inspire those in his community. Check out our interview here!
What made you get into songwriting?
Ryan: “Songwriting has always been a passion of mine. Ever since I was young, I found that writing was a really neat way to express myself through musical storytelling. I had always dabbled in songwriting when I was younger — I used to have journals full of musical gibberish, and would put on countless concerts for my parents and stuffed animals (they loved every song). I also was surrounded by so much great music growing up — my mom always played artists like Carole King, Toto, Stevie Wonder, and Earth Wind & Fire on our way to school in the mornings, and those artists and groups still to this day inspire me like crazy. Later in life when I moved to Los Angeles in 2013, I really discovered that I had a deeper love and connection with it. Recently, I’ve made it a goal to write every song from my heart and to tell my stories that are very honest and raw like ‘Not Coming Home.’ I think when you write something from personal experience, naturally you’re going to get a better product.”
What kind of music did you listen to growing up?
R: “Growing up, I was a huge fan of jazz, R&B, funk, and soul. I also loved classic rock and a lot of singer/songwriter stuff. My favorite artist of all time would have to be Stevie Wonder.”
How have you seen your story about your mom make a change in yours or others' lives?
R: “I would not be the person I am today if my mom wasn’t in that accident 21 years ago. Although I miss her everyday and always will, my aunt would’ve never become my mom, I would’ve never gained my uncle as my dad, and I probably wouldn’t of been able to do half of the things that I’ve gotten to do in my life. My mother’s death was horrible and deeply hurt my family and I, but it truly has taught us to live life to the fullest and to be grateful for what we have everyday. When I first shared my story to my listeners, I never would’ve imagined how many people would come forward sharing their personal stories and connecting so deeply with mine. The point of me releasing a song like this, was not for fame and fortune, but to connect with the people that truly needed this to know that they weren’t alone.”
What were some setbacks when it came to writing this song?
R: “‘Not Coming Home’ was the hardest song I’ve ever written. It took me 21 years to gather up enough strength to sit and talk about the death of my mother because of how much it still stings. There were lots of moments when I was writing the song with my friends Bret Paddock and Jeoff Harris where I almost broke down because of how honest and raw this song was. When we finished it, we knew we had written something really special.”
Are you working on anything else to inspire change in your community?
R: “At the moment, I’m working on a record that touches a lot on mental health awareness and other topics that aren’t often talked about in pop music. I’m excited to do my part and partner with more organizations like MADD in the future to share my music to audiences that would truly benefit from it.”
What advice do you have to others who are looking up to your story today?
R: “It’s never too late to follow your dreams and to get back up. I’ve been knocked down so many times that I can’t even count, but sharing this story was truly something that helped me really blossom as a person and as an artist. I would recommend to any young or even older musicians to write music from your heart and to trust that the people that need to hear it, will hear it.”
What are you looking forward to in the future in light of the pandemic and your new music?
R: “I’m excited to hopefully hit the road with all of this new music! Before the pandemic, I was planning a tour for myself which was going to be beyond epic, but sadly miss rona had other plans [laughs]. I’m also just excited to see people again and to be able to hug everybody — I’m a big softy, don’t judge me!”
What would be another skill you would want to develop and work at, if you didn't have songwriting? Sports, cooking, art, etc?
R: “Like most people, I have picked up a knack for cooking. During the pandemic I lived with a chef and I’ve really made some amazing things. Overcooked churros that were also raw inside, gluten free beignets that tasted like giant yeast balls, lots of burnt fries and roasted potatoes, and I can never forget making cookies with salt instead of sugar. I’m currently waiting on my Michelin star.”
What's your dream when it comes to working together with organizations such as Mother's Against Drunk Driving? Could you see that becoming any bigger?
R: “I love Mothers Against Drunk Driving so much, and they have been the absolute best people to work with for this song. Kristin Davis, who wrote my official story which is currently published on the MADD homepage, really took the time to get to know me and even introduced me to the MADD National President who is a total sweetheart. I am very hopeful that my work with MADD won’t stop here, and I want to be involved in anyway that I can be — they are so special to me. I would also love to partner with other organizations for issues like mental health because I suffer from anxiety and depression, and it’s always been a dream and goal of mine to use my music to help people.”
How can we as a community stand up against drunk driving as well, and other ways we can contribute?
R: “I would 100% recommend donating to groups like MADD who are actively fighting against drunk drivers and making sure that victims get the justice that they deserve. The person who killed my mother got only five weeks in jail which should’ve never happened. We got no justice, and MADD is constantly fighting against that. Also, if you’re at a social gathering and you know you’ve had a few drinks, call an Uber — DON’T DRIVE.”