Interview with Imrryr

First in our series is @Imrryr a wonderfully talented individual and good friend.

Running an independent record label means wearing a lot of hats. Some days you're helping artists finish a release, some days you're promoting music, and some days you're simply talking about why any of us chose this wonderfully irrational path in the first place.

One of the best parts of running a label is getting a front-row seat to the creative journeys of the artists I work with. Every musician has a story. Behind every album, single, or EP is a collection of late nights, unexpected challenges, creative breakthroughs, and moments of stubborn determination that brought the music into existence.

This interview series is an opportunity to shine a light on those stories. We'll dig into the creative process, influences, recording adventures, future projects, and the occasional tale that probably shouldn't have happened but somehow did. My goal is simple: to give artists a space to share their experiences in their own words and to help listeners connect with the people behind the music.

Independent music thrives because of passionate artists and the communities that support them. These conversations celebrate both. So pull up a chair, press play, and get to know the creators who make this label what it is.

What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?

My father was a musician. Would play bass along to music when I was a kid and played in bands here and there. Grew up around lots of CSNY, Jackson Browne, The Grateful Dead. He was taking my siblings and I to shows when we were far too young to be going to shows. Either Steely Dan or the Doobie Brothers was the first concert I ever went to.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Tenuously.

And how would you describe that as a style?

I don’t think my music exists within a fixed style. I probably work within three or four different styles and turn up which one is most prevalent at any given time. I think my songwriting style is very consistent throughout the journey of my albums even though style of music may be all over the place.

What is your creative process like?

Generally fast. Compulsive. I get consumed by trying to get the idea in my head out. Most albums are made within a two to four week period. The majority of my music is improvised. I only focus up and like ‘song write’ an album one or two times a year.

What were your main creative challenges in the beginning and how have they changed over time?

I intentionally wanted to work on keyboard focused music for the lack of my ability to play the keys. I found myself playing more interesting chord progression with the basic knowledge of a piano but the lack of muscle memory telling me what I ‘should’ be playing. I still can’t really play the piano. I make sure to never practice actually playing any instruments. This is terrible advice.

What are you working on at the moment?

Just finished up an album that’s got a bunch of guest spots and more solos then I have ever had on something. Super pumped for that to come out.

Now I’m working on a long form experimental dealy. I’m going to send it to a cellist I am SUPER pumped to work with and let em go ham over it. Super loose/improvised droney stuff from me and whatever he ends up doing over it. Haven’t done something super weird in a few albums and I gotta fix that. Been trying to collaborate more with people these days.

What DAW do you use and why?

Fruity loops. The best piano roll in town and because Vern will hit me if I use anything else.

What gear do you like to use?

First bunch of albums were on an mpk mini and at some point I upgraded to a mpk249. I am not a gear person. They have keys and buttons and they work for me.

I will say I have a bunch of the monogram creative controller panels that have made my workflow SUPER fast. I do love those.

Which instrument is your favorite to play and why?

I really enjoy playing the bass. Used to have an upright that I loved dearly but had to sell it back when I was doing the touring band thing. I miss playing it.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

Everything’s awesome thanks Al gore!

What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

It doesn’t matter what note you just played.

What’s next for you?

I swear I’m going to start leaving my house more.