Music Industry advice from Funeral for a Friend drummer; Ryan Richards has been talking to Live and Unsigned about the music industry as he prepares to judge the rock final of the unsigned music competition. Ryan is the screaming, swinging, driving force behind UK hardcore, rock band Funeral for a Friend, taking his place on the drums alongside his fellow Welsh band mates.

Funeral For A Friend 

Originally a keyboard player, Ryan’s career as a drummer began by accident in high school, when the drummer for his band stopped showing up to rehearsals. Ryan Richards stepped in and took his place and his long term status as the Funeral for a Friend drummer has seen him play on all five of the band’s album releases, from their 2003 debut ‘Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation’ which rode high in the UK Charts, to latest release ‘Welcome Home Armageddon!’ in 2011.

Music Industry Advice

L&U:  How strong is the rock industry at the moment?

Ryan:  The industry is struggling, but the scene is thriving.

L&U:  Has the rock industry improved or declined in the ten years you’ve been in the business?

Ryan:  In terms of "industry" then you could say it's declined with record sales decreasing. As far as quality of bands though, the industry is very much on the up.

L&U:  Where is the rock industry heading?

Ryan:  Meltdown or change. Whichever comes first.

Funeral For A Friend Live

L&U:  You’ve played some amazing gigs and festivals down the years. What’s the best act

you’ve shared a stage with?

Ryan:  There've been a lot of amazing bands we've got to share the stage with, but I really enjoyed touring with 'Story of the Year' over a period of 6 months back in 2005. They're definitely an underrated band that I never thought got the credit they deserved - particularly for their second album (In the Wake of Determination).

L&U:  Who’s your favourite rock band?

Ryan:  QUEEN. RIP.

L&U:  Best gig ever been to?

Ryan:  Kiss at Finsbury Park was pretty good. They had Rage Against the Machine, Skunk Anansie, 3 Colours Red and Thunder supporting. Nice.

L&U:  Best festival played at?

Ryan:  Sonisphere last year was really great and Download is always fun. Probably Soundwave Festival in Australia though, mainly because it's in Australia.

Funeral For A Friend on the Future of the Music Industry

L&U:  Will rock ever be as prevalent as it was in the 70’s?

Ryan:  I wasn't born in the 70's, but I do enjoy a lot of music from the era. There'll always be rock and people will always enjoy it. Whether "the masses" enjoy it is inconsequential.

L&U:  Will we ever have a rock number one in the charts again?

Ryan:  Yes, of course. Things just go around in circles. They always do.

L&U:  What do you think of the charts in general?

Ryan:  The charts are completely irrelevant to me. Just because a lot of people like something doesn't make it good, and vice versa.

L&U:  Any up and coming acts under the radar that you are tipping for success?

Ryan:  Too many to mention, and most of them are from Wales!

Live Performance Advice

L&U:  What will you be looking for from the acts performing?

Ryan:  Good songs, passion, creativity and an open minded approach to making music. A basic mastery of one's instrument is also a bonus!

L&U:  Any top tips for acts performing?

Ryan:  Rehearse!! And then rehearse more. Most importantly - enjoy yourself. If you don't, nobody else will.

Funeral For A Friend Advice for Live and Unsigned

L&U:  How important are competitions like Live and Unsigned?

Ryan:  It's a great platform for young bands to get the experience of playing bigger stages, and hopefully a stepping-stone to the next step in their careers.

L&U:  What advice would you give to unsigned bands in general?

Ryan:  Do what YOU think is good, not necessarily what's popular. Doing that already puts you ahead of the pack.

Funeral For A Friend Music Industry Tips

L&U:  What successful ingredient do you see in acts that make it?

Ryan:  Passion, creativity, hunger, talent, charisma, desire.

L&U:  How important is it to build your own fan base?

Ryan:  Crucial. If you rely solely on the support of a label to get you where you want to be then inevitably, once the label loses interest, you're going to find it hard to sustain a profile.

L&U:  How important is attitude?

Ryan:  Probably not that important. I've met a lot of incredibly dull people who make incredibly exciting music.

L&U:  What makes a good rock song?

Ryan:  There's no specific formula. Just be honest, play your instrument half decently and write lyrics that mean something to you. And be creative.

L&U:  What makes a good rock act?

Ryan:  Good songs, passion, creativity and an open minded approach to making music.

Don’t miss your chance to perform in front of music industry judges!