(originally posted to my substack)
Since releasing A Passport To Something New, my first solo EP, I’ve had the chance to play the tunes live at a handful of open mic nights, get feedback from the universe on my art, tell my story just a bit more than I had in the past and maybe best, become a better version of myself, the builder, the creator, the artist.
Also, the chance to reflect on the $12.86 that the Spotify royalties (would we call them royal?) have afforded me. I’ve asked myself questions like, what story do I want to tell? What lessons and insights could I share with the world? Where am I needed? Deeper, what experiences and what pain do I need to process through this art? What about myself do I love, and what do I run from? What do I need to shed, and what do I need accept? The beauty of writing songs is that its externalizes the internal, if you’re ready for it. I came into this process ‘knowing’ I should be ready, but honestly unsure if I was.
When writing lyrics or arranging sounds I’ve found myself asking what is the music? What’s the beauty of this thing that I’m making? I’ve found the beauty is the making itself. There is great joy in sharing, but the introspection is beautiful. In a world overwhelming us with consumption, its a rebellious act to push back, to create and share.
Since releasing these songs I’ve made a few more, a few of which I may release as singles. I don’t have momentum of a full album. I originally thought I’d roll right into the next batch of songs, likely evolving the sound and morphing the genre a bit. I knew the country/folk sound was a starting off point, but honestly becoming overplayed, and likely not the final destination. The new stuff doesn’t sound like Greenhouse at all, for better or for worse as that’s my most listened tune.
What was the the music? The beauty? Well it was the creation itself. What I didn’t realize was that not only would the genre change, but the form would evolve also! While I’ve only made a few new songs since the EP, I’ve made about 20 paintings. PAINTINGS! That for me was a completely unexpected turn. Furthermore I’ve written about 30 poems. Yes, poems. Who do you think you are Graves, William Blake! A poet and he didn’t know it! (had to).
The form of my creativity has jumped all over the place in the last few months, but it hasn’t slowed down one bit. In fact its gone completely wild, its really all I’ve wanted to do. So here’s the ask… Friends who’ve subscribe to the Ryan Graves Music list, or friends who’ve come to hear about my business pursuits, I ask you … will you stick with me as I use this group to share ALL I create. Songs, paintings, poems, companies… and whatever other outlet captures my creative energies? I’d love for you to be on the ride, I’d love to continue to expose myself and be honest, and learn, be open, and reflective of the beauty that I’m surrounded by on this earth. I’d love to ask, and answer questions (reply as ask anything I’ll answer in the next email) when they come in. I’m here for it. You can see more of it here if ya like — Graves.io
So…
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Why would I ask you to stay for the other stuff if I didn’t have anything to share! You’ve heard the songs, or at least hopefully you have (link above), but I wanted to share some other works as well… enjoy. 🙂 Chat soon.
THE CLOUD, oil on canvas, 30×40
And perhaps an accompanying poem?
LAND AIR & SEAText within this block will maintain its original spacing when published
Land air & sea In all things I can only be me Earth wind & fire Truth is my soul desire Gold silver & bronze Principled, unbroken bonds Red yellow & blue Colorful, to thine self be true Breakfast lunch & dinner Integrity, makes a winner Mind body & spirit Aligned action delivers great merit Past present & future Time, natures commuter To-do’s & gratitudes We make our lists and change our attitudes Law & order An open heart has no border