Ryan Townsend Releases New Full-Length Album: “Revolve”

By Mellisa Esposito

His third LP features stripped-down acoustic covers of pop and rock hits, plus a selection of melodic acoustic originals meant for active listening.  

NYACK, NY — Hudson Valley-based singer-songwriter Ryan Townsend is releasing his third full-length album, “Revolve”, featuring 12 tracks of intimate acoustic covers and soulful originals. As of August 18, 2023, the album is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music. A download card and poster package can also be purchased at live shows or through RyanTownsendBand.com. 

“Revolve” was recorded at RCT Music Group in Nyack, NY with an original goal of featuring just six acoustic covers of popular songs spanning genres and decades. However, during the process of reinventing top-40 hits with a simple arrangement of acoustic guitar, synths, pads, and cello, Townsend found himself composing additional instrumentals that he wanted to share. What resulted is a compilation of six instrumental tracks, two original songs with vocals, and four acoustic covers: “Electric Feel” by MGMT, “How Will I Know” (Whitney Houston), “Use Somebody” (Kings of Leon), and “Wrote a Song For Everyone” (Creedence Clearwater Revival). 

“I chose to cover these songs because I wanted to create opposite takes on their original sounds,” Townsend explains. “They’re typically upbeat or danceable tracks, but I took a slower approach and stripped down the sound, so that listeners can find new ways of connecting with familiar favorites.”

The album’s first single, “I’ll Wait On”, is an original track in which Townsend’s soulful vocals express words of longing over gentle atmospheric guitar. (View the music video for the single here.) His mellowed covers of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” and Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” are more suitable soundtracks for a drive down a country road than a dance hall, with acoustic guitar backed by a cello’s swaying moan (performed by cellist Camille Dietrich). Townsend’s deep, at-times gravelly vocals provide an intimate-yet-powerful effect to the lyrics. 

Among the half-dozen instrumental tracks on “Revolve”, you’ll hear cascading guitar tones atop an ethereal backdrop that swells cinematically, then releases with the gentleness of a receding tide. The thread that ties each of the album’s tracks together is the allure of ambient sound, entrancing melodies, powerful vocals, and an authentic approach to music that’s made to stir the soul. 

To learn more about Ryan Townsend or for additional photos and media, please view his EPK here. Ryan is available for interviews and performances. Contact booking@ryantownsendband.com or (845) 358-1236.

How to Write a Great Song

Songwriting Workshop in Rockland County

 by Ryan Townsend

The two basic parts of most songs are the verse and the chorus, but the anatomy of a song can range in length and complexity to include additional segments such as the intro, pre-chorus, bridge, and coda. Every song is different. The arrangements are what help carry the song, bring out the emotion, drive the story, and tie it together.  

As a budding songwriter or musician it’s tempting to ask the question, “what’s the right way to arrange a song?” And truth be told, all though there are effective formula’s that can make a song a hit, the real answer is there is no right or wrong way.

Music, like a piece of artwork, is subjective. What one person finds beautiful and inspiring, another person can find unlistenable and unappealing. Often times it’s the connections that a listener finds in a piece of music that make it memorable. People want to relate to others through their shared emotions and experiences.  And sometimes people just want to do something as simple as dance, feel good, and not have to think too much at all.  

So, although there is no “right” way to compose a song or arrange a piece of music there are certainly some concepts and approaches that can help. Something important to keep in mind as well, is that this is not an instant process. Just as it takes a musician time to learn an instrument, it takes a songwriter time to hone and perfect his or her craft.

Listen, learn, and study from all the countless songs that already exist. Pick them apart, dissect them, recreate them, and get inspired by them. Write a lot and write often. You’ll need to work out the kinks and find your voice, and that will only happen over time. If you write 10 songs, a few might be decent, a few scrap worthy, but odds are you’ll also have a least one really solid idea because you spent the time to work through all the extra fluff.

Working with another writer or musician is also anther great way to improve by getting feedback and constructive advice. If you’re looking for a Songwriting Workshop in Rockland County,  RCT Music Group is a great place to learn and expand on the concepts in this blog.

