Since Demetria and the band parted ways earlier this year, we’ve been searching for someone to fill out the low end. But beyond that, we wanted to find someone who would add a new facet to our sound. Complimenting our sound and contrasting it.
Introducing Ryan. He’s cool. So cool, I played like I was Larry King and interviewed him. Except cooler.
Read on fearless reader…read on…
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nick: Hey Ryan, who are you?
ryan: The name’s Ryan Griggs and I’m a 27yo regular nerd (as opposed to a “special” nerd). I enjoy a large variety of activities and especially anything involving the outdoors. A nerd that likes the outdoors? Yeah, I’m strange.
I also like long walks on the…nevermind.
nick: What got you into music? Why do you play the bass guitar?
ryan: I started out in music early on by learning the violin. I chose violin because I asked my teacher which instrument was the hardest to be the best at and twenty years later I still love it! I learned bass guitar because of a song I heard, actually. I had always been fascinated by bass, but once I heard the bass line in the song Tisbury Lane by Mae (fantastic band, check them out if you don’t know of them) I just HAD to learn that bass line. It just so happens one of my housemates at the time had a crappy bass lying around, so it worked out well.
nick: What else do you do?
ryan: My day job is as a software developer for a small software company. Outside of that, most of my time is consumed by mountain biking, disc golfing, ultimate frisbee, music, spending time with my girlfriend and playing with my puppy (not necessarily in that order!).
nick: Are you an Orc, Elf, Mage, or Fighter? Do you have a +12 Sword of Awesome?
ryan: This is somewhat of a trick question, since the Orc or the Elf could both be either mages or fighters depending on their skillset and/or desired career path! So, in return for a trick question, I will respond with an equally tricky answer. I’d most likely be a Elf Mage since I am tall, skinny and have loads of natural magic ability similar to the stereotypical Elf. I am incredible at Magic Missile.
I actually sold my +12 Sword of Awesome and traded it in for a Sword of a Thousand Truths. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade.
nick: What made you want to play with Public Static?
ryan: Strangely enough, I wasn’t even looking for a new band at the time. My roommate and I regularly peruse band want ads because many of them are pretty ridiculous. One day I ran across the Public Static ad and I liked what I read. I checked out the sample tracks and immediately contacted Nick. I’ve had the songs stuck in my head ever since!
nick: Do you have a favorite Public Static song yet?
ryan: I dig all of them so far, actually. I don’t think I have a favorite yet!
nick: Next topic. Lazor Beams?
ryan: Only when properly mounted to some frickin’ sharks. Or, in lieu of available sharks, angsty wiener dogs will suffice.
nick: Have you played with any other bands?
ryan: Yes, the most recent of which was a great experience with some long-time friends. We were pretty successful while it lasted and it will always be a fond memory.
nick: What kind of music do you like?
ryan: Pretty much anything…my playlist is pretty eclectic. ~35,000 songs (roughly 14 weeks of elapsed time) of eclectic. That pretty much sums it up.
nick: What inspires your playing? Do you have any bassists you model your playing after?
ryan: The common connection between people via music is what inspires me. No matter what culture you are from, expression via music can be understood and enjoyed by everyone. It is kind of incredible that music can touch each of us in completely unique ways. Like Michael Jackson, but less creepy and illegal.
nick: Do you have a favorite band?
ryan: I don’t have just one, but some of my favorites are: Mae, Mute Math, Project 86, Rilo Kiley, Swollen Members, Collective Soul, Rush and Clutch.
nick: Do you believe in aliens? Are they living among us?
ryan: I’m sure somewhere there is intelligent life other than ourselves. At least that is what Fox Mulder says. (editors note: the truth is out there.)
nick: Whats the funniest thing about spontaneous human combustion (SHC)?
ryan: It’s usually funnier when it happens to other people, but it sounds kind of like a kick-ass way to end a night in Tijuana.
nick: Do you name your instruments? Have you spent any time in a mental institution?
ryan: Nope, and nope!
nick: Is it possible to travel faster than the speed of light? If so, would you ride in coach or first class? I’m guessing first class.
ryan: Oh, definitely. I do it all the time. I prefer first class, especially when I’m on my frequent vacations to Phloston Paradise.
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Welcome Ryan!