Drawing on rich musical roots, personal instinct and a healthy dose of soul, new pop artist Ronny Van Dyke brings a style all his own- and fans of his new single ‘Last Curtain Lullaby’ all across the world are loving it.
A resident of Nuremberg, Germany, Ronny Van Dyke has been balancing life responsibilities with his creative drive for years, but has recently found his musical interests evolving and expanding. This evolution, it turns out, has been the conduit for an exhilarating journey to the threshold of worldwide recognition. Critics of Ronny Van Dyke's award-winning work recently had this to say about the rising star: ‘Ronny Van Dyke exudes pure good vibes in this seductive pop reggae smash with its compelling rhythm and effortless vocal stylings.’ Added to these honors, his debut radio single ‘Last Curtain Lullaby’ is rapidly ascending the international charts. Reporter Andrew Edwards recently caught up with Ronny Van Dyke to learn more about this intriguing pop artist, his unique musical vision and plans for the future.
ANDREW: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
RONNY VAN DYKE: It was in 2009 when we got airplay with the single "Please, please love!“ on an important German radio station. In 2010 we were support for "The Hooters“ and its mastermind Eric Bazillian, one of my favorite composers and songwriters. Then in 2011 we added the video to the song that was number one at ourstage.com, an American platform for newcomers. Tht led to the great success of our new single "Last Curtain Lullaby“ that won the award "Best Pop/Reggae Song, January 2016“ given by The Akademia.
ANDREW: Your song ’Last Curtain Lullaby’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
RONNY VAN DYKE: I was very happy. It satisfied my desire for acceptance of my songwriting style which I have practiced for more than forty years. It is a kind of lifetime work reward.
ANDREW: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
RONNY VAN DYKE: Sometimes an artist starts by feeling a little jealousy of other composers and songwriters. This leads to unconscious efforts to adopt their kind of writing, or to following some self- appointed experts. At the moment I realized that this was the wrong way to go and I had to do things of my own, I wrote the lines "so far so good, its time to say good bye“ – I left those people and the message behind, which is: don`t listen to anybody, always be your self.
ANDREW: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
RONNY VAN DYKE: This is true for me as a songwriter. Whenever I wrote a very good song I was emotionally in an extraordinary situation. Positive as well as negative - a catalyst can be a very recreative ride on my Harley though the countryside here in my home region Bavaria or a very sad encounter with a bum below a bridge in the park nearby. Whatever, creativity needs a kind of powder fuse to take place.
ANDREW: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
RONNY VAN DYKE: On the one hand I´m down to earth, strong rooted to my wife, my friends and neighbours in my hometown. On the other hand I like it to travel arround. I love Italy and America as well. Even though it is a long trip I have been a few times to New York, LA a
ANDREW: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
RONNY VAN DYKE: All members of the Band "Trash Pop Pilots“ are really chummy and from my point of view this is the only possible basis to work together. We spend a lot of time close together on tour or even when we are arranging new songs. Ok, I'm the boss, the band leader and songwriter but it would never have amounted to anything without a great team from band members to producer and sound engineer.
ANDREW: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
RONNY VAN DYKE: My father taught me how to play guitar, I am self educated regarding composing and arrangements. My brother is a professional guitar teacher and owner of a guitar school.
ANDREW: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
RONNY VAN DYKE: The best time ever happens live on stage, performing a song. I love it. Most challenging is the fact that smaller bands are losing more and more live clubs because they are closing. The live scene is more or less focused on big events. For a really sucessful concert, business musicians have to fill arenas. Up to now we have not been that far.
ANDREW: Who are your role models in music?
RONNY VAN DYKE: I´m a songwriter, my job is it to compose songs, write the lyrics and perform as a singer.
ANDREW: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
RONNY VAN DYKE: Opener for The Hooters in 2011, Bamberg, Bavaria. It was so great to meet the band and have a concert with an audience of more than 2000 people there.
ANDREW: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
RONNY VAN DYKE: Do what you have to do. Don´t listen to self appointed experts, augurs of the music business, or any prophets telling you what comes next and how to be sucessfull. Be a serious artist, be yourself.
ANDREW: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
RONNY VAN DYKE: We are performing some live shows until the end of March. In spring and summer I will go to Italy, Lake Garda, and Elba Island to write some new songs. I think in November we will start recording for the next album.
ANDREW: That sounds great! Thank you so much for letting me get to know you. I wish you continued success in your career.
https://www.youtube.com/user/ronnyvandyke
