Born in Germany and raised in a small town in South Texas, Christian artist Ryan Tobin’s life has been shaped by a deep faith and a legacy of military service. He joined the military at 21 and served on active duty from 2006 to 2015. Today, he lives in Canyon Lake, Texas, with his wife of 18 years and their five-year-old twin boys.
His passion for music began early, with memories of his dad playing in a cover band and a constant soundtrack on the radio wherever he went. But in 1997, at a summer church retreat, he truly felt a calling when he saw a Christian acoustic duo perform. That experience, followed by his first acoustic guitar, which his mom gifted him, ignited a journey of music and faith that has continued to shape his life and purpose. I connected with Ryan about his musical journey, his music, and his new album, Purgatory Road.
What kind of prior musical experience do you come from?
My family includes various musicians and some close friends. I received vocal guidance from an uncle, a choir director at our church. I started playing the guitar around age 15 and concentrated on learning praise and worship songs using the chords I knew. Additionally, I played live at church functions, camp, karaoke, and a garage band when I joined the military—during these times, time stopped in most of my previous endeavors.
I always listened to music, but the drive to play took a back seat in my education, military service, and family. I immediately bought a guitar when I separated from the service but never looked back. I started a YouTube channel where I would cover all my favorite rock songs with an acoustic guitar. I never thought much of it except that it was fun and I could practice with a realistic goal. My cousins have a band that travels occasionally, and I was fortunate enough to hop on stage a couple of times and work on some cover songs with them as well.
What about rock music that connects with you and your messages?
The versatility of the music was predominant, and I have listened to it all my life, aside from faith-based and some country. My songs were everything I had experienced, along with the music I played, sang, or listened to. My past struggles with addiction seemed to drown out any creativity, so when I was sober-minded and focused on God, the melodies in my mind seemed constant.
Rock music was the only way I could express my emotions then, so I started with what I knew and learned along the way with the help of some fantastic friends and family. One of the best parts of rock is the community. I have met some of the most humble, loving people who tend to share many of my beliefs and have experienced similar journeys.
Making a debut record can involve a lot of obstacles. Tell us about your journey of writing and creating these songs.
Prayer, people, and persistence. I had the melodies and lyrics, but my guitar skills didn't always match what I was trying to get out, so I had to learn more on guitar to get it as close as possible. Then, I reached out to a fellow believer and friend who also happened to be a music producer. We vibed well on the songs and had a great time making them come to life in a way I only imagined. A good friend and a couple of family members helped me get started on my album, Purgatory Road. Ultimately, God placed those I needed in my circle at the right time with Him at the center. I was just carrying a message.
You've overcome great struggles to get to where you are now. Are there specific songs on the record that address struggles in your past, or is it more all-encompassing of your story?
Each song tells precisely what was on my mind when I wrote them, aside from a cover of “Not Enough.” The album itself is a journal of sorts and a view into where I was at or have been mentally, musically, and spiritually. If there were one song that breaks away from the others, it would have to be "Back to the Son" in that I remember smiling while singing.
Could you share how Christ fits into your story, message, and music?
Jesus is why I'm able to talk to you today. I started recovery from addiction in a broken state, or rock bottom, as some may call it. There was a time when my only salvation was turning to my creator and handing over my life. I’m still a sinner and struggle with all kinds of things, but my faith led me back to the one who changes everything. I have found that the further away I got from the boat, the harder it was to swim. So, when writing the album, I focused on scripture and God, and with music cooking around in my head, I had to get still and quiet so I wouldn't miss anything. My primary intent is to share that my faith in Christ saved me and keeps me going.
Your Patreon offers videos for people to connect with you and your music better, alongside Q&A sessions. How have you seen these make an impact in your listeners' lives? And have those influenced your songwriting?
The Q&A sessions are a new prototype and are in the developmental phase on Patreon. Most of my interactions online happen on traditional social media, where there is never a wrong moment to strike up a conversation about mental health, spirituality, and music. There have been times when I have had private and public discussions and witnessed God working in other people's lives. Some of these shared experiences find their way into the songs. Hopefully, those who can listen to the album know that they are not the only ones to go through these things and hope exists.
What's next for you?
The album Purgatory Road will be released in early November. The next step is to prepare the equipment for live shows and everything that goes with them, including me. We also plan to do live internet-based and pre-recorded events in solo acoustic form. I would love to keep connecting with people through faith and music until I am called to do otherwise. I will continue writing, singing, and telling my story until then.
How can we be praying for you?
Please pray for discernment and patience while moving on this musical journey. Also, please ask that my heart and mind stay humble and focused on what is true and pray for protection over my recovery so that it may shine a light on those who need the type of healing that Jesus provides.
Ryan Adams lives in Las Vegas with his family and spoiled rotten dog. He is an avid supporter of the Christian rock and metal scenes. (A portion of this text was generated by ChatGPT.)
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