In the world of indie music, there are few artists as dynamic and multifaceted as Ryck Jane. From her early days learning piano to mastering the trumpet and joining a hip-hop band, Ryck Jane has always pushed boundaries and carved her own path in the music industry. Her decision to go solo in 2013 marked the beginning of a journey fueled by passion, creativity, and a desire to amplify the voices of women in hip-hop.
In this exclusive interview, Ryck Jane opens up about her unique style and sound, highlighting the rare combination of skills that set her apart—from playing the trumpet to rapping, singing, dancing, and producing. She candidly discusses the challenges of being an indie artist, especially when it comes to funding, and shares how her determination and resourcefulness keep her pushing forward. Ryck also provides a glimpse into her creative process, which involves pen-and-paper songwriting, GarageBand demos, and finding inspiration during her everyday routines.
Through her music, Ryck Jane champions themes of respect and individuality, aiming to inspire listeners with her personal stories and powerful messages. Looking ahead, her vision is nothing short of ambitious: earning a Grammy trophy, landing sync placements, and performing for massive audiences who know every word to her songs.
Get ready to dive into the world of Ryck Jane as she shares her story, her artistry, and her dreams for the future.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I started playing piano at a young age. And when I got to high school I taught myself how to play the trumpet and joined a hip hop band called the Wylde Bunch. This experience taught me so much about performing and stage presence. In 2013, I decided to become a solo artist to pursue my passion for music. At that time, I was inspired because there weren’t many female artists in Hip Hop and I wanted to change that and make a difference in the culture.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
I am an artist who is not like them! The one thing that makes me unique and sets me apart from other artists is I’m a trumpet player. In addition, I rap, sing, dance and produce as well. There are too many artists out there who can do all of those things.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
My biggest challenge is funding. Mainly because as an indie artist, everything I do is paid out of pocket and I am trying to keep up with mainstream artists who are signed to major labels by having amazing content, music and visuals. It’s hard, but I stay vigilant and focused…and I save to support my ideas.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
When I get tracks from producers, I usually write while I’m driving or walking my dog. In addition, I still write my lyrics using pen and paper. And I come up with mumble ideas using Garageband on my Iphone to hear how the flow and melody will be. This is super helpful because it helps me remember my ideas and get them down quickly. This also allows me to
hear how the vocals will sound as a demo for the recording. It’s perfect!
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
My theme is RESPECT and DON’T BOX ME IN. I believe that when people respect you they are less likely to screw you over or treat you badly. And I think everyone should show people respect all the time.
I am inspired by personal life experiences and the experiences of my friends and others.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
One long term goal is to be a Grammy Award (trophy) winner. And I highlight the trophy because I have already received the Grammy Certificate for some work I’ve done, but the trophy is totally different. In addition, another goal is to get steady sync placements for my music that allows me to fund my music career and not do anything else but make music for a living.
In the next few years, I see myself holding that Grammy award and performing in an arena of 50,000+ fans or more all singing my lyrics to their favorite songs.
