boston progress radio

What do singing waiters, a cast member of Broadway’s “Legally Blonde”, a freelance writer and an audio engineer have in common?

They’re in the band Ryness, of course. Originally called the Ahh Sum Band, the band was renamed Ryness last fall. The rock quintet, straight out of Manhattan, New York, is comprised of Bryce Ryness (vocals, guitar), Ben Roseberry (vocals, piano), Jeff Washburn (vocals, guitar), Robin Lai (drums) and Jae Ko (bass). The guys also have a history of other talents, including acting, illustrating, producing, writing and DJing. Ryness has made a local name of themselves by playing gigs throughout the city, blending a hard-hitting message of redemption and hope throughout their rock numbers. So pump up the volume and be prepared to get deep. Ryness is going to take you on a ride of rushing energy.

Ben couldn’t make it, but I sat down and chatted with four of the guys via video-conference to get the scoop on their humble origins, getting signed and why “E! True Hollywood Story” won’t be tailgating them anytime soon.

Sarah Ip: Could you tell us where you’re all from and how you guys met?

Bryce Ryness: We formed as this core unit at the end of last summer’s band, Ahh Sum Band. I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay area, lived in Los Angeles for a few years, and I’ve been here [in New York] for one year.

Jae Ko: I’m the bass player, Jae. Robin hooked me up with this gig. I think we first played with Bryce last March. Robin and I were in another band, Koo Chung. I’m from Philly.

Jeff Washburn: I’m from Florida, been in New York for 2.5 years. I’ve worked with Ben for 2 years now at [Ellen's Stardust] Diner. When he came back from the [RENT National] tour, I went to see their acoustic show the end of January. That was the first time I saw them play. I’ve been in the band since August. I’ve been playing the guitar 17 years.

Robin Lai: I’m Robin, the drummer in the band. I met Jae because of his roommate, Dennis, and ended up subbing for him at the [drum] clinic. That’s how I met him. We ended up in Koo’s band. I met Bryce through a mutual friend from church. I went to check out the show, met them afterwards and got a call.

SI: Please describe yourselves in four words.

(Silence).

Jeff: Who’s got a word?
Bryce: I think one of the things that makes us an interesting band is that our live show is…kinetic.
Jae: Angry?

(More silence)

Jeff: Captivating.
Robin: Charismatic. Read more

Tags: Interview.