20 Questions with Catie Ryan
It’s another week of 20 Questions with Lion Bold Artists, and this week we’re featuring Catie Ryan! This beloved and busy artist has been playing music since she was thirteen, and has already released an EP and garnered recognition and awards in San Diego. Ever the ambitious artist, Catie is currently a student at UCSD, pursuing both of her passions in music and human biology. Whether she’s behind a microphone or behind a microscope, you can bet that she’s always on the verge of something new and exciting. Catie Ryan’s new single, “Tally Ho!” will be available on November 18th, on both iTunes and Spotify. In the meantime, check out some character questions we had for her and stay tuned to the Events page for upcoming Catie Ryan performances!
Do you have a new single coming out? What's the title, and your inspiration behind it?
Yes! My new single, Tally Ho!, is being released on November 18th with a special release party show at Lestat's on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights. The song began with just the intro guitar riff and from there, the beachy vibes and ocean themes developed into a love song about overcoming obstacles to be with the person you love. The first line goes: "I'd sail across the ocean just to spend a day with you." I'm really happy with the way the recording turned out and I'm excited to share it with everyone!
When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
Music has always been a part of my life, from playing in a family band when I was very young, to being in various rock bands in high school, to writing and performing my own music. It really wasn't until I stepped away from music during my first few years of college that I realized I was miserable without it. I'm ready to come back to my biggest passion and give it my all.
What do you turn to when you need inspiration?
When I'm facing major writer's block I usually go through my voice memos on my phone and listen to snippets of ideas or jams that I've previously recorded. And if that doesn't work, I usually end up collaborating with my brother, Kevin. We've written a lot of new music together actually and will be showcasing those songs at Lestat's as well.
What does family mean to you?
Family is everything. Seriously though. My brothers are my best friends and I have the coolest and most supportive parents I could ask for. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today with my music. They allow me to follow my passions with unwavering support and unconditional love. (Hi Mom!)
You’re also a busy college woman! How do you balance your music with schoolwork?
I'm studying Human Biology and Cognitive Science at UCSD, working in a cancer immunology lab at The La Jolla Institute, pursuing music as a singer/songwriter, and trying to maintain my sanity. Balancing my time is really difficult so I end up making a lot of lists, drinking a lot of coffee, and making personal deadlines. Unfortunately, I end up putting my health on the sidelines, but I'm working on being better about that.
If you could have a Lip Sync Battle against any other celebrity in the world, who would it be and what would you sing?
I pick Jimmy Fallon so I could be on his Lip Sync Battle segment! My winning song: Fergalicious ;)
What’s your #1 recommended playlist on Spotify or Pandora?
“Ultimate Indie” on Spotify never fails. That's really the only playlist I listen to. [laughs] Any suggestions for a fresh playlist?
What’s your all-time favorite ’90s jam?
“Say My Name” - Destiny's Child; “Torn” - Natalie Imbruglia; “Love Fool” - The Cardigans... I'm very indecisive.
If you could be mentored by one other artist in the industry, who would you pick and why?
I would love to get tips from Hayley Williams from Paramore. Not only am I a fan, but she's an amazing vocalist, performer, and lyricist.
What’s the one app on your phone that you can’t live without?
I am OBSESSED with Snapchat. Follow me @cat-isstrophic. Also, if i didn't have Maps, I would be lost in some desert right now. I'm so directionally inept, it's unbelievable.
What was the last book you read, and what was it about?
Do textbooks count? Haha... the sad truth is I don't read for leisure. I think the last (non-text)book I read was still related to school and was This Is Your Brain On Music by Daniel Levitin. This is a great read for anyone who loves neuroscience and music, like me.
Would you rather have the power of flight or to walk through walls?
Definitely the power of flight. There's usually a door on most walls. But only if there was GPS for flying, since I would probably still get lost.
Favorite YouTube channel?
Buzzfeed. Buzzfeed. Buzzfeed. I've spent hours in a "Youtube Vortex" watching all of their videos. Some are educational, some are stupid, but all are entertaining.
Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Definitely a cat person. Don't hate me, but dogs smell weird to me. And they have no chill. Side note: cats are my spirit animal.
What was the last gift you gave someone and why?
The last gift I gave was a watch with the world map on the face to my best friend. At the time, there was a strong possibility she would be moving away so I got us matching ones and said something cliche like, "No matter how much time passes, no matter where we end up in this world, we will always be connected." She's still in San Diego. :)
Favorite spot in San Diego?
Convoy, because there are so many great restaurants. A few suggestions: Ramen Yamadaya and Dumpling Inn.
If you were told you could have a lifetime supply of one food item, what would you want?
Potatoes. Hear me out: there are so many variations. Fries, Baked Potato, Hashbrowns, Homestyle potatoes, Fries, Cream of Potato soup, Fries, Fries, Fries.
What is your least favorite food?
Ceviche from my work's catering. It was a nightmare.
What’s your favorite movie of all time?
I don't have a single favorite. Off the top of my head some favorites are: Moulin Rouge, Once, and Interstellar.
Do you have any weird/funny Thanksgiving traditions?
Almost every Thanksgiving, my entire immediate family heads over to my Great Aunt's house in Fontana for an amazing American and Mexican-inspired feast. We stay for a couple of days, gain 20 pounds, and watch a TON of movies. I'd say our record for number of movies watched in one day is 6 or 7. But we do that for a couple days. No regrets.
There you have it! Did you learn something new about Catie Ryan that you hadn’t before? Are you itching to ask her your questions too? Don’t worry! You can reach Catie on Facebook (www.facebook.com/catieryanmusic) and Instagram: @catieryanmusic. Also, catch Catie Ryan live at Lestat’s West on November 18th from 9 pm - 11 pm. Don't miss out!