Alex Ryder
We’ve been talking a lot about country music lately but we want to be clear we are not a country blog. Ottawa based musician, Alex Ryder, is far from country. She’s been tearing up stages in and around Canada’s capital for several years now with her gritty rock and roll sound. To date she has shared the stage with the likes of Kim Mitchell, Lou Gramm (of Foreigner) and Honeymoon Suite to name a few. Her sound has been compared to that of classic female rockers like Joan Jett and Pat Benatar.
We wanted to get to know Alex a little bit better so we subjected, I mean invited her, to take part in our 20 Questions interview. While Alex wasn’t busy rockin’ round the clock she graciously accepted our invite.
20 Questions with Alex Ryder
#1: You say that the only place you would rather be, outside of the recording studio, is on stage. Over the past several years you’ve done plenty of both in and around the Ottawa area. If could pick any stage in the world in any venue for a show where would you chose?
1A- I think it would be awesome to Rock out at Wembley Stadium… a lot of the greats have played there. —- (saw Queen there in 1984…I was 10)
#2: Every artist I’ve spoken to has a story about how / when they decided to pursue music as a career. Describe the moment that you knew that music was the path for you and what inspired you to take that path.
2A- My music career didn’t start off like most peoples, as it started later on in my life. I was a professional athlete prior to pursuing music and I only started getting involved with music once I retired. Music has always been a huge part of my life and in my household growing up though. I have been fortunate or lucky to have followed two passions in my life, two completely different dreams.
#3: You’ve already shared the stage with some pretty big names like Kim Mitchel, Lou Gramm and Honeymoon Suite. Name 3 artists, you haven’t already worked with, that you would like to collaborate with.
Joan Jett
Pat Benatar
Bon Jovi
3A- Joan Jett, Pat Benatar & Bon Jovi
#4: The stage is a second home to you describe the feeling you get when you walk out in front of the fans for the first time at a concert.
4A- It’s a hard feeling to describe in words really, but I guess the best way to say is that it’s a huge rush, lots of adrenaline. I look forward to that feeling each and every time I walk out on the stage!
#5: What’s been the defining moment of your career so far?
5A- I’ve had many moments that have been awesome, especially Rockin out on some great stages with great artists, but hearing your song on the radio is very cool and just the support and positive feedback from the fans on a regular basis wanting more!
#6: What’s your favorite colour? What makes it your favourite?
6A- Black…..Because there’s nothing to think about, it just always works…lol
#7: Your ideal brain food?
7A- Chocolate…lol
#8: Favourite Restaurant (anywhere in the world)?
8A- Anything Italian, anywhere
#9: Favourite TV show (all-time)?
xena
9A- Xena the Warrior Princess. Who doesn’t love women superhero’s that kick butt …LOL They inspire strength and courage…
#10: If you could see any artist in concert, who would you see (living or dead)?
10A- Unfortunately, I’ll never get the opportunity, but it would definitely be Michael Jackson…
#11: iPhone, Android or Blackberry?
11A- iPhone
#12: Can you talk about a fan encounter that completely took you by surprise?
12A- I think the one encounter that stands out for me is when you are signing autographs and doing photo ops with your fans after and a fan tells you they drove 8 hours to see you…. It doesn’t get any better than that…J
#13: What are your family member’s musical interests and abilities?
13A- My family loves music! My parents are always getting down at house parties…lol my mom sang a bit when she was younger and comes from many siblings who also played guitar and sang. My father loves Motown music, doesn’t sing really…..he was very athletic in his younger years, so I think I got my athleticism from him, he was a very huge part and support of my success in my sporting career. My brother is quite the dancer and raps pretty good….lol So it’s definitely in the genes…lol
#14: Name a fictional character most like you?
Katniss Everdeen
14A- Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games…
#15: In “Alex Ryder, Story of My Life” – The Movie, who would play you?
Alex Ryder
Michelle Rodriguez
15A- I’d have to say Michelle Rodriguez
#16: Star Trek or Star Wars?
16A- Star Trek
#17: Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?
17A- Can I say all three…lol kidding aside definitely Spa Vacation definitely…tranquility is a must now and then…
Alex Ryder
#18: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
18A- Never give up! Fight for what you want cause no one is just gonna hand it to you!
#19: What charity do you support?
19A- I support a couple different Children Charities and also Raising awareness for Mental Illness Charities.
#20: We know there’s an album coming late this year, what can you tell us about it? What can we expect from Alex Ryder headed into 2015 and beyond?
20A- More music, more live shows for sure! Yes, there is an album in the works. I’m currently working on new material right now collaborating with a new producer/singer-songwriter from Toronto. I’m really excited about this project, I feel it’s always great to collaborate with different people with different ideas to broaden your sound and make it your own and try new things. I’m a straight up Rocker Chick which you can hear from my previous EP and latest single, but I think the fans will enjoy what’s to come. In between recording in the studio, I’m still performing doing live shows with my 6 piece band.
We’d like to thank Alex for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions. For more information on Alex Ryder and where you can catch her live or where to purchase her music visit her website www.alexryder.com. Her latest single is called it’s over which was written by Carey Blackwell of another rising Ottawa group, Blackwell Band!
Here’s the video for the title track of Alex’s ‘Won’t You Listen’ album which was released by Eat Crow Records in 2011.
