In September 2017, Three-time Grammy-nominee and award winning artist Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could released “Revvin’ Up the Reindeer”, a wonderful new holiday music album with a little bit of fun, joy, grace, and groove all rolled into one! From the lead single, “It’s Christmastime” to our album favorite “Christmas Peace”, this album is a must add to any Holiday playlist. So what better way to celebrate the Holidays than have Brady Rymer join us for Holiday-inspired #8isEnoughQuestions interview!
For this #8isEnoughQuestions interview, each question was written and asked by one of our Full Van Fun family members and answered directly by Brady Rymer. Enjoy!
What is your favorite part about the Holidays?
Simply spending time with the family is pretty special. My daughter came home from her 1st semester at college last night & we all had the sweetest time – decorating the tree, cooking, chatting… I guess we kinda took it for granted – having family close.
How do you come up with all your songs?
Most of my songs are things that I’ve experienced. They say write what you know, and- so my songs come from my life. Things my kids do, like when they losee their toys and later scream out, “I Found It!” My wife’s youthful summer job working on a Good Humor ice cream truck inspired “Ice Cream Girl.” For me it starts there, with something personal, and then I try to give it a universal appeal. From my last album, Just Say Hi, “I Surprised Myself” is a song about doing something for the first time and how scary it can be. I remember standing on the diving board and my mom was in the pool encouraging me to jump in. Eventually I got up the nerve and just jumped. I think that’s a common story that many kids and families can relate to. I’m just sharing & approaching it from a more personal point of view.
In what ways do you surprise yourself on a regular basis?
I guess when I stop and look back. I tend to always want to work & work & work… always full steam ahead. But when I stop and reflect on something, a video I made or song that came out good, or a show that we did, I realize, ”Hey that’s pretty cool.” It’s always good to stop and breathe and find time to appreciate the work you’re doing, especially at this busy time of year.
How do you decorate for the Holidays?
First I make some coffee! Then I make some more coffee… Then I’m ready to go – with a ladder in one hand and a hammer and nails in the other. Next, I follow the instructions of my wife and daughter very closely! I’m okay with wrapping a few presents but I leave the big stuff to the pros!
Have you ever been to Magic City, ID?
Ha! You’re referring to Laurie Berkner’s song, Opelika Alabama where I sing a duet with her. She sings about cities with funny names. No, I haven’t been to Magic City, Idaho but when she was recording the song and after I sang with her, I was on a road trip in the south and drove right past the exit to Opelika, Alabama. No joke! I pulled over, took a pic of the exit & sent it to her. That was crazy!
Do you find it easier to write songs that are soft and sentimental (e.g. Christmas Peace) or fun and festive (e.g. Revvin’ Up the Reindeer)?
I think they are both equally hard to write! Ha! Songwriting is mysterious for me, and I try to stay out it’s way when an idea comes along. I love gettin’ the idea and exploring it. It really doesn’t matter if the the song is slow or rockin’. They are both fun to work on. Just as long as the idea is new, fresh and interesting -- and it has to feel like a new challenge or puzzle to solve.
This is for your daughter, what is it like to have a popular award winning musician as a parent?
It’s amazing. We get to travel together to the coolest places and events all over the country. I’ve gotten so lucky being able to travel so much at a young age and doing it all with your family is even more special. It was also the best as a kid when all your friends knew my father’s music and we’d all go to concerts and sing the songs together. And, get into a little trouble backstage!
Does Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer exist?
Yes! My brother swears that he saw Santa and his reindeer zoom past our bedroom window back on a Christmas Eve back when we were kids. And being a little brother you learn to always believe yer older big bro!
Thank you Brady for a festive #8isEnoughQuestions interview! If you have missed any of our other #8isEnoughQuestions interviews with authors like Daniel Pinkwater and artists like Lisa Loeb, Andrew & Polly, Caspar Babypants, Justin Roberts, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Emily Arrow, Mista Cookie Jar, The Not Its, Mike Phirman, Danny Weinkauf of They Might Be Giants, Turkey Andersen, Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis, Bryan Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe, Play Date, Recess Monkey, Greg Page (Original Yellow Wiggle), Rissi Palmer, Jim Cosgrove, and Tim Kubart, be sure to check them out! What if you like interviews with celebrity chefs like Fabio Viviani, recipes, or travel stories about amazing destinations? You can find all of this and more at fullvanfun.com!
