Spotlight on Business: You’re now getting more time in the studio. So, do you prefer live performance or studio recording? Why? Sean Michael Ryan: Hands down, performing is my favourite thing. Recording is a beautiful process - it’s where you create the story, working behind the scenes with producers, engineers, and musicians who are masters of their craft. I love laying down tracks and hearing that first mix come back - it’s equal parts excitement and wanting to throw up. You put so much of yourself into it, and when it’s right, that feeling is incredible. But, performing is sharing the story with the people you wrote the songs for. Nothing compares to walking off after a great show, meeting fans, and going to bed with that feeling. That high - I’ll never be able to explain it. It’s the greatest thing ever. Spotlight on Business: You’re very busy touring and performing at festivals and events. How has this helped you as an artist? Sean Michael Ryan: Every show teaches me something new - about the people, the craft, and about myself. Every stage is different, every crowd is different, and those nerves you feel every time are a good thing. If you weren’t nervous, something would be wrong. That energy forces you to step outside your comfort zone, and that’s where growth happens. Festivals, in particular, really push you. The stakes feel higher - different stages, different audiences, bigger moments - and you have to rise to the occasion. That’s where you get better, where your confidence grows, and where your connection with fans gets stronger. Spotlight on Business: What is one festival, event, or venue that is on your career bucket list to play and why? Sean Michael Ryan: It’s always been the Grand Ole Opry. It was a dream of my mom’s - she grew up listening to artists like Merle Haggard, Anne Murray, and Patsy Cline, and I’ve told her since I was young that someday I’m going to play there and she’s going to be there to watch me. It’s something I get emotional about, because I feel like I got this from her. She
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Every show teaches me something new - about the people, the craft, and about myself. ”
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 13 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 13
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