“Stay, why don’t you, why don’t you
Stay, I want you, I want you
To stay with me baby, a little bit longer
I need something I can hold onto, onto
Stay”
A chorus for a song called “Stay.” The lyrics seem simple enough. The message seems clear enough. But it’s often in the simplicity that we find the difficult carvings of a journey we have yet to take. And perhaps that is why this song appeals to anyone and everyone, no matter the situation. Is the subject talking about a breakup? The search for something greater?
For that answer, you would have to ask the artist and one of the three writers, Ryan Kinder. But don’t expect him to interpret it for you. What he can tell you is that even though he and fellow writers Fred Wilhelm and Luke Sheets wrote it five years ago for a friend’s wedding, for him, it has to do more or less with his infatuation of music.
“It’s such a painstaking, needing, wanting song that it turned into a yearning and the ups and downs of the music business. . . and a pleading for whatever you want to stay, to stay,” Kinder told The Country Note.
Between Kinder’s smooth guitar licks and effortless, heartfelt vocals, “Stay” is sure to be climbing the charts soon as it was released to radio Monday, August 20th. And yes, there is already a lyric video out if you’re the visual type (you can check that out here). And if you are thinking to yourself, “who is this Ryan Kinder kid?”, we are here to tell you he is a writer’s writer and an artist’s artist. And after all he has been thru to even get this far, he is here to stay for the long haul.
This tattoo covered, black tank top wearing, bearded guy from Alabama always knew music was his lifeline. The hobby he had as a child followed him into college, where he drove back and forth between the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa every week and Nashville. Balancing a grueling schedule of shows, classes, and the road prepared Kinder early on for the ups and downs of the industry. But it took a literal whirlwind for him to have a what he calls, “A Come to Jesus Realization Moment.” When a F4 tornado destroyed the neighborhood behind him and almost demolished his Tuscaloosa residence, Kinder realized that music needed to be his full time calling. Eight years ago, he permanently made Nashville home. A false sense of security overcame him as he almost immediately landed a deal and began releasing singles. But as music business goes in this “little big town” (Kinder’s own words), deals are sometimes made to be broken. And that has only made Kinder stronger and more aware of who he is, as a son, brother, husband, and artist.
“It helps you write a better song, having the ups and downs. It’s a good thing cause you learn you who are thru all those hardships for sure,” Kinder revealed.
The hardships could never outweigh the bucket list moments. Such as the recent time he went out on tour with the legendary John Fogerty and ZZ Top, all thanks in part to a remake Kinder did of CCR’s “Fortunate Son.” And then of course was the time he played Hyde Park on the same bill as Eric Clapton, which Kinder describes as “unreal.”
SO how does the energy with a rock artist compare to that of a country show?
“It’s a lot different than country but in a lot of ways, it’s the same. I mean, these guys are super nice. They’re pros. They know exactly what they’re doing. Fogerty has one of the most put together shows I’ve ever seen-perfection at it’s finest. ZZ too.”
And speaking of country, Kinder also got the chance to tour some with acts like Zac Brown Band where he experienced one of the greatest highlights of not only his musical career, but his personal life. Kinder and his brother grew up listening to Dave Matthews Band Live at The Gorge and it just so happened one of his ZBB shows was at—you guessed it—The Gorge. Kinder’s brother joined him on stage in front of thousands of people to play the harmonica.
Kinder’s flexibility, sincerity, and hunger for all types of music has made him a top contender for tours both in America and Europe, where he’ll head back to play this fall. Because in his world, it’s not about genres. It’s just about good music.
It’s all about using your talents for the good of others. Kinder’s charity, Kinder’s Kids, collects toys at shows and venues to give to kids around Christmastime whose families are less fortunate or have been affected by a natural disaster, such as the tornado he survived all those years ago.
Kinder is nothing, if not passionate about his own family, as evidenced by the detailed ink covering his arms. A mostly grayscale sleeve on his right arm features a teal tulip because it’s his wife’s favorite flower and a lion for his grandfather, Leonard. An Army medal is proudly etched into his skin for his friend that passed away and his parents’ favorite Bible verses are represented on his other arm, along with the symbol for his brother’s favorite guitar. And when it comes to determination and rising through the ashes, well, he’s got tats that represent those traits too.
A rocket guitar player, focused writer, and intense performer, Ryan Kinder is one of the best triple threats we have seen in a long time. To check out our full interview, click here, and for an unplugged, intimate version of “Stay” featuring April Rucker, visit here. Last but not least, for more information on Ryan Kinder and Kinder’s Kids, you can check it all out at www.ryankinder.com.