How would you describe your own music?

Every country and culture has contributed to the styles which became American pop, rock and country. I call our music, “American Music for the world” without fences or walls.

Can you share the inspiration behind “Twerkin’ with a Twang” and the creative process involved in bringing it to life?

Billy Ray Cyrus and I were on the phone discussing an old song he was interested in cutting. He asked me to write some replacement lines, and we were basically “spit ballin’” ideas. A funny replacement line popped in my head, and I just spit it  out. We both laughed, because it was obnoxious and the mental image was so funny. I said “man….I think this could actually be a song all by itself!” Bikky was like “YEAH MAN!”, and about four hours later we had a hilarious track, THAT WOULD ROCK!!

With “Twerkin’ with a Twang” what was your main focus? What did you want to try and achieve with this track?

I envisioned something that would groove, make people laugh and smile, that would tear down walls and fences. Music is the universal language, so the goal is to create a song that pulled my fav aspects from three different genres. Rock, hiphop and country

What’s the story behind the name Uncle Ryano?

Growing up in East Texas, my aunts, uncles and cousins called me Ryano. Only those closest to my past would new me by that name.

After suffering many family losses, I retired from touring and recording in 2008. My went back to my beginnings, and rebuilt a version of me that wasn’t known for the music. After the 15 year hiatus, when me and the team were discussing my return, the question arose what I “would go by?”. I was looking at family photos of a beach trip to Florida with my Niece and Nephew,  and as we kicked around the different ideas from everyone,  I finally said…”hey…what do yall think about Uncle Ryano”. After some silence,  it was unanimous. It fits me now, and it’s who I am.

How did you get started in music? What’s the back story there?

Originally, my 1^st time on a stage was for an audition. It’s what u had to do for losing a bet. Hahaha! I don’t remember what I would’ve received if I had won, or what the bet was originally on, but that 1^st audition was wild. It was after a local Opryland show had ended and the crowd was leaving the venue. I had my back to the room, facing the band, the song was “Tulsa Time”. I was one verse and Chorus into the song when the band leader stopped everything and yelled to the booking lady “Book Him!” I turned around to see around 80 people had wandered back in to listen, and I still wasn’t sure what was happening. From there I did my first performance,  was booked on 6 more shows  after that, was in an all black band for a flew months,  then had my own band called “Hired Guns” by the time I was 18. We were off to the races yall!

What can you share about your writing process?

Each verse is a minimovie,  the chorus ties all the minimovies together, the bridge sets up the final though, that should stick with people. The melody and groove stimulate the necessary emotion, and the lyric paints mental images and makes people think. When they all work together it’s magic.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far? Maybe touring or who you’ve played with, something that’s really stood out.

Way to many to list! I have been truly blessed! Performing onstage with the “dream” country band- Charlie Daniel’s on Fiddle, Ricky Van Shelton on Accoustic, Steve Warner on lead, Joel Sonier of accordion, Gerirge Jones and Jonny Paycheck  were on a mic, and myself and Sarah Evans joined Merle Haggard to sing “Workin Man Blues” at Fan Fair 1997 in Nashville TN. That was one of many epic moments.

Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?

I truly love writing and bringing the music to life in the studio. That’s my fav part musically. I also love connecting with the people after the shows. They are “my rockstars”. I love them.

Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and start your music career all over, what would you do differently?

I would’ve been more patient, and when it came to the “professionals” with “experience” in Nashville, I would have kept multiple options alive until the music was on the radio. I’ve made a lot if people wealthy,  while still having to fight my own battles. I’m very forgiving and loyal, and that hurt me at times because most people’s love only extends to the point you can nolonger do anything for them, then the love stops. I was “ride or die” before it came into style! I would’ve tempered that more, if I could have and still kept being the truest version of myself.

Based on your own experiences and lessons learned, what guiding principles or words of wisdom would you share with aspiring artists looking to carve out their path in music?

Take your favorite aspects and vibes from all your favorite songs, and play with them until you create a new vibe or style. Make it uniquely you! You are the only one who can! This is a marathon and not a sprint. If you truly love it, it’ll never be work. When it becomes work, it’s time to stop. The process is the payoff, the journey is the destination. Who travels the road with us is what makes it all epic. Remember that while you can.

What’s next for you?

The new animated music video for “Sicario” is in production, and we are hoping for release in late August/early September 2024. It’s a cool fusion of Latin salsa,  New Orleans Jazz, and hiphop, whit a Country vocal “What!!!”

We are playing the House Of Blues New Orleans Next month, the team has begun discussions regarding tour dates for 2025

And we have 2 studios projects underway that are opposite ends of the music spectrum….it’s crazy cool as the songs are coming together. Can’t wait for you to hear the new music, and please check out the (2) 12 song albums I released last year! “You are lov3d and Appreciated”- Unc

Unc got to spend some time talking with Tattoo.com about life, music, and some upcoming performances.