'The Track That...' with Ryan Farish

Written by Remco on 28 November 2017 in Interviews
'The Track That...' with Ryan Farish
Certain paradigms in the world of electronic music cannot be entirely replicated, and the body of work by Ryan Farish deserves such an accolade. Releasing his 14th (!) album earlier this month, it was time to invite him for the 23rd episode of our exclusive 'The Track That' series.

The track that I wish I’d produced is... Above & Beyond feat. Zoë Johnston - Peace Of Mind. This is music. This is music with purpose. This is a song everyone can relate to at some point in life. Music that lifts your heart, gives you strength and inspires hope, well that’s the crown jewel in my book.

The track that could make a grown man cry is... Chris Isaak - Wicked Game.  Such a great song, and just an overall timeless sound. It was so simple, and absolutely captivating. And…that video, dear goodness… As a young musician I was mesmerized by the simplistic beauty in the writing and tone of this song, and how powerful great songwriting can be.

The track that never fails to put a smile on my face is... The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony. Another song I remember from my early years. Just put this on in your headphones, step outside and explore the pretty lights- “Rock star” mode engaged.

The track that puts a big a lump in my throat is... Prince - When Doves Cry. The best ones go too soon…but never really leave us.

The track that isn’t electronic dance music, but rocks just the same is... Coldplay - Clocks. First note into that song, and time just stops for me.

The track that should’ve been in a movie is... Shameless plug here, but I’ve always felt my song “The Summit” from Life In Stereo might have a place in a movie someday. It’s very trance, but really has no drums… there’s a pulse about it that is very rhythmic and takes you higher and higher.

The track that is so perfect in its Original form it should never be touched by man nor remixer is... Jon Hopkins - Light Through The Veins. This is electronic music perfection. Obviously Coldplay’s use of this piece in “Life In Technicolor” is where many heard this song for the first time, including myself, but sonically and melodically… it’s just filled with life… a masterpiece of music in my book.

The track that made some a hero to me was... Seven Lions - Days To Come.  It doesn’t get any more perfect than this, for me… the way Jeff Montalvo married beautiful sounds with those edgy sounds and how they all work together so seamlessly. This one has peaceful moments, and then there are moments that are just incredibly hip with the production… absolutely brilliant track… all of his music is brilliant to me.

The track that surprised me the most when I heard it was... Adele - Hello. When the chorus hits, there simply could not be a more undeniable hit song right there. I was literally floored.

The track that changed my life is... Pat Metheny Group - Last Train Home. I heard this for the first time very early in my formative years as a musician and composer. It’s such a musical track, and the scat vocals exposed me to the idea for the first time, that music, and specifically music with vocals with no lyrics, could move me beyond words. Harmonically and compositionally speaking it has so much substance, but it’s so well done that you don’t really focus on how musically complex it is. It’s music that really sings to the heart, and was really the first track like this that moved me in such a way.

The track that got me into trance was... ATB - Ecstasy. One of my all time favorites, and was a track that I again connected with very early on for me as a producer. Later in my career I had the privilege to work with Tiff Lacey on my albums ‘Destiny’ and ‘Upon A Dream’.

The tracks that I’ve just put out there... is my 14th full LP album, ‘Primary Colors’ on Black Hole Recordings. It’s the album I’ve always wanted to create. It really follows no trends, and is music that I really connect with right now. I worked on it for nearly two years, and the experience of writing and producing this album has really allowed me to find new places, and depths in my writing. It’s my most adventurous and accomplished album so far, I feel. It also features two songs written with my friend Christian Burns, “Find You” and “Safe in this Place”.  I feel like this album marks a new chapter in my writing and music, and has me so excited to explore more music with the sounds and the feelings this new music has given me.

 



Other News