Go Big Or Go Home. That could easily be the motto for Ryan Laird’s life these days. You’ve read about this up and coming star taking out his entire life savings to put up a billboard in Nashville, asking Taylor Swift to produce his album.
Ryan spoke with Grits N Whiskey about his unique idea and filled in the blanks on this crazy, yet hopefully worthwhile adventure.
Ryan tells GnW that he chose Taylor because “she is a great writer [and] writes songs about real life…she doesn’t candy coat things…she just tells it like it is”.
The single, Laird says he hasn’t quite had his ‘I’ve made it moment yet’ and still has ‘a LOT of goals left to achieve’. He says ‘there have been some really cool moments so far… seeing myself in Country Weekly”.
What made you decide to post the billboard?
The idea came to me as I was laying in bed one morning. I wanted Taylor to produce my record, so I knew I needed a unique way to get her attention because she’s so busy these days promoting her record and preparing to tour. At first I wasn’t sure, but I’m really glad I convinced myself to do it!
What exactly went in to getting your billboard up?
Well, first there was the idea. I took that idea to my manager and a few close friends to see what they thought of it. We had to figure out what was involved in putting a billboard up, and how much it was going to cost (seriously…LIFE SAVINGS!!). Next step was finding a photographer who “got it”. Ben DiRienzo is a great guy to work with…he put it all together for me, and I’m really happy with the results.
Ryan still hasn’t heard from Taylor yet, but he is very hopeful as are the many followers he has acquired along the way. When asked where he sees himself in five years he says he’d “love to be touring around the world performing and meeting new people”.
Laird puts it best: “Who knows what the future holds”.
Check out Ryan’s myspace page and listen to some of his songs; We really like ‘Luv Me’ and ‘That’s Just Me’. Anyone with this amount of determination deserves our support.
Good Luck Ryan!
