Meet Ryan Peel | Songwriter & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Peel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I am a second-generation musician so I grew up in clubs and watched my dad be his own boss.

I have always been ambitious and creative, so the traditional 9-5 never worked for me. I don’t like being tied down and enjoy the freedom of entrepreneurship!

Although I love collaborating with others (and find it generally creates better art), I have a strong artistic vision and do not mind going solo.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very proud of my wife and two daughters and being able to balance my professional life with my private one.
As a child of divorce, it’s always been my main goal to have a family.

I owe the majority of my musical success to my father, as he was a drummer and my original inspiration. He steered me towards songwriting and put me on this path.

Music has certainly not been easy (even with the nepotisim factor) and I have definitely thought about quitting more than a few times.
Being a professional artist in any regard is not for the weak, and “success” is a roller coaster.

Making great art with great people IS the reward and one thing my dad told me has remained true: “If you just keep going, one day you will look around and everyone else will have fallen off.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Memphis is known for food and music and we have plenty of both.

For southern food, I’d bring them to Central BBQ (jerked wings are a must), Rendezvous for some Memphis barbecue nostalgia, Wing Guru for Honey Gold Lemon Pepper Wings, and Soulfish for catfish and other soul food.

For music I’d check out the Cooper-Young area: Growler’s, the Hi-Tone, Railgarten and Young Avenue Deli.

Aside from that, I’d take them on a hike at Shelby Farms and a river/bridge walk by the Mississippi.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader and I’m thankful I never had to fight for her support to pursue music. Shoutout to my momma and all the sacrifices she made for me!

Instagram: Ryan_peel_music

Image Credits
Jamie Harmon
Matt Henry