Name: Ryan Sollee
Bands: The Builders & The Butchers
Websites: thebuildersandthebutchers.com

QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?

Ryan – I never really wanted to be a professional musician, just write songs. I did quit my job when I was 24 & moved to Portland, that’s when I wanted to take it a little more seriously.

QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?

Ryan – The first show The Builders & the Butchers played where more than 50 people showed up, any show that people are singing along.  Playing in Europe & having people know our songs.  Working with & playing with amazing people, musicians, & songwriters.

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?

Ryan – It wasn’t such a clear decision, but I think around the age of 30 when I got married I knew it was an eventuality.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?

Ryan – My baby is only 3 weeks old, but I am pretty much taking the next year off the road.  We’ve been touring heavy for 4 years, so a break isn’t necessarily negative.  I can’t write as much at home, but being off the road I can really concentrate on writing/recording instead of squeezing things in between tours.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?

Ryan – Touring is a challenge when you are married, so even though my wife is very supportive & has always been with me being on the road, it strains the relationship.  As far as our baby goes it is too soon to tell.  I think it will be good, I think also that I have to have different expectations as to what I can accomplish.

QRD – Have your children effected the music you make &/or listen to?

Ryan – It’s too soon to tell, but I think anything as major as having kids couldn’t help but change the way I process the world & in turn change the songs I write.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?

Ryan – I’ve been very lucky to have a steady job from home that I can work when I get home, things would be a lot more difficult if I didn’t.

QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known?

Ryan – I think I got in just enough touring to feel that I didn’t need to earlier.  Also I’m really glad I started in my late 20s, I think you can really appreciate the road differently being slightly older.
 
QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?

Ryan – Only time will tell.  I do think I would like to get involved with one of the many musical projects in Portland aimed at kids.

QRD – Would you rather see your daughter eventually become a musician or parent?

Ryan – Do I have to choose?  Music is a real source of joy in my life.  So is my daughter, but for totally different reasons, you really can’t compare the two.

QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in.  How do you end up dividing your time?

Ryan – I really love being busy with music, so it will be a constant struggle; but I also love spending time being a dad, like other things in my life, giving up one good thing means more of the other, but she is the biggest priority.

QRD – What does your daughter think of your music?

Ryan – So far she cries when I sing to her.

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your daughter?

Ryan – That would be a dream, I would love to, but I wouldn’t want to force something.
 
QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Ryan – Get out in the garage, or down in the basement, & practice as much as your parents can stand.

QRD – 2015 update - any new insight from three more years of fatherhood?

Ryan – I would say that being a father has really made me appreciate still being able to play music & collaborate with amazing creative people.  I really look forward to shows & recording in a much different way these days.