Balancing Bands: Ryan Scott Graham

Scattered around the dimly lit Emerson Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana, 50 people await the beginning of the Speak Low If You Speak Love headline tour. As the first opening act takes the stage, the large room is suddenly filled with loud music. People watching from the side remain seated and others watch from the back of the room. After the first three acts complete their sets, Speak Low If You Speak Love, commonly referred to as Speak Low, takes the stage. Immediately, the room comes alive. The crowd makes their way towards the stage. The few rows of people sing along to every song, filling the room with energy. The show was near the tail end of Speak Low’s first headline tour in The United States. However, the journey of Speak Low If You Speak Love began years ago with a boy from Michigan writing songs in his bedroom.

Ryan Scott Graham, the sole creator of Speak Low If You Speak Love, has become a notable name in the alternative music scene. Graham, often referred to as “RSG,” was introduced to music in his teenage years. When Graham started to take music seriously, he traded in his baseball bat and picked up an electric guitar.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure that I’d ever make a career out of it,” Graham said. “But I gave everything I had in hopes that it would blossom into more than just a hobby.” Now a member of two bands, Graham is committed to the music industry full time.

Most people associate Graham as being the bassist of pop-punk band, State Champs. Graham was first introduced to State Champs in early 2014 through a mutual friend. When the band stayed at Graham’s house after a show, he quickly bonded with the group.

“After one of their shows in Michigan, I invited them to stay at my house,” Graham said. “Me and Tyler [Szalkowski] talked all night. I mentioned to him that if they ever needed any help at all not to hesitate to call me. A month later, [Szalkowski reached out]. So, I learned the record and went on my first tour with them in February of 2014.”

Graham instantly became a staple member of State Champs. The band quickly emerged as an up-and-coming band in the pop-punk scene. In 2015, the band opened up for the well-established band, All Time Low, on The Future Hearts Tour. The group then ventured out to Australia for their biggest shows to date with Australian pop band, 5 Seconds of Summer. In 2016, the band has co-headlined a world tour with Neck Deep and played the main stage of Vans Warped Tour.

State Champs has developed a large fan base in many different countries. Graham’s solo project, Speak Low If You Speak Low, acquired new fans due to his increasing popularity with State Champs. Named after a line from the William Shakespeare play, “Much Ado About Nothing,” Speak Low If You Speak Love began as a way for Graham to pass the time.

“I started writing songs in my bedroom when I was between bands, or songs that didn’t necessarily fit the style of the bands that I was playing in,” Graham said. “I never really took it seriously until I realized I had a decent amount of songs and figured I should put them all together and release a full length [album].”

Graham re-released Speak Low’s debut album “Everything But What You Need” on March 31, 2015 through Pure Noise Records. The album featured 12 songs, 10 of which had previously been released in December of 2013. The album displays a different sound than that of State Champs. Graham transitions from an edgy, pop-punk sound with State Champs to an acoustic driven sound with Speak Low.

Graham encounters many differences with State Champs and Speak Low. With State Champs, Graham plays to mid-size venues with a max capacity of a few thousand people. Speak Low scales down and plays clubs with a capacity of a few hundred people. The difference in touring styles is apparent in Graham’s bands.

“Speak Low tours are on a much smaller scale, so we tour in a van with no trailer, just a bunch of dudes in a 15 passenger van, with all the gear in the back,” Graham said. “State Champs tours are generally more stress free because we have a great crew who help us with set up and tear down, and our tour manager handles the behind the scenes stuff.”

The most noticeable change between bands is the role Graham plays in each band. He shifts from being the bassist and backing vocals in State Champs, to being the frontman of Speak Low.

“For State Champs, I just play a very background role,” Graham said. “I don’t have a lot of responsibilities so it gives me a lot of time and space to just rock. For Speak Low, I’m kind of in control of everything [such as] decision making, money, stage banter, [and] merch designs. Because it’s my baby.”

Since Graham is in control of most decisions for Speak Low, his approach to creating the music is more personal. Graham said writing for Speak Low contrasts his process of writing with the rest of the State Champs members.

“The creative process is different because I write, for the most part, completely alone when it comes to Speak Low. For State Champs, we get together in a room and start jamming.” For Speak Low, Graham said he tries to write the lyrics, music and melody all at once. On the other hand, for State Champs, the music comes first followed by the melody and the lyrics.

Graham has found a way to balance contributing to multiple bands. When not on tour, Graham said he finds time to do normal things like hanging out with friends and binge watching television shows. Due to the dedication of being in multiple bands, Graham said he has to find a way to maintain relationships and deal with missing certain events because of being away from home.

“Being in two bands is a lot of the same, but multiplied to the max,” Graham said. “When the [State] Champs guys get time off, I usually end up working on something with Speak Low. So time off is pretty much nonexistent.”

Graham is continuing to reach milestones in his career with State Champs and Speak Low. Graham is currently writing and recording for the release of his second full length album for Speak Low. In November, State Champs will begin a 5 week tour across The United States as the direct support for Sleeping With Sirens.

Whether Graham is playing to a room of 50 people or a venue full of a few thousand people, Graham never lacks in his performance. With his contributions to each of his bands, he has managed to showcase his many different musical talents. As his music career continues to advance, Graham maintains a humble approach to his work. Graham’s persistence has allowed him to go from writing songs in his room to playing shows around the world. With a bright future ahead for State Champs and Speak Low, it’s no doubt that Graham will have continued success in his musical adventures.

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