Ryan and Rory Talk New Single, Favourite Instruments And More

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s rising duo Ryan and Rory are ready to turn any space into a makeshift dance floor with their latest release “Them Boots”, out now. We wanted to learn more about the pair and they kindly obliged:

 

How did you both meet and what do you play?

Rory: We met in 2017 at a Locash concert in my hometown of Raliegh, North Carolina. Ryan opened for them and I made a point of finding him at his merch booth. I still have the photo we took that night.

 

I play piano, guitars, drums…what don’t I play?! – Ryan: Nashville is one of the biggest little towns around. It’s a real “know-somebody-who-knows-somebody” kind of place and that’s just how we reconnected in 2023. It was through a mutual friend, actually. She suggested we get together and make some music. We realized very quickly that we had a ton in common musically. Sometimes it just makes sense. And I think both of us feel like we each found in each other, a proverbial needle in haystack.

I play guitar and piano. Mind you that saying that around someone like Rory is a joke. He’s such a mega-talented musician, now I mostly stick to singing.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

 

Rory: Playing twinkle twinkle little star by ear at 2 years old.

Ryan: My parents have a recording of me singing the first song I remember writing called, “My Boot Came Off” … I think your imagination could write how that chorus went.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

Rory: Ten years old.

Ryan: I began really early. Like, early enough I can’t pinpoint the age. I was always putting together pieces of songs and taking them to my parents. They would always just say “great! Now finish it!” Eventually I took the advice.

 

You have released your latest single ‘Them Boots’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Ryan: This was a classic Nashville creation. I had a writing session cancel on me. That same day, the same thing happened two other writer friends of mine. So, we decided to get together and take a crack at something fun as hell. We started talking about summer and it just fell out. You’d be surprised how many hit songs happen like that. Your plan “B” can turn into plan “A” when you least expect it.

 

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

 

Rory: “Them Boots” was recorded at Sound Stage on Music Row in Nashville. Kevin Bard and Nick Zinnanti produced it with additional production from Chris Loocke.

Ryan: And we had some of the best musicians in the world on it. That sounds like a big bold statement. But trust me, the A-list session musicians in Nashville are incredible.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Rory: Tracking what Ryan was just saying, when you are in a Nashville Music Row recording studio and look around at the amazing musicians helping you create songs, well, that’s pretty close to heaven for me.

Ryan: My mother-in-law actually flew in from California to watch this one being recorded live. It’s quite the experience having someone outside the music industry see the process for the first time. It’s something I’ve grown up around and I’m used to, but it kind of turns you into a kid again seeing someone else watch.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Rory: I played piano and b3 organ on the track.

Ryan: it’s kind of funny because most of that equipment doesn’t matter when you have the world‘s best band. These A-list Nashville cats could make a kazoo sound cool, lol.

 

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Rory: I would say happiest is “What’s Mine Is Yours,” angriest is “State I’m In” (though it’s not really angry), and most reflective is “This Town,” because it was actually written about my life!

Ryan: The most reflective are “Heaven’s Got a Country Station” and “Thanks Mama.” “Heaven” is about my dad and “Mama” is about my mom. Happiest would be “Them Boots.” It just rocks my face off. Angriest? It’s hard to be angry when you are living your dream. And that is exactly what we are doing right now.

 

Do you have any further new music releases planned for 2025?

Rory: Our next song comes out August 29. It’s called “Girls Are Pretty” and it rocks! Find it wherever you stream your music.

Ryan: We write songs almost every day. We are headed back into the studio shortly to record a new batch.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Rory: Raleigh, NC – College sports haven, Nice folks

Ryan: Nashville Tennessee. Friendly, drunk, loud, country, and perfect.

 

How do you look after your voices?

Rory: Steaming, proper diet, good technique

Ryan: honestly, the most important thing on the road is sleeping and not talking too much. If you can manage those two things you will be golden.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

Rory: We can’t wait to come to the UK! Bring it on!

Ryan: Playing your annual C2C Festival every March is definitely on our bucket list. It would be a dream come true. I am manifesting as we speak.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Rory: To have made new fans and inspired someone else to get out of their comfort zone.

Ryan: The only thing I wanna achieve when I leave stage is that the audience feels like Ryan and Rory are now their new favorite country duo!

 

Do you have any favored stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Rory: All of the gadgets and gizmos, I’m a massive gearhead!

Ryan: My favorite instrument is whatever Rory is playing at any given moment.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Rory: Hunger Games! Big fan.

Ryan: I don’t really read fiction, but I woulda loved to score Yellowstone from top to bottom!

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Rory: Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Coldplay. I recommend us 🙂

Ryan: Brooks and Dunn. Brooks and Dunn.

 

What makes Ryan and Rory happy and what makes you unhappy?

Rory: Playing shows makes us happy, not playing shows makes us unhappy.

Ryan: country music, tequila, festivals, to name a few. Life without … is … meh.

Feature Image Photo Credit: David McClister

Ryan and Rory’s latest single ‘Them Boots’ is out now BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Listen/Download Here: https://ryanandrory.lnk.to/thembootsID

Official Website: https://www.ryanandrorymusic.com/welcome/