How did you come up the name Ryan Hamilton & The Traitors?My bandmates and I are big Star Wars fans. They had used “The Traitors” before on one tour, so when we were coming up with a new/updated band name they mentioned it. The new Star Wars movie had come out, and the “traitor” reference from that film really resonated with us. So, it stuck!
How you describe your genre of music?
I would say it’s country tinged pop/rock
You’re releasing new single ‘We Never Should Have Moved To LA’, what’s the meaning behind the track?
A lot of bands and/or artists move to LA to “make it”. But I’ve never understood why.
Can you tell us a little about your writing process?
Songs or ideas come to me. I never sit down and go, “I’m going to write a song”. I wait for the idea to come to ME.
You worked with some well-established musicians in the past, like Ginger Wildheart – what advice have they offered you?
Yeah, I guess I have, huh? My favorite bit of advice that Ginger has given me thus far is how important it is to “stay consistent”.
Can you tell us more about some of your favourite tracks on the album?
They actually change. But right now, my favorite has to be “Smarter”. I love how it goes from a Classic Rock sound, to a Pop Rock sound… and then a Country middle section. Love that.
Later this month youre heading out on a UK tour, what shows are you most excited for?
I’m excited about them all. London is our album release party… and we’re recording the show, so if I HAD to pick one to be a little more excited about. It’s that one. Plus, it’s in an old church, and it’s SOLD OUT.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Doing the same thing, the same way I have been for the last 2-3 years. But on a much bigger scale.
When you’re not doing busy making and playing music, what else do you do?
I really like to paint and draw. I love to LISTEN to music too. So, I do a lot of painting while listening to music. Haha. True!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I don’t think I have a favorite saying or quote, but the most important thing to me is HONESTY. I am always honest. To a fault sometimes. It’s something my dad instilled in me, and I am forever grateful.
You’re coming off tour and going home…
1/ where do you visit first
I always stop at Whataburger after a tour. I don’t know why… but I CRAVE it.
2/ who do you see first
My beautiful wife.
3/where do you eat first
See question number 1. Haha!
Do you have social media accounts we can reach you on?
Yes, and I use them all the time.
twitter.com/TraitorRyan
facebook.com/ryanhamiltonandthetraitors
instagram/TraitorRyan