Ryan Adams of Mesa on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Ryan Adams and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Lately, my days have changed drastically! I have an (almost) 4 year old that keeps me busy every morning, but on top of being a full time dad, I have also taken over managing the booking, social media, and live production at the venue I have worked at for almost 2 years now (Foley Ranch in Desert Ridge)!

A normal day usually consists of creating content for our social media pages, responding to emails and DMs about potentially booking bands, and all the while trying to teach an almost 4 year old how to do basic math! Then, at night, I will go and manage the live production at the venue and make sure the bands sound great. After that, I DJ as an open-format DJ playing line dance and country swing songs until we close!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ryan Adams & along with a couple of investors I own PRD Entertainment based out of Wyoming. We have thrown festivals, dozens of shows, and now I work with some of the most prominent and up and coming country musicians in the Phoenix metro area! Along with helping other artists and musicians reach their goals, I also produce and distribute my own music that is an amalgamation of all of my influences over my 34 years on Earth.

Currently, I am working on booking new and exciting bands at Foley Ranch, as well as choreographing line dances to the music that I am releasing (hopefully) within the next 8-12 months! It has been a fun journey into the country scene in Arizona, and my team and I are very excited to keep building a presence within the Valley!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
This is an easy one.

Champhan.

This artist is not only one of the most influential people in my circle of creators, but he was the first to give me a platform to stand on and present my ideas to the world. My first time being filmed and produced while performing live was done by this individual, as well as many other videos and projects that allowed my creativity to shine. He has been able to see the value in those around him, and amplify it to a level they couldn’t have reached by themselves. I cannot thank him enough!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell him to worry more about the things that make him happy, and less about the dreams of those around him.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That social media is more important than real life interactions. While it holds a lot of value, we put way too much emphasis on “creating content” on hopes of going viral, but fail to make personal connections with the people supporting us in the process.

Social media and marketing is important, but, that’s not the reason people are going to continue to come watch you perform. It’s your attitude and personality that people gravitate towards. Often, I see bands with amazing singers and artists sit in their “green room” between sets, then wonder why they aren’t getting booked as much or why people aren’t dancing or enjoying their show.

On the contrary, for example, The Kruse brothers (a very popular country band from Phoenix) are almost impossible to spot between sets as they are busy talking to guests and supporters, making more connections each time they play. Mix that with a social media marketing plan that’s executed to perfection, and it’s no wonder these boys are opening up for Chris Stapleton and other prominent artists in their early 20’s.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think it’s going to be the different types of music I dabble in. I started by writing and producing Hip-Hop. Which, I am still a huge “Hip-Hop Head”, lyricist, emcee, etc. But, that’s doesn’t negate that I am a musician! I love all genres of music, and find value and time to listen to them all and enjoy utilizing aspects from multiple genres to produce my original songs & content.

I think me being a DJ for mainly country music may throw some people off, but, they need to realize I grew up in Wyoming. Literally, “The Cowboy State”!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prdentertainment.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehonoroll?igsh=N3NnOWFhYnpsdzV4&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Brandon Vogt