What are your names?
Ryan Cullinane and Andrew Cavaciuti
What is the band’s name?
ryan flynn
How did you come up with the band’s name?
‘Flynn’ is actually Ryan’s middle name and it kind of just became a name to label some very early computer-based music projects with. So, the name kind of just stuck and represents the entire project rather than just a person.
What is your genre of music?
Space pop. Pop tunes created with some intergalactic feels.
Give us a little bio about you as a band.
ryan flynn is an electronic pop music project currently based out of Rochester, New York. The music combines ambient electronic soundscapes with a dash of funk, pop and darkwave mixed in. Ryan Cullinane and Andrew Cavaciuti met as friends early on in their hometown of Long Island, New York. There, they wrote and performed in a metal band. It wasn’t until around 2016 where they decided to take some of Cullinane’s recent electronic work and start playing shows. The duo have recently released their eponymous EP alongside two music videos and are working on hitting the road.
What made you go into music?
[Ryan] I’ve always loved music, but I’ve also always loved the art of photography and filmmaking. I went to college for film, but throughout my time there I dabbled in creating some electronic music. I also noticed how much I enjoyed making scores for some of my classmate’s projects. By the time I left school, it was evident that music wasn’t going anywhere for me and that I really wanted to pursue something more in it. I love scoring for projects but it became obvious that I wanted to do more with my own music and get out there with some really cool people rather than staying inside and writing jingles all day. So, I got my gear together with Andrew and we started playing and writing as ryan flynn.
Are you signed?
We are currently unsigned.
What is the meaning behind the single?
“Hollow” hasn’t been put out as a single yet, but “Into the Mystery” was the last single we put out before releasing the EP. I feel that track is exactly what the title reads; into the world, into your life, into the mystery.
Describe both tracks in two words.
Into the Mystery: Space exploration.
Hollow: Night driving.
What was the writing process like?
“Hollow” is pretty true to it’s original demo with some amazing mixing from Andrew to finish it off.
“Into the Mystery” went through a few different changes throughout the writing and recording process. I would say that’s the most fun part for me. When you have some different people involved in the writing and recording of a song, you really get a cool final product with some ideas that you would never even think of.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process is always fun. Typically, I’ll write the bare bones of a song with some ideas of vocal melodies here and there. I send those separate tracks over to Andrew and from there, we’ll go back and forth with some additions, revisions, etc. Then we’ll finalize a lot of the lyrics and get some solid vocal takes in to seal the deal.
Who did you work with on the single?
For “Into the Mystery” Andrew and I had the pleasure of working with Luke Norris who plays sax on the track and has written many of the horn parts you hear on the album. We also worked with the phenomenal Gabe Millman who mastered the whole album.
How were they writing and recording process different to each track?
Each track always has a life of its own. There’s always elements of a track being introduced and taken away. Some are just electronic instruments while others introduce some raw textures like guitar or horns. Sometimes taking away the drumbeat is what gives a song more life rather than keeping a beat going. It really keeps the whole thing fun because there’s so much room for play. You have these tracks with varying moods and vibes, but they all come together as this cohesive space.
Will we a music video for either of the tracks?
There is currently a music video for “Into the Mystery” which is a soft follow-up to our first video for “The Wound.” It was a collaboration between Ryan and one of his great friends from film school, continuing the story of the great orb overlord through a retro video game.
Do you have any shows coming up?
We are currently working on booking some spacey shows throughout the U.S. Our next show will be in Saratoga Springs this September with a few more TBA dates through the fall.
What else can we expect in 2019?
2019 feels as though it’s cruising by, but we’ll be playing a lot of shows through the fall to continue the support of our new EP. Beyond that, you can expect a new single and video towards the end of September
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
Not at the moment, but we are always happy and open to collab!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Do not hesitate at all to contact us at: ryanflynnband@gmail.com
Do you play any instruments?
Yes! Piano/synthesizers would be Ryan’s main instrument and Andrew play guitar as well as keyboards.
Who are your influences?
Some of the influences are Phantogram, Pink Floyd, Tame Impala, and Purity Ring
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Inspiration to write songs really comes from hearing the great artists that exist all over the world. There’s some much wild stuff going on with music right now. The moment you hear something cool, you just want to sit down and write something. Almost like you want to reply to it. Really, it feels like a call and response amongst artists.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In 5 years, we see ourselves following up a new album release with playing in some energetic, vibrant cities meeting beautiful people and like-minded artists along the way.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
[Ryan] Beyond music, I certainly have a love for fitness, horror movies , and craft beer. Quite the trifecta beyond music, but all fun things for sure.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
One song is tricky, but one album that truly opened the doors for us was St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy. That production and sounds on that album conjure up feelings you never thought you could feel. On top of that, it combines these airy atmospheres with some crunchy grooves.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“There’s no reason to be nervous, you know what you’re doing” – there was one show that was a full house and my computer decided to glitch big time on me. Unfortunately, as I had nothing to say or do whilst waiting for things to catch back up, my nerves got the best of me and I froze. The best advice I have been given recently was after we wrapped up that set. This guy who was really into the whole sound, reassured me from that point on to focus on the fact that we know what we’re doing up there and that there is no reason to be nervous or ever show the audience that something isn’t going as planned. I think that applies to a lot of things so, it’s been helpful all around.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians , not about the industry and just as an artist?
Don’t be afraid to be an artist; explore, try new things, keep working.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Have a good time, all the time.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Technically, our hometown is Bethpage, New York, but as of right now, we call Rochester home. If you’re looking for a true dive with music of all genres, we definitely recommend hitting up the Bug Jar at any point throughout the week. Another stop would be the Genessee brewery; New York’s oldest brewery with a perfect view of the city.
You’re coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home sweet home with some celebratory beverages.
2/ Who do you see first? Kim and our pet fish.
3/What do you eat first? Probably a fine veggie dog from Dogtown (another Rochester gem)
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Orbs
Laptop
Keyboards
Cables on cables on cables
Space suit
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you? Sure do!
Spotify: ryan flynn
