Large trousered, blackberry-guzzling, indie-rock hopeful, Ryan Swift from Dream Cymbals distributor Soar Valley Music is this week’s hotseat guest.
Name: Ryan Swift
Job Title: Advertising & marketing bod.
What does that involve? Designing magazine ads, booking and coordinating artist events, liaising with brand endorsees, all facets of in-house graphic design including promo campaigns, brand logos, book layouts, product flyers, etc., etc.
What one thing would make your working life easier? If PCs didn’t decide to randomly freeze and slow to a grinding halt, particularly when an advert deadline is imminent.
The best thing about working for Soar Valley? Having friendly staff here helps the general atmos. Also, on the artist relations side; working with Rock and Rollers who were in some of my favourite bands growing up.
And the worst? Luscious blackberries surrounded by stinging nettles just outside the office window taunt me daily throughout the summer months.
If you had a band (or if, in fact, you actually do) what would they be called? I do; it’s a New Wave band called In Isolation and we’re about to release our debut album.
Pick three Desert Island Discs… I have a Spotify playlist of my favourite songs compiled over the years, so I can pilfer a few from that: ‘The Last Of The Famous International Playboys’ – Morrissey, ‘Moya’ – Southern Death Cult, ‘Sleeps With Butterflies’ – Tori Amos.
If you had a golden rule, what would it be? Continue being creative to keep the mind active.
What was the last thing you bought in a music store? My lovely Gold Gretsch G5438 Pro Jet guitar. Shiny.
Ever had a job outside the industry? If so, what? Before joining Soar Valley 20-odd years ago, I had night shifts putting windows together in a draughty double glazing factory. I don’t pine for those days.
Best advice you’ve ever been given? Adults are simply children in large trousers who bluff confidence.
Worst? It’s okay to tell people they are simply children in large trousers who bluff confidence.
What would call your autobiography? Blackberry Child In Large Trousers.
Do you do Twitter? If so how do we follow you? I’ve not visited my personal Twitter account for years, but the band Twitter handle is @InIsolation. Buy the album!
