This August Age is the recording name of singer/songwriter Ryan Klockner, who resides in Chicago, Illinois. Ryan is a Do-It-Yourself musician and crafts his songs in the friendly confines of his bedroom studio. He has a deep-rooted love of string and orchestral based music being raised on The Beatles and traditional Classical from an early age. Ryan is a multi-instrumentalist and had focused on improving his piano playing over the pandemic, which led to him writing and recording This August Age’s debut album ‘Artifacts’.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello This August Age. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
Hi! Well, I grew up in a very musical family going back a couple generations and have been playing some form of music since I was about 5 years old. I’ve learned how to play many instruments over the years, but my first love is guitar. However, for my album Artifacts, I solely relied on Piano and String Arrangements which is also a big passion of mine. I have an appreciation for a wide range of music which I believe influences me as a musician as well as a Songwriter.
Who inspired you to make music?
I am a massive fan of The Beatles and especially of Paul McCartney. George Martin’s arrangements on those Beatle albums are second to none. I also have many other influences outside of the Beatles. The Smashing Pumpkins, Ben Folds, Elton John and Stevie Wonder are just the ones that quickly come to my head.
Your latest release is 'Artifacts'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Actually, Artifacts was never supposed to be an album. It was a mental health exercise. I was trying to work through some issues through songs, but after I recorded the first 4 songs, it started shaping into an actual record. It’s a concept record and tells the story as if you were reading a book. It’s a journey through a road of tough relationships, where each chapter is based on a different relationship. Ultimately, leading to the happy ending of finding your soulmate. As I mentioned before, the album is strictly Piano/Strings and Drums, and I kept that instrumentation throughout every song. I am a DIY Bedroom musician, so all the music was recorded in my studio at home during the pandemic.
Can you shortly describe each of the tracks that are on the album?
Sure!
“A Note from the Author” is the opening of the “book”. It’s the introductory chapter explaining what is going to take place.
“First In Line” is about having a relationship when you’re young and even though it’s not serious, it still shapes how you deal with feelings going forward.
“Took It Back” is a story about a relationship that was not approved by parents and had to be done in secret.
“Carousel” is about giving everything up for someone and having them repeatedly throw it away.
“Caterpillar” is about never living up to expectations that someone has for you in a relationship and acting like someone else to make someone happy instead being yourself.
“Paradise” is about being in a tropical location and having it be so beautiful that it inspires you to look at your life and gives you the courage to make tough choices to make it better.
“Philanderer’s Lament” is a song written from the cheater’s point of view in a relationship and the regret that comes from it.
“Tattoo” is a song about some people really being better off as friends than lovers and even though it didn’t work out, there are no hard feelings.
“Here With You” is the epic climax of the album. It’s a conversation to a soulmate and having this long road lead to them.
“Epilogue” is the conclusion of the book. It sums up the story and what the narrator has learned from all that has happened.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
I am a correspondent on the Song Surfing Podcast, which showcases new independent music. So, I am always on the lookout for new music through various platforms.
What makes you different from others?
My music is different because I don’t feel like Orchestral Pop music is being made on a wide scale and even less artists are making themed concept records. It keeps me out of the mainstream sure, but that’s totally fine with me!
What’s an average day like for you?
Honestly, I write and play music whenever I can but mostly, I’m a husband to my amazing wife and a dad to two beautiful fur children, my dog Elly and my cat Mac. No crazy rock star life for me!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
This is my first album so I’m still pretty unknown and don’t have a huge fan base yet, but I truly appreciate anyone who enjoys my music and takes the time to get in touch with me to say so. I’m a fan of music too and I know how cool it is to interact with artists if given the chance. If someone has taken their time to contact me, I will for sure take the time to write them back.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Have the courage to say what you really feel in music. It’s the best form of therapy when you get out everything you want to say and stand behind it wholeheartedly. Be yourself!
What are your plans for the future?
I’m working on new This August Age music as we speak but this project will most likely sound a lot different than the last. I want This August Age to be a constantly evolving entity. So, who knows what will come next? Maybe a polka album or something. Now where did I put that accordion….