INTERVIEW: Ryan Hamilton has ‘Nowhere to Go,’ but he’s still ‘Everywhere’
Photo: Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts’ new album is Nowhere to Go but Everywhere. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Earshot Media with permission.
Ryan Hamilton, who heads up The Harlequin Ghosts, set out for a long journey in the American Southwest in fall 2019. What he saw along with his dog Peaches was revelatory and led to a light-bulb moment. That inspiration has carried over into his recently released album Nowhere to Go but Everywhere, whose title is taken from Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
On Hamilton’s journey he stuck to a memorable route: the world-famous Route 66. He tried to envision a trip out of the Beat Generation. Heck, he even owns Kerouac’s actual belt, which is pictured on the album. The journey was enlightening and introspective, offering valuable free time to reflect on life’s difficulties, including a recent divorce.
Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts are now recording artists on Wicked Cool Records. Nowhere follows 2019’s This Is the Sound, which won Album of the Year at the Independent Music Awards. Of course, coronavirus happened, and the singer-songwriter was unable to accept the honor in person.
Over the years, Hamilton has collaborated with or opened for the likes of Lucinda Williams, Jesse Malin, and Roger Clyne & The Peacmakers. Stevie “Little Stevie” Van Zandt counts himself a fan as well.
Recently Hamilton exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about the new album, which was recorded in February 2020, right before the world shut down. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
After 2019’s This Is the Sound, when did plans begin for Nowhere to Go But Everywhere?
I actually had no plans to make this album. Haha. I went on a cross-country road trip, in the wake of my divorce. I converted the band van onto an RV, with a living/sleeping quarters … and camped out under the stars, for about two months, all over the U.S. It was towards the end of that trip that new songs started to appear. The new album is comprised of those songs. They appeared out of nowhere. But songwriting has always been therapy for me.
What’s the significance of the album title?
It’s a Jack Kerouac quote. It’s also a reference to the aforementioned cross-country road trip.
What was it like heading across the United States with Peaches?
I’m still not sure what inspired me to do what I did. I just had this uneasy, ‘I gotta get the hell outta here!’ feeling. I’m so glad I went for it. That trip truly changed my life. I’m so glad I got to share it with Peaches, too. She’s getting older, and I will carry the memories from that trip with me forever.
Is each song about a different part of the road?
Not really. There were almost 40 song ideas/demos. The songs that ended up on the album are the most hopeful-sounding songs. There were a lot of sad songs that didn’t make the cut.
How did you come to own Jack Kerouac’s belt?
Long story short. Kerouac’s nephew, who is in charge of the Kerouac Estate, is a music fan. We ended up speaking on the phone for a long time … and a few weeks later, Jack Kerouac’s belt arrived at my doorstep.
How much has COVID-19 disrupted your plans for distributing and promoting the album?
Well, taking touring off the table has been the biggest hurdle. I usually go out and tour in support of a new release, but this time we’ve had to get creative. I’m really proud of the wonderful team of folks we have behind us. There have been some really fun, promotional ideas in lieu of touring.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts’ new album is Nowhere to Go but Everywhere. Click here for more information.
