Meet Ryck Jane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryck Jane.

Ryck, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My musical journey began around the age of seven. I took piano lessons in my early years and although I had a love for music, I hated taking them simply because my mother forced me to because her mother couldn’t afford them when she was a child. My grandfather was a member of “The Four Knights” in the 1950’s which influenced me musically and helped train my young ears and musical spirit. His influence pushed me towards all things musical. However, it wasn’t until I reached high school that I became interested in playing the trumpet.

While at Washington Preparatory High School in South Los Angeles, I joined the school band led by the notable Fernando Pullum, picked up the trumpet and taught myself how to play. I learned the fingering and moved up quickly in both Marching and Jazz Bands to 1st chair within six months. Little did I know I would connect with a few other band members who would later become a 10-piece Alt/Hip Hop band called the Wylde Bunch. The group signed to Columbia (Sony) in 2003 and provided me with an incredible opportunity to tour the U.S. and open for the Black Eyed Peas, Slightly Stoopid and the Beastie Boys (France).

After many years of performing in a group, I decided to expand my wings to focus on being a solo artist. I released my first mixtape called “California Raisins” as an emcee in 2013 and have since had incredible opportunities playing trumpet behind some of my favorite artists including Beyonce’, John Legend, T-Boz (TLC), Lalah Hathaway, Musiq Soulchild, Sly & the Family Stone, and Nile Rodgers w/ Chic. I’m working on several collaborations with a few local artists and plan to release an album later this year.

Great, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road; between the obstacles and challenges you have to go through to gain respect and to have your talent recognized in the music industry. Unfortunately, this business is not for everyone interested in music. It takes confidence, strength, and a hard work ethic above talent to even be in the game. I’ve realized you have to be extremely focused on your goals or you’ll get swayed into another direction. There are alot of “let-downs” from not getting paid, not getting credit on an album, etc. and if you are not focused, you will be derailed.

As a female artist and musician, I find myself having to prove myself more so than my male counterparts. Since this industry is male-dominated, I have to work even harder to get noticed.

Please tell us about Ryck Jane Music.
Ryck Jane Music is a production company. I write music, produce and perform. I’m an emcee and musician who plays the trumpet. I dance and sing as well. I’m an entertainer.

I am most proud of the opportunities I have been given to play the trumpet for iconic artists like Beyonce at Coachella and Super Bowl 50.

The one thing that sets me apart from the rest is I am a female trumpet player who raps.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood would be singing Christmas carols with my family while my grandfather played the piano and made sure everyone was singing on key.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ryckjane.com
• Email: ryckjanemusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instragram.com/ryckjane
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ryckjane
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ryckjane
• Other: www.youtube.com/ryckjane

Image Credit:
3 photos by Marlon Womack, 2 photos (Web Edited) files are by Kawai Matthews, One photo by HBShotit

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.