Here are some additional concepts to keep in mind:

Chords Structure – This is often the foundation of the song, whether it’s a bass playing root notes, or a guitar strumming chords, this is what our melody and story sit on top of. Bring out the emotion here. Create the ebbs and flows between the major (happy) and minor (sad) chords. Find dissonance, resonance, tension, and reflections through more complex changes and voicings (diminished, augmented, suspended).

Rhythm – This is the feel of your song. The heartbeat. The pulse. Groove is everything or nothing at all.  Whether or not you have drums present in your song, the beat still “exists” and should be accounted for. Your song needs a tempo, a time signature, a style. This can occur with the accompaniment of an actual beat or through the strumming/picking of a guitar or arpeggiation of a piano chord for example.

Melody – This must be infectious, have space and most importantly be memorable. Something the listener can easily take with themselves, enjoying and humming long after the song is over. Something that will make them want to return to the song over and over again.

When writing your lyrics be truthful to yourself, your message, and your story and you’ll end with a great song. Never force the process. Ideas are all in the air waiting to be found.

Paul McCartney said, “The act of writing a song is a unique experience, unlike anything else I know. You have to be in the right mood and start with a clear mind. You must trust your initial feelings because at the beginning you don’t really know where you’re going.”  

Bring the song to life and let it grow and blossom through live performance and recording. When your song is ready if you’re looking to share and promote it learning how to copyright, register, and license your music is another important part of the process. Additionally, organizations such as BMI and ASCAP are great resources for songwriters and composers who publish and collect royalties on their music.

To explore these concepts further, RCT Music Group, offers a Songwriting Workshop in Rockland Country. The workshop, guided by Ryan Townsend, is a great place to expand on your craft, creativity, and help bring your songs to the next level.  

Advantages of Booking a Solo Musician

by Ryan Townsend

Finding the right music for your event can be an overwhelming and complicated task. A counterpart to food and drink, these elements are the backbone to any celebration and add to the success of your event. Whether it’s a party, dinner, wedding, fundraiser, holiday or corporate event music is an essential element for creating the perfect atmosphere.

For most events, the simplicity and intimacy of having a solo musician is a great alternative to the logistics and cost of a band. Typically you’ll deal one on one with the musician when booking, which will make communication more efficient and direct. You will also naturally save money hiring one person as opposed to a full band. This can often help maximize the budget of your event. In addition, having a solo musician can create a more warm and relaxed atmosphere. This can be beneficial especially if you’re not sure if a loud, full size band is something your event needs.

If you’re looking for a singing guitarist in New York Ryan Townsend is an experienced and unique choice for any event. His music catalog of over 600 songs spans the decades to include Rock, Pop, Soul, Alternative, Country & Blues. Old school favorites to contemporary Top 40. His performances are fun, memorable and can connect with audiences of all ages.

Ryan works with booking agencies such as GigSalad, The Knot, and Music Boutique NYC to provide a variety of different entertainment and event needs, as a singing guitarist and musician.

Ryan works attentively with each client to cater to their precise needs. He is reliable and always readily available. While helping to coordinate and accomplish the goals of your event his patience and flexibility will help make it a smooth process. He will work with you to build a unique set list based on the style of music you want and the atmosphere you are trying to create. He can keep a room entertained, all while adapting to the crowd and taking requests.

View Ryan's SONG LIST of over 600 songs, as well as, REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS from past events and clients.

If you’re looking to book a singing guitarist in New York call RCT Music Group at (845) 358 – 1236 or text (845) 642 – 3901. You can also email ryantownsend@rctmusicgroup.com and visit www.ryantownsendband.com for more info, media, and music.

Essential Recording Gear for Beginners

by Donna Buckheit

Essential Recording Gear for Beginners

When it comes to making music, having the ability to record and produce through your own means is a major source of freedom. Rather than having to sign with a record label, artists today can bypass this entire process and create industry-grade sounds from their bedrooms. An artist can certainly go fully independent with the proper know-how, determination, and of course, the right gear.

