A Dirty Dozen with CHRISTIAN DRYDEN from THE RITUALISTS – March 2025

According to a recent press release: “You Know Better” is about the irony of living in an age where the only thing more impressive than our unprecedented access to countless amounts of dubious information is the unapologetic examples of ignorance which seem fueled by it,” says lead vocalist / songwriter Christian Dryden of the gothic art-rockers (Hollywood Life) The Ritualists about their new bold, dance-driven track. “You Know Better” sets the stage for their upcoming album, Too Pure to Cure, set for release on April 22 via Suite484Music. Inspired by English Romantic poets and the infinite abyss of the online world, Too Pure to Cure explores themes of love, lust, hope, fear, and digital-age existentialism. The album and its title track serves as an artistic manifesto of self-acceptance. The Ritualists are Christian Dryden (vocals, bass); Jeffrey Andrew (keyboards); David Andreana (guitars); and Eric Kuby (drums).” We get singer / bassist Chrisian to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your upcoming release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Our upcoming full-length album is called Too Pure to Cure.  It was co-produced by Mario McNulty, and primarily recorded at Clive Davis Studios in Brooklyn, NY.  I think the uninitiated might not initially catch many of the mythological references & themes I like to throw in on first listen.  However, my goal with this record is to CONNECT, and I’d like to believe that this new batch of songs do a decent job of touching on themes & ideas that are sort of universal.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I knew I wanted to do music before I could even read & write.  I think it has always been inside of me.  There was really never a backup plan.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

The first song that I can remember that really drew me in on an emotional level was “The Chauffeur” by Duran Duran.  It is kind of a dark, somewhat mysterious song & I was an 8-year-old, stumbling around, trying to understand it and sing it. The mystery & darkness drew me in.  As a performer, I think Jim Morrison captured the ultimate front man vibe.  He was intellectual, theatrical and sexual.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I love collaborating with my band, but if they didn’t exist, I’d be honored to work with Brian May and Nick Rhodes.  I think Brian May’s choices on guitar are perfect, his sound is very unique and specific, yet he can play most anything.  Rhodes has incredible textures and atmospheres that would provide such a gorgeous pad to sing over.  I think The Ritualists try to capture elements of both Queen & Duran in our sound and performance, so, it would be very natural to work with both of those cool cats.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I like to read, mostly classical stuff and I play tennis.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Actually, I think the best description was provided by Hollywood Life, when they reviewed us and called us “Gothic Art Rock.”  I think that covers it.  We’ve heard Coldplay as a comparison.  It’s not that I necessarily hate them, I just don’t hear it.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Well, we mostly hang out on tour.  So, as far as food, our drummer, Eric is the restaurant finder.  He has an incredible knack for finding these out-of-the way, unknown, tiny spots that tend to be delicious!  Jeffrey is usually known to keep the drinks coming & flowing!  And, certainly David never puts the guitar down!

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I met and chatted with the gorgeous Debbie Harry.  She knew my parents and was very polite & interesting.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

There are so many great parts of being a musician. It is really a toss-up between connecting to an audience during a successful live show and hearing the final recording of something you’ve painstakingly worked on and created from a single idea.  I guess for me, as a songwriter, hearing that final mix is the ultimate high.  Alternate dream job would be an Indiana Jones-type archaeologist!

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I think lyrics-focused questions are always welcome.  I think the words are a lost art in most contemporary music.  My all-time favorite lyricists are Ray Davies, Bryan Ferry, Richard Ashcroft & Jim Morrison. I’m not tired of answering anything!  Once you guys stop asking questions, the music is sort of…over.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I would have chosen a very different video for our first single, “Ice Flower.”  The video is very professional and nice to look at, but I don’t believe it suits the song.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Pink Floyd’s The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.  I think the legend of Syd Barrett is so fascinating and I would really love a glimpse into the process that went on behind that groundbreaking record.

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Category: Interviews