The English singer-songwriter on the importance of following your own path, finding wisdom out in the surf, and learning to let go
I feel optimistic about …
… my path, and understanding that my path isn’t the same as everybody else’s. I often compared myself to other people but I’ve stopped thinking like that. My journey as a musician can look different from other musicians’.
If I wasn’t a singer-songwriter, I’d have liked to become …
… an adventurer. When I was a kid I wanted to be an explorer, whether it was exploring the world or space, thanks to the type of films I was raised watching – Indiana Jones and Apollo 11.
The habit that has served me best in life is …
My grandad told me when I was a kid to plough my own furrow. Whenever I look over the garden fence to see what other people might be doing, that advice comes back into my mind – keep your head down and just concentrate on what’s in your control. I’ve also read Positive News for a long time. The things that touch me most in the magazine are those small moments of kindness that make people feel they’re not alone.
The habit I’ve successfully kicked is …
… alcohol – for a year and six months. It was a bit of a crutch, something I turned to for comfort. It wasn’t giving me anything. It was always taking, and that wasn’t a fair or positive relationship.
My sources of joy are …
… times when I see other people in a state of joy. If I see someone who has a good laugh, that will make me laugh. Joy is contagious.
The book I wish everyone would read is …
… Surf Is Where You Find It by Gerry Lopez. I’m a surfer – a bad surfer – but this book isn’t just about surfing. It’s about the things a surfer would think about when there are no waves – it brings in a lot of philosophies on life. It’s really good at reminding you to be present and that you’re living in the ‘eternal now’.
'There will be moments where you think you understand the right way to go, but life has its own magic that it wants to weave. When you create boundaries, it stops the flow and gets in the way of life weaving its own magic' says singer-songwriter Sam Ryder
The big thing I’ve changed my mind about in life is …
… understanding that harbouring any kind of resentment or ill will towards someone who has caused you pain or hurt only ever takes away from you. It damages you and hurts you. Letting go is the solution.
What keeps me awake at night …
Worrying that I won’t meet the perceived potential that I impose upon myself. Our digital diet is so invasive and constant: we always compare ourselves. What we see outside of our own life often makes us forget the blessings that we’re experiencing right now.
What we see outside of what we’re doing in our own life often makes us forget the blessings that we’re experiencing right now
The thing that motivates me most of all is …
… to ensure that I’ve used my presence to encourage, rather than to impress. I was 31 before I fnally reached the dream I’d had since I was 14 – of being a singer. I was almost prepared that it was never going to happen, and I want to make sure that every moment I’m here in this space of privilege I encourage others.
My parents taught me …
… to believe in myself and never give up. I was lucky that I knew I wanted to be a singer early in life. My parents did everything they could to foster an environment in which I could chase that dream.
I’d like to tell my younger self …
Don’t try to control everything. Be patient. There will be moments where you think you understand the right way to go, but life has its own magic that it wants to weave. When you create boundaries, it stops the flow and gets in the way of life weaving its own magic.
Sam Ryder’s album Heartland was released on 17 October with Artist Theory. He is on tour across the UK, and will perform at Wembley Arena on 6 November
Photography by Jack Robinson