Whether you're a beginner just starting out, or you’re a seasoned artist looking to work independently, you can certainly benefit from gathering a bit of your own gear. Even if you have access to a studio space already, it can be advantageous to throw some at-home production into the mix, for demos, overdubs, or sudden surges of creativity.

Where to Start

Acquiring your first pieces of sound equipment can be daunting, especially when there are so many options on the market. One way to learn about production and equipment is to book a few sessions with a recording studio. Finding a studio to do music production in Rockland County or nearby would be a great way to diversify your knowledge of the craft.

When it comes to choosing your own gear, you’ll want to think about value; how to balance a good price with the quality of the product. There are also many different kinds of models specialized for specific purposes, so the more you know about your music production goals and each product, the better.

To make the process of sifting through the myriad of recording and producing products out there a bit less formidable, we’ve compiled a list of main essentials:

Computer/DAW

A computer may seem obvious, but it is essential for most digital audio workstations (DAWs). Ideally, you should purchase a computer with good processing power and compatibility with the DAW and music software you want to use. An iMac or the HP Pavilion 15 are great for music production due to there high processing power, ample storage space, and RAM. Ableton Live 10 Suite, Avid Pro Tools, and Logic Pro X are all great industry-grade DAWs.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is an essential piece of gear for most recording artists. It is essentially the bridge between your instrument and the computer, which then allows you to record, edit, produce, mix, and master sounds on the DAW. Most will have at least two inputs to plug in instruments and mics, plus a USB port to connect to the computer. A good interface should have low latency, high sound quality, and phantom power. Depending on your specific needs, your ideal interface could vary- whether the need is affordability, simplicity, multitracking, or a certain function or sound. If there are specific features you desire in an interface, it’s best to research devices with those in mind. For most beginners, Mackie, Presonus, and Focusrite all offer solid choices in a variety of models.  

Microphone

If you are investing in quality instruments and a recording interface, it’s worth it to invest in quality microphones too. A well-crafted microphone can make all the difference, especially if you are going to be recording a lot of vocals or acoustic instruments.[1]  Good starter microphones and studio standards are the Shure 58 and Shure 57. When searching for studios that do music production in Rockland County, keep the little details like microphones in mind. Studio gear should have good quality, range, and versatility.

Midi Keyboard

For those with an interest in producing electronic sounds or synthetic atmospheres, a midi keyboard is a must. These electronic devices include piano-style keys, controllers, and pads to produce and alter sounds. Midi can truly open up a world of options for recording artists, making it a great addition to an early collection of gear. The Korg MicroKorg is a phenomenal Midi with a synthesizer and vocoder, and it has been used by a lot of music industry titans such as Ariana Grande, Tash Sultana, Sufjan Stevens, and many more.

Headphones / Monitors

When you’re spending hundreds of hours in the studio recording and mixing your latest tracks, an excellent pair of monitors and headphones are essential. Believe it or not, headphones are likely to be the most utilized piece of gear in a production studio. A great deal of close listening is required in this craft, so a pair that allows you to hear everything in the mix and analyze components accordingly is a must-have.

When it comes time to purchase your new gear Sweetwater is a great place to start. They are a leading music instrument and technology retailer with amazing customer service and technical support. It’s a great resource to browse, shop, and compare products.

Other Add-ons

Once you have the bare essentials, you can begin to listen to your music with new hardware in mind, and then research kinds that would enhance it. Some very purposeful accessories include XLR cables, speaker cables, a pop filter for your microphone, a vocal shield, condensor microphone, compressor, equalizer, and digital instrument / mixing plug-ins for your music production software.

