Daily Inspiration: Meet Ryad Chaoui

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryad Chaoui.

Hi Ryad, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started playing guitar in middle school. I picked up writing music in high school after my friend Lindsey got me to sing in front of people for the first time at this school event called caffeehouse. I learned how to run a basic PA system through that same monthly event. My friend Emma’s mother Angie connected me with this engineer named Tevin that taught me how to solder cables, build a/v systems and basic mixing techniques. Tevin got me freelance work throughout my years in Virginia. I started playing in bands in high school. I can list six of them that I spent a longer time in. Castaway, Stonewall’s Men, Whitman, Nor Cator and the Ooh La Las, The Questioneers and end year.

All of these bands ended. End year was interesting though. I think it was the first band that a large group of people enjoyed. It was really fun to be in that situation. It made me more hungry to get back to that. I went to an engineering school in Maryland. The school’s name for people that want to know is Omega Studios. It’s in Rockville, MD. I highly recommend it if you want to learn how to be an engineer and dip your feet into producing. All my VA people, check it out. I learned a lot there. It got me to my intermediate level. I didn’t reach pro until I got the opportunity to move out to LA and intern for Om’mas Keith.

I absorbed everything I could during my time interning at Whitelines. I’ve always had this internal fight with myself. I think because of societal career norms. I just want to know what I am. I engineer, I produce, I write music, I play guitar, I mentor. I feel like I’m always thinking pick one. I’ve just had such a blessed life. Having all of these opportunities up to this point gave me skills that make me not just an artist or an engineer. I’m all of them. I do it all. I want to do it all. I think being an artist though has always given me joy that I haven’t had with everything else. It’s really addictive. I always think back to my time with end year. Having a group of people connect with a body of work written by James, Mike, Evan and myself is all I’m trying to do. I want music that I’m involved in to connect with people. I want it to stop time. Now I’m doing this interview.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Compared to stories I’ve heard from friends I’ve met, I’m blessed. I can’t complain at all. Things can always be better, but I’m blessed. One thing though; I wish I could have gone to Berklee College of Music. I know I would have done well there. It was just so expensive.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for my engineering work for Mereba. I produce. You can check out some records I’ve produced. Amalgam eX – FAME and Chloe Belle – Nomad. I’m an art as well. I have music out under my name, Ryad Chaoui. If you wanted to work with me, I’m here to make music that’s new and feels good. I like to think of myself as Alice from “Alice in Wonderland”. I follow ideas as far as they go no matter how long it takes.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Without health, you have nothing. Protect your energy. The world will try to make you hard; Stay soft. Everyone is dealing with something. Family is everything. Have boundaries. Believe nothing you can’t see and 50% of what you can. Come into every relationship with trust. Trauma is real. Mental health is real. Never forget why you started making music. Not everyone is your friend. No one cares unless money is involved. Just because your problems aren’t as bad as someone else’s, it doesn’t mean your problems aren’t valid. You have value. Employers need their employees, not the other way around. Value people over everything. There is strength in numbers. Kill your idols. Resolve issues at the source. Trust the process. Listen to your gut. Be consistent. Be generous. Be genuine. Try things before changing things. Comfort is your worst enemy. Anything is possible. Share your work when it’s complete. God is good.

Contact Info:

• Website: rchaoui.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryadchaoui/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryadchaoui

Image Credits
Emily Cox Christina Alexandra Nicole Ditt