Ryan Sill – The Voice

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I think that over the course of the show that my sound has really evolved. When I came into this process, I was giving off these boy band kind of vibes. I was focused on singing pop, solely pop. Now, I’ve really transitioned into more edgier-pop, but I still have that soulful tone. So, it’s kind of mashup of rock, pop and soul.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I have a ton of musical influences. I would say the biggest ones would be Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Coldplay, Sam Smith, Justin Timberlake, Muse and One Republic. I have a varying taste in music. I am just a fan of music, in general. I like all different kinds and I gather influences from all different people.

Q) Your mother is a vocal coach. Did you think that was an advantage going into the competition?

A) She has helped me a lot with the technicality of my voice and making sure I’m always on pitch and in tune. This show is called “The Voice,” but it’s not all just about your voice. It’s about really being a performer and entertainer. You do want to stay in tune, otherwise you wouldn’t be on the show. But once you make it on the show, you have to be able to captivate an audience and really capture the hearts of America. To do that, you can’t just sing it through and hit all the notes. You have to entertain the crowd and perform to the best of your ability while emoting the message of the lyrics you are singing. I definitely had an advantage vocally, but as far as entertaining I did not have an advantage.

Q) How do you select the songs you perform each week?

A) I collaborate with the producers and with my coach Gwen [Stefani]. She collaborates with the producers and I kind of give them some ideas, a dream list of songs I would like to perform. Gwen comes up with some really cool ideas and bounces them off of me. We email back and forth so it is a really collaborative process. Then, we try to pick the perfect song.

Q) Last week you were the first ever fan selected save. What was going through your mind when they announced you were safe?

A) Wow! That was definitely the most nerve-wracking part of the show so far. My fate on the show really hinged on two words. It could have been me, Sugar [Joans] or Jessie [Pitts] and at this point I have made it so far on the show that even if I do get eliminated on the show at some point there are only positives to take away. When you make it on the Top 12, you get to come back for the Wild Card. There are all these positives to take away from being on the show, like working with all of these celebrities and getting to be around musicians and develop all these life long friends. My heart was beating out of my chest and I was really nervous and anxious. When Carson said my name, I was definitely thrilled. It was bittersweet to have to say goodbye to some of my closest friends. But I’m really excited to be moving on!

Q) Blake seems to have quite a guy-crush on you. How does that make you feel?

A) Blake is hilarious! His banter with Adam and the other coaches is always funny. He is just really witty and has the most clever things up his sleeve to say all the time. I think it is really funny that he has taken a liking to me. I think he’s the man! He’s Mr. Blake Shelton! It’s very flattering.

Q) What have you learned from your time being on the show?

A) I have learned so much! I was lost as an artist. I didn’t know who I wanted to be as a musician when I first started the competition. Since my blind audition I’ve really evolved and grown and figured out what kind of record I would like to make after the show. I have learned so much about performing from Gwen. She hasn’t given me a ton of advice about my vocals because she has the utmost confidence I am going to hit all the pitches. She is not worried about that. What she likes to work with me on is the entertainment aspect of this whole competition. She has helped me with the stage presence and really just emoting the lyrics so that the crowd feels whatever emotion I’m feeling on stage.

Q) Your look on the show has evolved as well. You had a haircut and you’ve changed the way you dress a bit. Are these changes for the show or part of your evolution as an artist?

A) Gwen is a fashion icon. Any advice she has in fashion is well appreciated. She knows what she is talking about. I’m always open to try new things. In life, it’s one thing that makes you feel the most alive – when you try new things. It’s always good to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and push boundaries. I was so thrilled that I was able to change up my style and really kind of grow as an artists in all aspects; not just with my singing, but with my style and fashion as well. It’s definitely not superficial at all. I love all the changes I have made during the course of the show.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) My fans are the reasons why I sing. I love singing, but what really inspires me is to hear other people say that what I’m doing is inspiring them and makes them want to grow as a musician or as a person. For them to be on my side all the way from my blind audition to now is really, really cool. They just have given me so much positive feedback that I just don’t know where I would be without that support system. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without the overwhelming love and support!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I would just like to say thank you all so much for voting and saving me this past week! I’m going to work my butt off this week to make sure that I am not in the bottom three on Tuesday. I love every single one of you!