You have danced to and loved the pride of Brantford, The Vermicious Knid. These days while they finish their new record, Ryan Stanley has set his sight on a promising solo career, and will be winning hearts and souls across this vast world oh so very soon. Ryan's new record '“ the follow up to 2003's Nothing Left Unsaid '“ will be coming out on Escape Goat Records this fall. Somewolf lets him know that we are so very pleased to welcome him to our humble abode!

So Ryan, how are you feeling these days? I've actually been feeling pretty great. Eating healthy, walking lots. Better than ever. I've been spending the last year or so working on my new record, so I've been finishing the mixing process and artwork this month. Working toward a tentative September release has been keeping me pretty busy.

You have recently moved from Paris, ONT., to Waterloo. What prompted the change of scenery? My girlfriend lived in Waterloo and I was feeling it was about time I got out of my parents' house, so we found a place together. It was perfect timing as far as things go. Growing up between Paris and Brantford wasn't bad, but I definitely needed a change of scenery. Moving here was the best decision I've made, and it's really let me grow up and finally feel my age.

Your first album was so delightful, it seemed like you were letting off steam within your lyrics. How is the new record different in spirit? The biggest difference is that I was able to step outside of my own head. Nothing Left Unsaid was a real outpouring of a lot of pent-up thoughts and feelings, so once I got it out of my system, I was able to write about more thoughtful, important things. The new songs are still very personal to me, but I've been able to look at life in a broader sense. The songs deal with a lot of issues, but are much more lighthearted than heavy-handed. Less sadness and wallowing, more sarcasm-tinged hopefulness. Sound-wise, I've moved toward a more complex band-oriented feel. I've learned a lot more about producing music in the last year, so it's much more ambitious than before.

Were there any musical mentors in Paris or Brantford when you were growing up? Was there anything around you could grab hold of in such a small SCENE? I started playing music out of a need for something to do. I saved up and bought an acoustic guitar when I was 14 because I didn't have many friends, and needed a hobby '” so no one really personally inspired or mentored me. I spent most of my time in my bedroom playing along to records '” that's how I learned to play, by listening and playing along. I'm thankful my parents were understanding about the noise. My imaginary mentors have always been J Mascis, Tom Waits, and Neil Young.

You seem to have more than just musical talent. Your drawings are so lovely, and I know you are a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas and such. How have these films influenced youR visual scope? Before I had music, my childhood was all comics and drawing. I've always doodled, and went to school for art for a year, but it just wasn't my thing. I really love the innocence and simplicity in drawings and paintings by people like Tim Burton and John Lennon, so I figure my art probably falls in line somewhere between those two, and comics. As far as film goes, I love pretty much everything Tim Burton has ever done. I think my mind works a bit like his does.

I've been waiting a long time to finally see you play solo, but I hear of a band backing you up this time around. Who can we expect to see playing with you? If all goes according to plan, I'll have Mike Bond of The Silent Film Soundtrack playing drums, and Mark Ganassin of The Sourkeys on bass. Basically, I've stolen some of the best musical talent in Waterloo. Mike actually played drums on my new album, and I've played a handful of shows with him. He's one of the best drummers I know, and Mark is like my big brother, so it's going to be a blast having them to back me up. I've got a few other silly tricks in my brain, so I'm looking forward to playing.