He's Got the Edge
A light-hearted Q&A with the people who make the Okanagan work


Shae Ryga
Contributed - Aug 19, 2020 - Got the Edge

With what business or organization are you involved? Willow Studios

What is your role with that organization? Songwriter, musician, producer

What’s your favourite thing about living in the Okanagan? My songwriting idea come from the wonderful people I meet in the Okanagan, and my inspiration to turn them into full blown productions comes from the beauty of the Okanagan nature around me. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have with music without the beautiful views in this valley.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, whom would you choose and why? Amos Lee, as he is an incredible inspiration and role model for me as a songwriter and singer. I aspire to create works of art as perfect as his.

What’s your go-to happy place? My music studio. Nothing feels better than sitting in the studio with a guitar on my lap, a microphone in front of me and a world of possibility waiting to be uncovered. I lose track of time and dedicate myself to creation.

What are you most proud of? Willow, my debut album. I have spent six months on it, doing almost all the writing, instruments and recording/production myself. I taught myself to record just for the album, and I worked hard to do the drums, guitar, bass and vocals independently.

What are the top three things on your bucket list? I have already accomplished my number one thing, and that is to make somebody feel an emotion while listening to my songs that I felt when I wrote them. My only goal in music is to describe the feelings everybody has and make an art piece that reminds somebody of exactly that.

Secondly, I’d love to get my car on the road, as I’ve been working on it a long time and want to see it finally one day driving around.

Lastly, I’d like to pay back my family and friends for all the things they’re ever done for me. I want to work hard and show them that all the belief, funding, support and love was not for nothing.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Probably a Welch’s candy wrapper. Definitely not a great idea, but I was bored.

Latest movie or book? House of The Scorpion

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? My first guitar was a gift from my mother and has changed my life more than anything in the world. Music has become my way to channel emotions and express myself. It has given me direction in life, and there are few things I would give that up for.

If today were your last day, how would you spend it? I’d seclude myself in the studio and lose myself in creation. I’d pay no attention to time, only to fully committing myself to making art.


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