Dear Matthew Ryan

(Credit: Scott Simontacchi)

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Raise your hands, who out there has heard of Matthew Ryan? No, not the Atlanta Falcons quarterback. The musician. The one who will be playing a solo show with Michael McDermott on Thursday at Off Broadway. The one who has released two of my favorite albums the last two years. The one who is easily, in my opinion, one of the greatest living singer-songwriters we have with us today (even though he would never admit that, it's true).

This particular show, part of a tour titled "Miserable Irish Bastards," will be featuring songs off Ryan's upcoming album, 'Dear Lover,' which will be released digitally on October 27th. It's the perfect time to get to know Mr. Ryan, I can promise you that; for $10, you can see him live on Thursday at one of St. Louis' best venues.

Still not sold? Well, let's hear from the man himself, as he graciously answered a few questions for us.

This particular tour (or show) is labeled as "Miserable Irish Bastards." What makes you a miserable Irish bastard?
Well, anyone with an ounce of Irish blood knows that misery is the root of humor. Not sure what that has to do with your question. But clearly, Michael and I thought it would attract St. Louis Rams cheerleaders to the show.

You played Off Broadway in St. Louis last year. Anything you can remember about the club? Good venue for you?
Of course I remember. It's a great room, very welcoming and well run. I remember wishing I could pack it to the rafters every time. Because these are strange days for music and venues. Music brings a particular sense of comfort and intimate belonging to the communities that listen. Venues like Off Broadway are ground zero for that intimacy. I want to see all of us thrive. And I mean all of us: the artists, the venues and the listeners.

This is a solo show for you—how do you prepare when you don't have your band with you? Do you have a set list?
I probably prepare harder for a solo show than I do a band show. I usually gather a list of songs, rehearse them and then let the particular night I'm playing guide where it goes. I love playing with a band. But with bands there's often too many obstacles to real intimacy because my songs depend on a very distinct balance between cinema, vulnerability and heroism. A little too much of one of them can upset the intent. I feel solo that there less factors that can go wrong. I like that very simple challenge and risk. Makes for a very pure experience if a listener is up for coming along.

Your new record, 'Dear Lover,' will be released digitally next month. Can you tell us a little bit about these songs? Are you excited about performing them without a band?
Well, I love this record. The short of it is that last year I found myself in an emergency room with someone very close to me. All turned out fine, but in those moments I found the possibility of losing her beyond comprehension. So much between us goes unsaid. I wanted to make a collection of intimate anthems. Dangerously honest and cinematic love songs. I've been working the songs out solo, and because at their source and root, they're sturdy; they sound beautiful on just a guitar or piano. We'll see. I hope listeners agree. But, I feel pretty good about everything.

Five Matthew Ryan videos to watch before the show: