Catch Of The Week: Ryan Pinette
Meet Ryan Pinette from Reading, MA
There’s a lot to like about Ryan Pinette. This singer/songwriter, who now calls Arlington home, has a warmth and charm that’s is undeniably honest. Just listen to him sing, and you’ll buy what he’s selling. Pinette takes a little from country, rock, and bluegrass influences to whittle his unique sound. Influences were all around Pinette, growing up. His mother worked at Berklee College of Music, so from a young age Ryan yearned to play. It wasn’t until he was 18 that he actually started playing. It’s obvious he’s made up for time. With a natural gift for writing and bringing his story to life on stage, Ryan has already released an EP “The Distillery” (2016) and been touring the area and the country. Whether solo or with his band, the Bay Staters, Ryan is an in demand artist and has played some legendary Boston stages, from the Hard Rock Cafe, to The Middle East and Thunder Road.
The Reel Ryan
Ryan hit the road and paid us a visit recently to share his original music! There seems to be a theme to his songs…
“Whiskey Whiskey”
“Pour Me Another”
Here’s the official studio recording of Ryan’s “Whiskey Whiskey”
Pinette Gets Personal
- Instruments played: Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica
- How would you describe your sound: Alt-Country. A little bit more of the independent rock and roll sound but not getting away from the songwriting that makes country music great
- Who inspires you: I would love to be able to command a stage like Tom Petty was able to do. It was just masterful. Also, all the great songwriters out there: John Prine, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Lori McKenna and so many others. I admire good songwriters, their words and stories they can bring to life
- Band name: Ryan Pinette & The Bay Staters is the full band outfit and the name is derived from all of us having Massachusetts roots
- All- time favorite country song: I think “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band is one of the greatest country songs ever written. I also love “Angel From Montgomery” by John Prine; it’s a masterpiece
- Favorite country concert: Garth Brooks blew me away when I saw him in 2015 for his 5 show run at the Boston Garden. So good that I bought tickets to the next nights show to see it again
- Current Country 1025 favs: Millionaire by Chris Stapleton. Anything by Stapleton, really. Also really dig all of Kasey Musgraves new material
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Something that puts me in front of or around people rather than sitting behind a desk
- Day Job: I run an employee training program for a tech company
- Most proud moment: Finishing and releasing my first record, “The Distillery”
- Craziest thing that ever happened in your music career: (if applicable) I once played a show pretty recent after I released my first record and when we started the show, during the first song I noticed a group of women I didn’t know standing in the front row that knew every word to all of my songs I was playing. Maybe not too crazy per se, but it was wild to me that these folks knew my songs
- Other things you like to do: Attending as many live music shows as possible. I also enjoy a good bite to eat. I love a good road trip
- Three frivolous fun facts: I used to live in Kentucky, where I developed an affinity for bluegrass and bourbon. I am a donut aficionado. My non-music dream is to host a TV show traveling around the country trying the best donuts. I used to host a TV show called The Songwriter Sessions that won a National Award for excellence in it’s category
- Mantra: I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty
Ryan On The Road
- Friday May 10th, 6:00pm: HK Too in Hull, Ma. (Hull’s Kitchen)
Pinette Posts
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
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*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
