We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan & Chelsea Maker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryan & Chelsea, what are you inspired by?
Love. Of course for all your fellow blablabla… But more specifically that romantic stuff. It fuels the fire that drives us. It seems more and more common to find people that are almost anti romance and anti love. We think it’s more important than ever, and have made it a mission to intoxicate others with it. Almost all of our songs are love songs. Or have an element of love in it. Not that love is always sunshine and rainbows. How boring would that be? One song that comes to mind of urs is called “Break My Heart”. It’s really about acknowledging that you have to be vulnerable with another person. That being in love with someone means you’ll get hurt along the way. But when you give yourself over to that, you find things that you could never find on your own. There’s a synergistic effect that is created between two people in love. Something greater than the sum of its parts.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We Are Makers, sometimes called WAM, is the love project of Chelsea and Ryan Maker. Hailing from each coast of the US, the duo met somewhat in the middle, in Nashville, TN. There was an immediate attraction and undeniable chemistry that sparked many creative projects together. In 2016 they packed their few possessions up and took an extended road trip through the south towards the West Coast. They made a quick stop in Sedona, Arizona, to elope at the top of Bell Rock and finally settled in Los Angeles. In a peaceful Southern California backhouse nestled in Pasadena, WAM was born.
Since then, WAM has been performing as a three piece rock band all over Southern California. They released a full length album, Dreamers of Dreams, as well as several singles, music videos, and most recently created a vaudeville inspired musical comedy entitled The Makers After Dark.
They perform as a duo named Hex and Jinx, two enigmatic musicians with a captivating love story to tell. With their magnetic chemistry, they guide viewers through a romantic journey that delves into the mysterious and the macabre, all while leaving room for love and light hearted laughter. A concept album is currently being produced for this show, release date TBA.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Casita Del Campo is an amazing mexican restaurant in Silverlake that has been there for over 60 years. It was started by Rudy Del Campo, a dancer most notably known for the 1961 version of West Side Story.
The Cavern Club is a small theater below Casita Del Campo, ran by the infamous Mr. Dan. It is currently under renovation but should be reopening in mid spring.
Old Town Pub Pasadena is a fantastic tiny dive bar and a great place locals go to see live music and enjoy the small town vibe of Pasadena.
We love hiking through the angeles forest. Millard creek and Eaton Canyon are our regular go-to’s.
Il Fornaio is an amazing italian restaurant in Old Town Pasadena.
La Estrella is our favorite place for street tacos. It is family owned but there are several locations in pasadena and eaglerock.
Unincorporated coffee roasters is a great place for coffee in Altadena.
The Nocturne Theatre is one of the coolest venues we have ever been to or performed at. They have a variety of different theatrical shows as well as immersive theatre experiences.
Altadena Music Theater is a small but powerful theatre company we have been involved in and love to support any way we can. Be sure to keep an eye out for any of there upcoming shows.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Nicholas Minniti. Nick is a badass. Not only the founder of Proper One music licensing, but an excellent lyricist, rapper, and music producer. He’s released a lot of music under the moniker of Doc Prop and collaborated with other artists. His most recent stuff has been with another amazing producer, Alex Kazenoff, called Project Grizzly. We have also collaborated with Nick on a project we are very proud of called Bitterpants.
Website: https://www.flowcode.com/page/wearemakers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemakersband/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemakersband/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/wearemakers