Music Production in Rockland County

There is truly an infinite amount of knowledge and wisdom to gain when it comes to creating music. If you don’t know where to start with your gear, or you simply want to expand upon your knowledge of music production, consider scheduling a session with a professional. To learn recording and producing tricks from an experienced professional and talented artist, call RCT Music Group at (845) 358-1236 or email ryantownsend@rctmusicgroup.com

Hidden Benefits of Music Lessons

by Donna Buckheit

Regardless of current skill level, anyone can benefit from music lessons. Perhaps you're a bedroom guitarist who's been self-teaching for a few years, a life-long avid performer, or total rookie. There's always more to learn, and having a musical mentor to guide you could lead to an artistic breakthrough or unlock new potentials. Here are the hidden ways music lessons help:

Discovery

If you're thinking of trying to learn music for the first time, or you're a parent interested in signing your kid up for lessons, I have one piece of advice: try it. There are many great places to start if you're looking for piano or guitar lessons in Rockland County. You never know what kind of opportunities the seed of a single music lesson could plant for the future. That one exploratory lesson could expose someone to a world of intrigue they would've otherwise never known existed. One lesson could become years of lessons, training, and dedication. Down the line, it could lead to career opportunities in teaching, music publication, therapy, production, or performance. Most importantly, it could lead to happiness and enhanced quality of life.

Brain Workout

Having a task to focus on, in the form of a comprehensive and individualized lesson, is great for exercising those brain muscles. Learning a new skill, especially music, promotes healthy cognitive functioning by thoroughly stimulating nearly every major part of the brain. Neuroscientists call playing music a "full body workout for the brain". Musical activity has been known to decrease the risk of dementia and enhance brain resiliency. In turn, positive effects include enhanced motor skills, thinking, reasoning, memory, interpersonal abilities, and overall cognitive functioning.

Music is Medicine

There's a reason music has been a beloved part of life and culture since before Ancient civilizations. Musical activity and playing instruments effectively improves self-esteem, provides an emotional release, and boosts participants' moods. Having an artistic outlet that is so effective at regulating emotions would work wonders to improve quality of life.

Whatever your reasons for tuning into your music education journey, be sure to take lessons with the right instructor. Research and weigh your options for piano or guitar lessons in Rockland County, as the best one can make all the difference.

Guitar Lessons In Rockland County

You will want someone professional, knowledgeable, and respectful. Ryan Townsend at RCT Music Group has been teaching music over 15 years. He gives lessons in performance, theory, songwriting, and music production. He is specialized in guitar, piano, drums, voice, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, violin, cello, harmonica, and saxophone.

Ryan works with each student to identify their goals and needs. He creates specific lesson plans and curriculum based on skill level and the type of music the student is interested in learning.

When you are at RCT Music Group the studio is at your complete disposal. Ryan creates a very comfortable setting to learn, record, write, and perform music in. He is attentive, patient, and strives to make sure each client has a memorable experience. He aims to inspire his students, advance their skills, and develop a lasting relationship.

To schedule a lesson with Ryan, call 845-358-1236 or email ryantownsend@rctmusicgroup.com

Booking Live Music For Your Event

by Donna Buckheit

Music makes everything better- especially live events. There’s nothing like the energy from a classic rock band to liven up the party, or a soulful acoustic performance to enhance those heartfelt moments. But, what if you can’t decide on the band, DJ, or type of music for your special day? What's an appropriate budget size? How do you predict which choice will set the mood and make memories? Searching for the right music to play at your event can be a tricky task, which is why we’ve outlined the ultimate guide to booking event music.

Budget

First things first is: know your budget. Unless you already have a number of musical connections on speed dial, you’re going to have to pay up. Calculate what your budget is for the whole event and determine how much of that can be allocated towards music. This will allow you to make an informed choice when selecting the right band. All prices will vary depending on services, location, and the demand of the artist, but a DJ for a wedding reception or similar event typically goes for around $2,500. An acoustic band in the Hudson Valley might charge anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per event. Note that solo artists can be a lucrative choice for those trying to save money, since they often charge less due to having less people to pay. If you have the time, listen to a few local bands and musicians. Visualize them playing at your event and imagine what they will bring to the atmosphere; then choose the one that resonates with you the most.

Choosing an Artist

Should you book a band, DJ, or solo artist? It really depends on the vibe you want to create at your event. It also depends on the individual artist and their repertoire. For somebody looking to host a lively function in the city, a DJ might be best. However, for most events, including weddings, parties, reunions, anniversaries, baby showers, and corporate events having live music is really going to help create a sense of human connectivity and social togetherness. There is nothing better to bring people together than the beauty of live music right before your eyes.

