Meet Ryan Alexander | Musician, Producer, & Performing Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business has always been in my nature from youth. Seeing the industry transition while growing up has made me realize how you can still be independently successful with the right network and resources, and there’s more ways than one to achieve your dreams.

I’ve always been very ambitious, and worked well within teams. I’ve learned that you must follow before you can lead. By operating within different companies and group settings it has allowed me to learn tactics that I’d like to emulate, and I’ve taken note of certain behaviors I don’t want to repeat.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being multi-faceted in music, has been a journey. It’s the cliché’, “Jack of all trades. Master of none.” By understanding this concept, I knew that if I wanted to be successful with these skills, I would have to sacrifice a lot of extra circular activities to focus on fulfilling 10,000 hours in each respective talent. Meaning, I needed to write a song before I went out with friends. I needed to practice piano for an hour before I watched my favorite shows. I needed to say no to a lot of functions with family, to be locked into whatever the priority is at the moment. I’m sure it was tough to understand initially, but as I progressed in my craft, their support soon followed. I learned that when you’re rushing you miss key elements that’s essential to your development. It especially taught me that this isn’t a race, it’s a marathon. You must take baby steps before you can run. You have to always be open to learning new ways of doing things, and adapting. My brand is love based, and focused on individual development, as well as, leading by example to people around us. It’s important to surround yourself around people who are like-minded, and passion driven. That’s how everyone wins.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Pre-pandemic, my IG stories were so LIT with all the events! If we’re talking about food, I’m throwing Harold’s Chicken in there first! Get a 6 wing with mild & pepper, or hot sauce & ketchup (my Mom’s personal fav.) I would also suggest Uncle John’s on 83rd & Cottage, if you got a taste for some ribs and donuts. If you’re looking to grab a drink, you have Cere’s happy hour which is a great scene for black professionals after work, and their drinks are GREAT! If you’re more into café’s, I would suggest Afro Joes, on the southside, who has a great menu of tea, coffee, and sandwiches. Another dope cafe is Overflow Coffee in downtown Chicago. During the Summer’s, 31st street beach host’s live music at the Pier, which is always an experience. You should also head over to Promontory Chicago on the Southside, where they always have dope music events, and a restaurant with outdoor seating too. If you’re looking to dance the night away, Waydown, located at the rooftop of the Ace Hotel, always have a wide-range of DJ’s spinning. They also have “Jazz at the Shedd”, in the Shedd aquarium on select days, so definitely look into that if you’re visiting. It’s also smart to follow promo teams, like AfroTrak, Juan And Only Events, LiveYoungPPE, R&Beats, and The Corner Series.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Next Showcase Chicago, has been very helpful in my musical career. Specifically with constant opportunities in the Chicago music scene. They have connected me with many industry professionals, and I’ve been able to build on those relationships. They understand that for an artist to be successful, it starts locally, and they try their best to find new talent to pass the torch to. Mark Hubbard, Reggie Ayers, and the entire Next Showcase team have been amazing to work with, and I’m excited to see Next Showcase take things to the next level!

Also want to give a special thanks to Jarrett Bobo and Rashad Foster aka Dahs. Bobo, is my older cousin (by four months), and he constantly pushes me to get more music out. He keeps my fire going with constant encouragement, and only wants to see the best for my career. That energy truly motivates me knowing someone besides myself actually believes in my dreams. Dahs, is my youngest brother, and he is a rock that I can lean on. He has provided a lot of video content, and I couldn’t be more grateful for having a talented brother who can provide a quality service. He also produced on my last album, Inspired By You. The song is entitled, Southside Love Story, and is one of the most played songs on the album. Love them both!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.alexander222

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryalexander222?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ryan.Alexander222/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATFPUKp9loiTCTDr1eO3WA

Image Credits
Joshua Taylor Shaun-Andru Evairre Siabe Photography