“Ryan Graves’ New Album ‘Human’: A Deep Dive into the Heart of Humanity”

In the ever-evolving world of music, Seattle-based Christian rock and pop singer Ryan Graves stands as a prolific artist with a career spanning back to 1993. With seven commercial CD releases under his belt, including the recently dropped “Legacy” in April 2023 and his latest offering, “Human,” which graced our ears in September 2023, Graves continues to captivate audiences with his eclectic and heartfelt music. In this article, we take a closer look at his musical journey, the making of “Human,” and the powerful message embedded in his songs.

Ryan Graves’ musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From the outset, his music has been a vibrant fusion of influences, drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists, including Alanis Morissette, Eric Champion, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and many others. This rich tapestry of musical inspiration has contributed to his unique sound, characterized by elements of rock, pop, and spoken word.

Ryan Graves has not only blessed the world with seven major commercial releases but has also ventured into the realm of private releases. “Human” marks his 13th CD and his seventh major commercial release, following a discography that includes “Servant,” “Angst,” “The Collection,” “SonicLogos,” “Captive,” and “Legacy.” Alongside these, he has also produced six other private releases, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his craft and his audience.

With “Human,” Ryan Graves embarked on a creative journey that involved collaboration with the talented Max Gaver. Their partnership proved particularly fruitful in the creation of tracks like “Sophia” and “Everything.” Max initially sequenced “One Man,” “Everything,” “Sophia,” and “Meadows” and provided the essential stems. However, it’s crucial to note that Ryan Graves took these sequences and stems and embarked on a creative journey of his own. He meticulously rearranged cut, spliced, and molded them to fit his artistic vision. The result is a testament to his hands-on approach to music production, where he breathed his unique style and essence into every note.

Additionally, the album includes tracks that showcase Ryan Graves’ solo efforts, working closely with Chris Cummings or producing them entirely on his own. This collaborative and individualistic approach underscores the diverse creative processes that brought “Human” to life.

In an era dominated by AI and technology, Ryan Graves’ album “Human” carries an unmistakable message – our humanity matters. The album delves into the complexity of human existence, exploring themes of peace and strife, quiet and rage, which mirror the kaleidoscope of life itself. Much like his previous album “Captive,” many of the songs on “Human” grapple with the intricacies of the human condition.

A delightful revelation for Ryan Graves was discovering that his long-time friend and web designer, Chris Cummings, is also a talented musician. The serendipitous encounter led to the creation of some remarkable tracks that deeply resonated with Ryan Graves. Tracks like “Game Theory” and “Shadows in Shadows” stirred his emotions, inspiring him to craft lyrics, melodies, and powerful tunes that birthed songs such as “Fear of Man,” “Enemy,” “Grace,” “139,” “Dissonance,” and, of course, “Human.”

Ryan Graves’ album “Human” is a testament to his enduring passion for music and his unwavering commitment to exploring the depths of the human experience. With a career spanning three decades, Ryan Graves continues to captivate audiences with his honesty, vulnerability, and eclectic sound. “Human” is more than just an album; it’s a reflection of our shared humanity, a reminder that even in the age of technology, our humanity remains at the heart of our existence. With this latest release, Ryan Graves once again invites us to join him on a musical journey that is both powerful and profoundly human.