From the bourbon hills of Kentucky to the Hollywood Hills, Americana/Rock N’ Roll band Ryan Hahn and the Believers craft honest, insightful stories rooted in Americana/roots/country. With their dynamic sound, Ryan and his believers have played alongside acts such as Charley Crockett, Billy Bob Thornton, and Robby Krieger.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ryan Hahn about choosing a favorite song of all time, dream collabls, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Are you able to choose a favorite song of all time? Or would you label this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what are your current Top 3?

I don’t think I could choose a favorite of all time, but I could try my best to pick a top 3. In no particular order, they would be Southern Accents – Tom Petty (and honestly any other song by him as well), Oh My Sweet Carolina – by Ryan Adams, and Copperhead Road – by Steve Earle.

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I think it’s simply the songs and the honesty in the stories that I am most proud of on my new release, “From The Country To The Concrete”. This is the most personal and honest music I have ever written. It’s been a little therapeutic at times. The thing I want to accomplish the most with these new songs is to tell stories that people can relate to and can maybe help give them a little comfort. At least they will know they’re not alone.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I honestly can’t answer that in a precise kind of way. I just have felt the need to make music since the moment I picked up a guitar. I never needed to be inspired or motivated. Playing music and writing songs is motivation enough. But if I had to say one thing, it’s the deep connection that you can feel with an audience and the way a song can penetrate deep down into a person’s soul. I don’t think any other art form can connect in that kind of way. I’m constantly chasing that.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – whom would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

This is an easy question, and people will probably get sick of me talking about him, but it would have to be Tom Petty. Preferably with Mike Campbell tagging along. Tom Petty, to me, is the greatest example of an artist that has that connection with the audience that I talked about. He can make people feel like he’s sitting next to them telling them the story of their own life. He’s unarguably one of the greatest American songwriters of all time.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The last song I listened to was Dumas Walker by The Kentucky Headhunters. And again… Mr. Tom Petty and his heartbreakers would take the cake as my all-time favorite band.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

www.facebook.com/ryanhahnandthebelievers

www.instagram.com/ryanhahnandthebelievers

Tik tok: @ryanhahnblvr

www.ryanhahnandthebelievers.com

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?

Just want everyone to make sure they go watch out for my new EP From The Country To The Concrete.