Type of Music

This is a big one. A lot of this might come down to personal preference and your vision. Whether you want your band to provide the funky grooves for guests to dance, or the emotional acoustics to make them relax, you’ll want to listen to the band and research them prior to booking. Ideally, the performer would be able to play a wide range of musical styles to help bring different energies at the right moments. A seasoned musician can ease everyone in during cocktail hour, and then bring them up once they’re a few drinks in and ready to party. A good event performer is not only someone who can play beauteous music across various genres, but who reads the room around them, and responds to it energetically with their music and can also take requests.  

Booking an Acoustic Band in the Hudson Valley

Using sites like gigsalad to book highly rated performers can save you a lot of hassle and direct you to musicians who put on the best show possible. Ryan Townsend is an acoustic band in the Hudson Valley you can book with confidence. His catalog of music spans the decades to include Rock, Pop, Soul, Alternative, Country & Blues. Old school favorites to contemporary Top 40. His performances are fun, memorable and can connect with audiences of all ages. Booking Ryan for an event is like having a live jukebox! Call (845)-358-1236 to book Ryan for your event today.

Should You Build an At-Home Recording Set-up or Book Studio Time?

by Donna Buckheit

When deciding how and where to record your next music project, the list of factors to consider is as long as Elvis Presley’s discography. There’s cost, quality, space, flexibility, and efficiency, to name a few. Two ways indie artists or smaller musicians can go are to build an at-home recording space or to book time at a professional studio. There are a few artists like Billie Eilish who started out making successful tracks from their bedroom studios, but this is rather unorthodox. In order to make a track sound professional at home, you’d need the right equipment and a great deal of know-how. Here’s why you should consider making the trip to a professional music studio to lay down the track.

Space

The first tricky part of building an at-home studio is finding the space. First, the area needs to be big enough to store microphones, a computer and DAW, amplifiers, and possibly other large instruments like a drum set or piano. Next, you’ll want to make sure that the space is in a quiet location, or that it has sound proofing elements. Hard, dense materials like concrete, tile, and hardwood are best for flooring, and concrete, vinyl, lead, and steel are typically good for walls. It can be difficult to find any space that meets these requirements, let alone one inside your home.

There are other factors to consider, such as heating and cooling for the space. It needs to be done, but in a way that won't add jarring noises in the background. Musicians with band experience know: it can get very hot with a full band of sweaty musicians rocking out in one room for several hours. How you plan to heat and cool your at-home studio is one of many overlooked factors that could wind up having a big impact on the process, and in turn, the final product.

Time

If time is an important factor for you, then booking a session in the studio is the way to go. Not only can you skip the undertaking of building and refining a home studio, but you can cut out all the time it would take to learn how to use each and every microphone, DAW, amplifier, soundboard, and software. A studio professional might be able to create the sound you're looking for on a synth in a matter of minutes, due to years in the field and familiarity with the equipment. This would certainly bypass the copious amounts of YouTube tutorials and Sweetwater forums needed when first learning the basics of any new hardware or software. An expert will also likely have higher quality equipment that runs faster, with less bugs and glitches that eat up precious time and break focus. Should a technical error arise, the expert will be able to resolve the issue swiftly. If production expertise is what you seek, there are many exceptional recording studios in Rockland County to explore. 

Quality

When it comes to your music, quality is the most important factor. You want the words to sound crisp through the microphone, and the instrumentation to be rich and full. You also want access to the endless possibilities of sounds that can be created through a top-notch studio and a knowledgeable producer with a creative vision. The opportunity to have your work checked and exposed to the perspectives of another artist who understands the anatomy of successful songwriting and production is the advantage of collaboration. This is truly what gives professional studios their edge; quality sound and artistic wherewithal will make for the best music possible.

