---
title: "The Power of Collaboration (with Skinny Dippers)"

description: "My friend and collaborator, Skinny Dippers (aka Ryan), joined the pod to talk the Brooklyn music scene, collaboration, songwriting techniques, and strategies to grow as an artist. Check out Skinny Dippers on Spotify and at www.instagram.com/skinnydippersband"

status: complete

date: 2023-05-02

kind: guest

guestSlugs:
  - skinny-dippers

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/The-Power-of-Collaboration-with-Skinny-Dippers-e23bo1m"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-collaboration-with-skinny-dippers/id1567355195?i=1000611449761&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zBeF8DY9EUvybSfcApUXj"
youtubeUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUF4Qj77Eu0"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Collaboration"
  - "New York"
  - "Songwriting"
  - "Mixing"
  - "Music production"
  - "Brooklyn music scene: Exploring the vibrancy and diversity"
  - "Multi-instrumentalism: The benefits of versatility"
  - "Artistic growth: Evolving through challenges"
  - "The kazoo test: Ensuring song integrity"

hostNote: |
  In this episode of Love Music More, we welcome **Skinny Dippers**, also known as Ryan, a talented musician and collaborator deeply rooted in the Brooklyn music scene. Ryan brings his unique insights into the world of collaboration and creativity, sharing his journey from playing in various bands in Maine to establishing himself in New York City.
  
  Throughout the conversation, For anyone interested in the dynamics of the indie music scene or looking for inspiration in their artistic endeavors,

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Introduction of Skinny Dippers' Background"
    startSec: 92
    note: "Ryan shares his musical journey from Maine to Brooklyn and the bands he's played with."
  - label: "The role of multi-instrumentalism"
    startSec: 170
    note: "Discussing how playing multiple instruments has influenced Ryan's music."
  - label: "Influence of ensemble experiences"
    startSec: 266
    note: "Ryan reflects on how ensemble experiences shape his songwriting."
  - label: "Songwriting process and tools"
    startSec: 358
    note: "An insight into Ryan's method using Logic and songwriting classes."
  - label: "The kazoo test concept"
    startSec: 516
    note: "Ryan explains a unique way to test the strength of a song's melody."
  - label: "Creating a collaborative environment"
    startSec: 677
    note: "Ryan details how he fosters collaboration and community in music."
  - label: "Challenges of live performance"
    startSec: 1429
    note: "Ryan discusses the economic realities faced by musicians today."
  - label: "Future projects and direction"
    startSec: 1610
    note: "Plans for new music and continuing to evolve creatively."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "I grew up my whole life playing music. I'm from Maine where I played keyboard when I was about four or five, played trumpet through middle school... and mostly now guitar, vocals."
    startSec: 94
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Do you feel like some of that stuff foundationally changed the way that you think of music now?"
    startSec: 267
    reviewed: true
  - text: "One of the hardest things for musicians... is the cost.... It's like the math is always guaranteed expenses and not guaranteed income."
    startSec: 1441
    reviewed: true
  - text: "So I would say even prior to the remix project definitely wasn't doing it all alone. My support crew is a huge part of my process."
    startSec: 679
    reviewed: true
  - text: "If you can start by getting really good hooks, then my idea is you've got the great foundation of a great song."
    startSec: 517
    reviewed: true
  - text: "If you can hear 10 seconds of a song like, 'oh, that's clearly an 80s song,' the idea here is to find incredible songs that pass the kazoo test but that are stuck in their production."
    startSec: 1869
    reviewed: true
  - text: "There's something really, really cool about being able to play live and to help bring those songs to life."
    startSec: 1415
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I've tried to come up with weird variations... that's where it's actually getting juicy."
    startSec: 3081
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What is the Brooklyn music scene like for Skinny Dippers?"
    answer: "Ryan describes the Brooklyn music scene as vibrant and diverse, filled with opportunities to see great music and meet fellow musicians."
  - question: "How does Skinny Dippers approach songwriting?"
    answer: "Ryan emphasizes the importance of melody and hooks, suggesting that good songs should stand strong on their own, even if stripped down to just a simple kazoo."
  - question: "What challenges does Skinny Dippers face in live performance?"
    answer: "Ryan notes economic difficulties, where expenses for live gigs often exceed income, making frequent performances challenging."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---