Skinny Living’s Ryan Johnston talks to Paul Cashmere about the UK band’s first Australian tour, the story behind the Skinny Living name, their beginnings on the Wakefield open mic circuit and the creative journey that led to their debut album, Day By Day.
Ryan reveals how Skinny Living formed through a local network of open mic nights, recalling his first performance, an a cappella version of Grover Washington Jr/Bill Withers’ “Just The Two Of Us”. He also explains how running out of fuel after a gig led to the band’s name.
The conversation explores Skinny Living’s experience with major record labels and their decision to embrace independence, giving the band greater creative freedom. Ryan discusses the three-part EP project inspired by his interpretation of Nikola Tesla’s 3-6-9 theory and how that process helped shape the band’s evolving sound.
Ryan also talks about Day By Day, a 13-song album that explores family, loss, relationships, purpose and financial struggle. He explains why “Thank You For Making Me Feel Good” opens the band’s live performances and why “Let Go” has become a symbolic finale after a decade spent developing the first album.
The interview also covers Skinny Living’s experiences supporting artists including Noah Kahan, Calum Scott, James Arthur and Gabrielle, and how playing to different audiences has influenced the band’s approach to live performance.
Ryan looks ahead to Skinny Living’s Australian tour, including the band’s first Australian shows, a new touring line-up featuring an Australian keyboard player and the band’s decision to invite Australian musicians to support them.
Watch the full Noise11 interview with Ryan Johnston of Skinny Living and subscribe to the Noise11 YouTube channel for more artist interviews, music news and features.
Tour Dates
Fri, Oct 16, Geelong VIC, Eureka Hotel
Sat, Oct 17, Melbourne VIC, The Espy
Wed, Oct 21, Canberra ACT, The Baso
Thurs, Oct 22, Cronulla NSW, The Brass Monkey
Fri, Oct 23, Bulli NSW, Heritage Hotel
Sat, Oct 24, Central Coast NSW, Drifters Wharf
Sun, Oct 25, Newcastle NSW, King St Hotel
Wed, Oct 28, Woolgoolga QLD, Woopi Brewery
Thurs, Oct 29, Gold Coast QLD, Miami Marketta
Fri, Oct 30, Mudgeeraba QLD, Wallaby Hotel
Sat, Oct 31, Petrie Terrace QLD, Lefty’s Music Hall
Sun, Nov 1, Kings Beach QLD, Kings Beach Tavern
Sat, Nov 7, Airlie Beach QLD, Airlie Beach Festival Of Music
Sat, Nov 7, Airlie Beach QLD, Airlie Beach Festival Of Music After Party
Tickets are available from skinnyliving.co.uk.
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