Cost

I know what you're thinking, the whole point of an at-home studio is to save money. But when you consider the investment it takes to build a quality at-home studio, the numbers start to add up. Foam walls for proper acoustics run for about $100 per crate and could require up to seven crates for larger rooms (that’s a lot of foam!) A good digital audio workstation (DAW) goes for a couple hundred bucks, a decent microphone around $500, digital software to edit the tracks could cost up to $900, and a good MIDI keyboard at least $300. So, all together, an at-home studio that yields decent quality results will add up $1,200- $2,400 at the lowest. This is no small investment- and that’s only for a very basic, bare-bones set-up. More advanced at-home studios with all of the proper bells and whistles to produce industry-grade sounds can amount to a whopping $30,000. That’s right, you read that correctly- not 30,000 doll-hairs, but 30,000 dollars!

Recording Studios in Rockland County

There are some very reasonably priced recording studios in Rockland County, where you’d likely spend less for an EP or album than you would to build a professional-grade home studio from scratch. At RCT Music Group, you can record in a professional studio with access to a variety of recording equipment, amplifiers, microphones, and instruments. You can book a four-hour recording session here for $250, which comes out to just over $60 an hour- a very solid price. Call today at 845-358-1236 to schedule your session and make some magic in the studio!

The Advantages of Music Lessons vs. Self Teaching

by Donna Buckheit

With today's wealth of knowledge and information readily available on the internet, is there ever a reason to leave your home? You can get a little bit of everything all of the time while on the web. But after nearly two years indoors, many of us have come to realize, there are some things you just can't get online, especially when it comes to learning music. Let’s dive into a few of them:

Access to an Expert (Who is a Human)

It’s true that you can get just about anything you can imagine on the internet- and this includes music lessons. Music lessons on the web are an impeccable resource, drastically expanding the amount of people who have access to music education. It is a beautiful thing when anyone who wants to learn an instrument can do a quick Youtube search on their laptop and find an endless bounty of music tutorials. However, there is something to be said about having access to a real live human person with years of experience in the field. A music instructor can listen to what you’re playing, and offer individualized directions for improvement and learning. They have the ability to answer questions and provide insights in real-time, unlike a Youtube video that might take weeks to respond, or might never be able to at all. If you’re having trouble with a certain section of music, an instructor would be able to play it back to you themselves. This would allow you to hear and see it played correctly, helping form the mental connections necessary to improve.

One-on-One Interaction

Music instructors typically offer one-on-one music lessons, in which they are committed to actively listening to students’ learning goals and responding accordingly. They can construct individualized lessons in which they provide feedback and gauge the student’s level of progress and mastery. This becomes especially useful when learning very challenging or advanced music. To find quality music lessons in Rockland County, click here.

Access to Music and Instruments

A very obvious advantage of taking music lessons is the access to resources a professional music shop or musician will have at their disposal for you to use. Finding sheet music for very specific songs can be tricky if you're searching for it online by yourself. A music instructor might have another means of finding it, or may possess it already from years of obtaining music for lessons.

Music instructors are also able to provide something a little more bulky than sheet music, and that's the instruments themselves. Instruments like the violin, guitar, or flute are fairly easy to acquire and keep at home for a self-taught music lesson online. With larger instruments like the piano, organ, harp, or drums, it’s much more convenient to take lessons at a music store or studio with these instruments readily available for use.

Better Focus, Less Distractions

Having the right environment for learning and practicing is essential for growth. Take music lessons in Rockland nearby for the optimal learning environment! For those of us who tend to lose focus on our phones or laptops (which is basically all of us), we know we need to turn off the gadgets and turn up the focus. With a music instructor in front of you, there’s very little impulse to check an email or browse Instagram, because they aren’t right in front of you. Instead, a person is- which brings us to our final reason why online tutorials will never overtake music lessons:

The Opportunity to Unplug

In a busy world where we have access to “everything, all of the time”, it can feel impossible to stay present and detach from the digital realm. But with the right music instructor, you can stay focused, see improvements, and get lost in the music. All of these elements will compel you to experience the world without a lens, and to unplug for a while. (Well, at least from your phone; the amp- you may have to plug into.)

Music Lessons In Rockland County

Contact Ryan Townsend of RCT Music Group at (845)-358-1236 to schedule your music lessons in Rockland County today! Enjoy all of the benefits music lessons have to offer.