03.05.24
Local Mix 033 —
Ryan Fisherman
Folk
Art Rock
Country
Alternative/Indie
Progressive Rock
There’s something called a three-field crop rotation, where one is simultaneously growing sustenance but leaving one field fallow for the next rolling meadow. A cycle of influence, pulling across the chaff, always making new progress.
It seems fitting that this metaphor suits multi-instrumentalist and producer Ryan Chin, who has never seemed content in making music in just one scene. Starting his career as a drummer for successful indie electronica act Doprah, moving into deep session work for a gamut of Aotearoa’s most successful independent acts, whilst also adopting the nom de plume Ryan Fisherman only demonstrates the natural embracement of change of a mature recording artist.
His first debut album Vibe is an intensely self-reflective work, featuring notable musicians from across his storied history as a touring and recording artist. The album’s opiate country oeuvre rightfully earned a finalist placing at 2021’s Best Country Artist category at NZ’s Country Music Awards. Alongside extensive coverage on RNZ and festival appearances, Chin established himself as an austere voice in Aotearoa’s alternative music camp.
Now refocusing into new weird folk territory after supporting the likes of Julia Jacklin, Tiny Ruins and Kane Strang, Ryan Fisherman continues moving forward, making personable tunes for the ever-loved and to-be-loved.
We asked Ryan to make us a Local Mix and shot through some quick questions in celebration of the fist week of NZ music Month. The result is a cornucopia of indie touch stones, country classics, 90's slacker rock and a selection of NZ's finest.
Tell us a little about how you approached making this mix — what was your jumping off point?
I just chose songs that I've been enjoying lately and over the last few years. I've included some of my favourite artists, including Radiohead, The Phoenix Foundation, and Gillian Welch.
Talk us through the flow of the mix, what is the ideal listening environment?
This is a versatile playlist, but for me it's the perfect playlist for a walk about the neighbourhood. I usually start off by the river and make my way up the port hills.
Describe the kind of music you usually gravitate towards, do you listen to the same kind of music that you make or are those things separate for you?
I listen to a lot of different music, but I also make a lot of different music. You might hear some influences of different genres, or different bands I've been playing with in my music. I tend to gravitate towards more chilled, down tempo stuff with organic instruments..
What are the touchstones that you refer back to that you think that inform your sound? (Could be an artist, an era, a place etc)
My friends and I used to live in a grungy flat on Somerfield St when we were about eighteen. We had free reign of the place, creating art on the walls, hosting parties and living with our sheep, Cass, and our reformed feral cat Slinky. I just remember enjoying listening to and sharing music without the musician analytics.
What are the touchstones that you refer back to that you think inform your aesthetic?
Old school country. I have always listened to a lot of folk and country; Gillian Welch, Gram Parsons, Justin Townes Earle. I have a small collection of bolo ties and vintage western shirts that I keep for special occasions.
Are there broader ideas of design that are influencing you at the moment? (i.e. books you've read, architecture, a perfect mug, iconic period, fashion hero)
I recently binged all of Justified and Raylan Givens has such a great southern country style. Love the hat.
Who would you invite to Friday beers... (living or passed, famous or non-famous)?
Elliott Smith, for sure. Ainsley Harriott, he seems hilarious. Steve Irwin, but I think I'd feel bad for putting Elliott in this group. Can't forget to mention my friend Erin, she'd be great at keeping the good vibes going.
What's your go to performance look or formula for a look?
If I'm feeling fancy it's a bolo tie, shirt, and a suit jacket.
What is your favourite item of clothing you've ever owned, or an item that you have a strong memory of?
My dad gave me a pair of his old brown leather dress shoes. They served me well, but I took them to Camp A Low Hum 2014 and ruined them.
Have you got anything coming up that we can help boost/ anything else we should know?
I'm opening for my friend Hester at Space Academy on the 12th. I'm also playing Wunderbar with my friend Tess on the 25th. (All in May).
Links:
Ryan's INF DEF selections:
1. Garbstore Kendrew Tiger Crew - Amber
(That cat face says it all)
2. Rolla's Ezy Jean Stone Worn - Faded Black
(I dig the look of these jeans, plus they look comfy)
3. Stepney Workers Club Pearl S-Strike Nubuck - Sand
(TBH I already own these and love em!)
4. Akila Ethos - Black
I've always wanted a pair of round sunnies, the rounder the better)
5. Norse projects Tyge Cotton Linen Overshirt - Dark Navy(Big fan of shirt jackets, two birds one stones sort of vibe.)
Kendrew Tiger Crew - Amber
Pearl S-Strike Nubuck - Sand
Tyge Cotton Linen Overshirt - Dark Navy
Follow Ryan Fisherman on Instagram at @ryan_fisherman