Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Hadarah.
Ryan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was raised in Birmingham, Alabama. My father was a musician and a recording engineer, most of my childhood was spent in his recording studio. Naturally, I grew up idolizing his work. He passed away when I was fourteen, and that’s when pursuing audio engineering became a real passion of mine. However, I never wanted to play music, it felt pressured. I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was twenty. Of course, as soon as I did, there was really no turning back. I moved to Nashville to finish my audio degree and continued writing music in my bedroom. My music didn’t leave my bedroom until I moved to Chicago. I was blessed to have met a lot of really amazing people who have encouraged me to embrace the vulnerability of sharing my most inner thoughts with the public.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m not quite sure if a smooth road exists. Self-doubt has always been a huge struggle of mine. I try and combat that by appreciating all the little things. I think taking every small step as a success is the best advice I can give. Reward yourself for writing- that shit is hard! Okay, so you got yourself booked on a show? Take yourself out for a drink! Celebrating small victories, self-care, remembering that it’s a long journey – you might as well try and have some fun.
What should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At the heart of it all, I’m a musician. I love writing songs and singing. I could sing all day if I could. I primarily write on guitar, and then I take whatever I’ve come up with to my band. I think I’m known for having a strange voice, its sort of low and visceral. I love hearing my friends impersonate it – it’s so funny. I used to hate my strange voice, but now I love it. Its definitely something that sets me apart, and honestly makes me work harder in a way. As for work goes, I guitar tech for Avenue N Guitar and assistant engineer for Rick Fritz at Audiotree. I love working with Rick, I learn so much from him and I feel blessed to have that sort of mentor in my life.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I believe the learned social behavior that we have to view other women as competition, really holds us back. I think if more women supported each other’s growth, we’d have more female leaders. I remember in college, I was one of three women in my major. It never felt like we were trying to help one another. It felt so competitive as if there could only be one of us to succeed. I try to be as self-aware about those feelings as possible.
Contact Info:
- Email: ryan.hadarah@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ryanhadarah
Image Credit:
Cory Popp
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