Boston-based indie singer-songwriter Ryan John Clary continues to turn life’s most difficult chapters into honest, deeply personal music. With his latest album Sunflower Lemonaide, Clary delivers a nine-track project that blends heartfelt folk songwriting with pop and hip–hop–influenced production, reflecting on conflict, recovery, love, and the ongoing effort to grow as both a partner and an individual. Written and produced entirely by the artist, the album captures moments of vulnerability while also pointing toward healing and acceptance.

In this interview, Ryan John Clary opens up about the inspiration behind the album’s title, the realities of recovery, the influences that shaped the record, and how his perspective on success has evolved over the years. He also shares what he hopes listeners take away from the project and what the future holds after releasing three albums in quick succession.

First off, congratulations on the release of Sunflower Lemonaide. What does the title represent to you personally?

ryan: Thank you!! I got married last spring, and lemons and sunflowers were a big part of the vibe. This album is a lot about who I am now as a married man. Preparing for fatherhood and trying to be the best version of myself I can be.

The Album explores “the ups and downs of trying to be the best person and partner.” What did writing these songs teach you about yourself?

ryan: They taught me that I still have some work to do lol. I’ve been in recovery for 10 years for mental health and substance abuse, worked professionally in mental health for the last seven years. But I am still trying to better my habits and myself. So a couple of songs came directly from that battle.

“Try” and “Luck’n Trust Me” wrestle with accountability and addiction. Was it difficult to revisit those moments while writing?

ryan: “Try” is more about a marital spat and the small conflicts that come from a partnership. “(titmsc) One More Time” and “Luck’n Trust Me” are definitely about addiction. I have been a habitual marijuana smoker for almost half my life now, and I’ve been trying to dip my toe into sober living. It’s incredibly difficult. So, I was in the heart of the battle with those tunes. And yeah, it did take me back to the times when I was quitting other substances. It was Difficult to feel back at day one. But made for good inspiration, haha.

Tracks like “The Spins” and “Silly Billy” confront temptation and self-doubt. How do you balance honesty without glorifying those darker periods?

ryan: I just like to validate and give voice to maybe the side of the story that we don’t hear as often. The musician who didn’t make it. The downsides of using marijuana. I don’t think there’s anything glorious about “The Spins,” hahah. I wrote that while actually having the spins. My friend Gabe came over to make some music, so I smoked some weed, but it hit me hard, and I was not doing well. But he had come all the way over, so I still had to be productive. So we just plugged in and started playing, and that’s what came out.

When listeners who are struggling with similar issues hear this album, what do you hope they take away from it?

ryan: That they are not alone. Cliche, I know, but validation is key. Recovery ain’t easy, but if you’re willing to fight for it, things get better. Things get ALOT better.

Any influences on this album?

ryan: Hmmm, I mean, I’m influenced by so many, but nothing that I was directly aiming for. I will say, the first song written for the record was “One More Time,” and at first it was a pretty folk-leaning tune with some acoustic brush drums in it. But I watched this Eminem documentary, “Stan’s,” and it took me right back to the time when hip hop was my go-to genre. And so when the doc was over, I went right up to the studio and threw some sampled drums under the song, and it changed the whole vibe. And I did that for a lot of the songs on this album.

You come from a background in rap groups, rock bands, and session drumming. How do those experiences show up in this record?

ryan: Well, the interlude “Andy” is a recording that was done when I was 17, in a rock band. So that’s definitely the most blatant one. But all of my musical experiences stick with me and influence everything I do. I’ve had a lot of valuable experiences in my music career, starting from high school.

Boston has a strong indie-rock lineage. How has growing up in Belmont influenced your sound?

ryan: Hmm, I’m not very sure. I honestly don’t know the answer to that one, haha. I’m grateful for the little suburb I grew up in. Still making music with my best friends, I met growing up there. Some are on the record. So the people I met there prob have the biggest influence, including Andy Blakelock.

What does success look like for you at this stage, chart numbers, sold-out rooms, or something more personal?

ryan: Even in just the last couple of months, my answer to this question has changed drastically. I haven’t reached the traditional “success” I set out for. But I’m really learning that I am more successful than I thought. I’m still making music with the people I learned how to make music with. I’m married to the love of my life. And I have a killer home studio where I can get lost in my imagination and create music daily. Everything else I was searching for was just motivated by ego. I would love for a lot of people to enjoy my art. But other than that, I’m all set.

What’s one thing about ryan john clary in 2026 that would surprise ryan john clary in 2013?

ryan: That we haven’t popped off on the music scene yet, hahah. But I hope he’d be pleasantly surprised where we ended up. I know I am.

If someone listens to this album five years from now, what do you hope they hear beyond the lyrics?

ryan: Happiness and acceptance.

What’s next for you — are there plans for touring, live shows, or new projects?

ryan: Think I’m taking a little breather. Exploring different art spaces and projects. I will always be playing shows and making music. But I want to catch my breath after releasing three consecutive albums. So, my next show is not until April.

Finally, do you have a message for your fans and readers supporting this chapter of your journey?

ryan: Thank you to everyone who has checked out the music. Thank you for reading this if you’ve made it this far. And if anybody out there connects with the music, I just want to say that I appreciate that so much.