SCORCH and Private Ryan go hand in hand, so naturally he must be featured in the premiere issue of SCORCH Barbados. So, fresh (or stale) from C’est la vie, we got Ryan Alexander to meet us downstairs by the hotel bar for another drink and a bit of insight into who this man is. We know him as the most versatile DJ in the world, he comes to Barbados, destroys the parties then disappears. So let’s get to know Ryan Alexander – the great Private Ryan, SCORCH’s official DJ.
Where did the name Private Ryan come from?
Hypa Hoppa gave the name to me ‘cause at the time a lot of people were calling me to play and he said I was the ‘Number One Recruit.’ It eventually evolved into Private Ryan and it stuck.
How did you become a DJ?
I was DJing from about 8 years old. My father was into music and I used his record collection and always experimented with fusions. Professionally though I have been DJing from 16. That’s
when I first starting playing in the clubs.
Do you feel any pressure being known as the most versatile DJ?
Nope…. no pressure at all. I take risks and expose people to different music. It’s a lot of research and practice.
How often do you travel for gigs?
Right now, every weekend. I just got back from Grenada and before that Toronto, NY, ATL and the list goes on.
Have you been hearing any music for Crop Over and if so what is your favourite so far?
Last man standing, Hypasounds, misbehave and it early still.
Are you looking forward to coming back to Barbados for the Crop Over season?
Always…I love Barbados you know…love de vibes…good fusion between the natural vibe of Crop Over and the Trini invasion.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
The journey right now is undefined. Cliché answer I know. But see yourself grow
Do you have a girlfriend?
(With a smirk) No comment…
So single forever?
NO!
How do you handle the groupie situation?
(More smirks) Groupies will always exist in this business, how you deal with them is another story lol
How would you describe yourself?
Ambitious, no barriers to anything you put your mind to.
Tell us something about Private Ryan that people would not expect:
What do people expect? I really don’t know….can’t answer that one.
Many DJ’s go on to sing Soca, will we ever hear a Private Ryan song?
No but I will be producing. Learning to as we speak. Not a singer but I respect those who have done it and do it well. I know my limitations and I’m staying in my lane.
Game of Thrones?
Oh yeah, favourite show as well as Spartacus.
(The interview now comes to a halt as we discuss Game of Thrones for the next 20 minutes)
When Private Ryan is not working, what can we find him doing?
It’s usually quiet time, watching moves or just in a quiet space because I’m usually surrounded by noise. Definitely hang with friends and catch up because with all the travelling I need to find time to reconnect.
Is there a ritual before performing?
No rituals, but always in a zone where I am focused and aware of the people so I can tune in to their vibes and elevate it when I perform for them.
Where is your favourite place to play?
I don’t really have one. Everywhere presents a different challenge so I enjoy each place for different reasons.
What is your favourite genre of music?
From dancehall to jazz the beauty is the same. How I feel on a particular day but no real preference.
Do you have a secret recipe to get the crowd moving?
Play for them not yourself!
Any kids? Any plans to?
No and no.
Favourite food?
Chinese. (He says it’s Chinese but we feel it’s that delicious, cheesy Bajan macaroni pie)
Favourite soca artist?
That’s a real dangerous question you asking me there…. (silence) lol
PS3 or Xbox?
Definitely PS3.
Finish these sentences.
I absolutely hate…smelly people.
I absolutely love…my mother.
Music is…a reflection of life.
SCORCH is…pure vibes!
