Louder Than The Music

Worship leader, recording artist and award-winning songwriter, Travis Ryan, has just released his five-song EP, You Hold It All, and found time to speak with LTTM about his music and what inspires him.

Tell us a little bit about your new EP 'You Hold It All' and what the inspiration behind it was?

It’s a live album. We recorded it at LifePoint Church in the greater Nashville area where I am the worship pastor. I released my first album as a studio record and I wanted the second album to be different, and I wanted it to capture the voice of the church.

Which is your favourite track on the EP and why?

My favorite song on this EP is “You Hold It All.” This song is a very special song to me personally. Brandon Collins, Jordan Merritt, and I wrote this song a little over two years ago. Shortly thereafter my wife and I were pregnant and experienced a miscarriage. This song really ministered to us in that time.

If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?

I would work with Chris Tomlin. He really understands the local church and he does a fantastic job of writing songs that need to be upon her lips.

Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?

Both. Live gives you an energy that the studio cannot reproduce. No matter how hard you try, there’s nothing like playing a song for a group of people that’s singing it like it’s their very own. The studio is exciting because you can explore endless creative possibilities.

How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?

My influences are my brother, Brandon Collins; Coldplay; The Killers; film scores; and some opera. I like music that’s emotive and inspires you to do amazing things. I would hope that my style inspires the heart of the church to live beyond its four walls and live "sent"… to the ends of the earth.

How would you define success in your career as an Artist?

If I lead my family and I love them well, then I’m succeeding as an artist.

What is your favorite album of all time?

U2’s Joshua Tree. It was the first album that I listened to that made me want to climb Mount Everest, write a symphony, and paint the Mona Lisa. It set a high bar and made me want to go beyond myself and dream bigger.