Blasting into the world of pop in a tangle of R Kelly mashups and vivid green hair, 24-year-old singer Phoebe Ryan has taken Soundcloud by storm. She boasts over two million plays for her collaborations with Jaymes Young and Skizzy Mars, and perhaps it’s not too surprising to find her recent single, ‘Mine’ with over a million hits on YouTube. With the likes of Taylor Swift listing to Ryan’s latest single under her selection of songs ‘that will make your life more awesome’, things are looking pretty peachy for this LA-based songstress.

 

What’s been your favourite part of your whirlwind journey into the world of music so far?

Waking up every day and remembering that I’m lucky enough to be living my dream. Still can’t really wrap my head around it sometimes. It rules. I’ll never take it for granted.

 

What’s your creative process when it comes to songwriting?

Honestly it’s different every time I sit down to write. Sometimes I’ll start with a word, sometimes a concept, sometimes a melody. It’s also important for me to write every day, even if it’s just a couple of sentences. I find that being consistent about it helps me fight writer’s block.

 

How do you find inspiration for your music?

I find relationships to be a great source of inspiration, not just with other people but with myself and the world.

 

 

We all heard Taylor Swift give you a shout out back in October – what was your reaction?

 

Complete disbelief, shock, and gratitude. It was one of the highlights of my year. If I’m ever in Taylor’s position to be such a tastemaker, I will certainly pay it forward and give credit to up and coming musicians, too.

 

Your producer, Kyle Shearer, has worked with the likes of Tove Lo and Augustana, both of whom produce pretty big and epic sounds; who, if any, would you say are the main influences on your music?

That’s really hard to answer, because I’m influenced by so many artists in a really big way. Even if I’m not completely obsessed with someone’s music, I’m still influenced by their work ethic and the way they carry themselves. I always want to know what makes a great artist tick, and I feel like I’m constantly studying. Whether it’s Katy Perry or some dude at an open mic night at a bar…   

 

What’s your plan for 2016?

Keep doing my damn thing. Go on tour, put out a record, meet more fans, write songs for other artists, stay focused and healthy.

 

 

Any dream collaborations you have in mind or hopes for the future?

I want to do a hologram duet with Ray Charles. Been listening to him a lot lately. That would be cool, right?

 

Your hit song ‘Mine’ seems to be all about loving yourself for who you are. It’s a strong message for anyone – were you singing to a younger-you perhaps? Who are you trying to get through to with this track?

I was definitely singing to a younger me. I had gone through a really rough period in my life, maybe as most people in their early 20’s do. I want to reach people who feel the same way I did. I get messages pretty often from people who totally understand and relate, and that’s the best thing in the world.

 

 

What is your Fault?

I can be so moody sometimes. I try not to take it out on other people, but it’s really hard for me. It sucks, I always feel bad. But I’m working on it!

 

Words: Josie Carder

Photographers: Alex + Iggy
Stylist: Chaunielle Brown
Stylist Assistants: Donika Hoxhaj + Kerry Robinson
Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi Using Aveda Hair Care
Makeup: Kuma For Mac Cosmetics
Manicurist: Michelle Matthews/Rona Represents Using Zoya Nail Polish
Manicurist Assistant: Karla Carrington