An interview with Ryan Jarman, 2017

This interview was produced for a past exhibition at Wakefield Museum in 2017. Please note this exhibition has now closed.

Ryan James Jarman

Location: New York

A display case containing a photo of Ryan Jarman, his guitar and mic stand

Ryan Jarman's display case from an exhibition at Wakefield One in 2017

What was the first song that changed your life and where did you hear it?

It’s difficult to remember specifically, probably a Queen song. My uncle turned me onto them when I was about 10, just before Freddie died, and I got really into them. They were the first band I truly loved and that got me into listening to music every day.

Where did you buy your first guitar?

I didn’t actually buy my first guitar, my parents did. I’d wanted an electric guitar when I was in junior school 'cos I thought they looked cool and they seemed unattainable somehow. My mum asked me what I wanted for Xmas in 1991 and I asked for a red and white electric guitar. That was the only stipulation I had was the color. So they got me a red and white strat copy from String Surgeon, it was a Hondo if I remember correctly. I ended up selling it for £20 when I was a broke student, really regret that now.

What's the strangest fan experience you have had?

There’s been loads, too many to recall really but one that stands out in my mind is that there’s a guy with a huge tattoo of me on his arm. It's nuts. Pretty flattering I guess. I like the crazy fans though.

What careers advice did you get at school? / what did you want to be when you were growing up?

I don’t remember my careers advice meeting at school to be honest, I know I was already really into being in a band and making demos on 4 tracks by the time I was ready to leave school so they probably advised me to go to music college. Which I did.

I got a BTEC in Popular Music at Wakefield College and started using the studio there all the time, then I went to uni to do music technology for a few years but my heart wasn’t in it at all. I didn’t like the institution of education and the way it got in the way of me pursuing my own music. The student loan was handy for buying gear though...

I deferred the first couple of years at uni because I was never there, I was busy setting up Springtime Studios and getting The Cribs going, so by the time we signed our deal I was relieved to not have to go back.

One thing I heard a lot of, advice wise, was to give yourself “something to fall back on”. That’s something I never did, I thought that it would show a lack of dedication towards the band to do that.

Who was the first band you saw and where?

The first gigs I ever went to were local battle of the band things or gigs at youth clubs. Often it was friends bands and you’d just go there so that you could stage dive and have a mosh pit or whatever... it was the ‘90’s after all. I went to a bunch of those before going to a ‘real’ gig.

Where is/was the best place to go out in Wakefield? / what was the best band you saw in Wakefield (if any)?

When I go out now in Wakefield I generally just go to Inns of Court, that’s the only place left really that I used to go to when I was growing up. My favorite place to go out there ever though was Players. It was amazing. Classic punk rock dive. I’d go every Friday and Saturday and there’s usually be a decent gig on. Wakefield had a pretty well organized and supported underground punk scene that Players was at the centre of. Bands of that ilk from all over would come and play there. Some of the Wakefield based bands I’d see there would be Dugong and Pylon and people like that. Stuff I still listen to now. I miss Players, it’s the kind of bar you just don’t get anymore really.

What's the best bit about being on stage?

Just feeling something intense every night, that’s what I enjoy. The unpredictability. The slight differences between audiences in different parts of the world. I feel like it’s really cathartic too. Whatever you might be going through or however you feel, you find an outlet for it onstage.

What do you miss most about home when you are on the road?

I miss my cat and my own bed. Hotel rooms can feel like the loneliest places in the world and as much as I enjoy touring, I think people would be surprised at how alienating it can feel at times. The thing I enjoy about getting home is just getting back to normal life really.

When did you realise you had 'made it' as a band?

I guess when you realize that bands you loved as a kid are now fans of your band, that’s always surreal and rad. Or you’re friends with them.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone gave you and who gave it you?

I’m not sure. Courtney Love gave me ‘the talk’ one night but I can’t remember the specifics of it. I’m sure it was great advice though.

How do you relax?

Wear pyjamas.

I don’t really have any hobbies outside the band really, my life has just always revolved around music and most of my spare time is spent on that too.