Meet Ryan Laetari

Some of you may recognize this fella from our feature on Brooklyn’s Coco Verde. We were so smitten with that crew we knew we had to call up their guitarist (and swell solo artist) Ryan Laetari.

Fresh off his recent EP “Sunshine Unlimited” and following in the footsteps of the full album Big Boy, Laetari brings the midwest to NY and creates lo-fi pop with a twang. The Kansas native put on his big boy pants and answered all of our usual nonsense. Below, we chat dolphin noises, rose-colored glasses, and the solitary decisions of being a solo artist.

Go on and git to reading, friends!

A self-portrait by, Ryan Laetari

Would You Rather

only be able to communicate with Morse code or dolphin noises?

I would rather speak in dolphin noises. Dolphins have more soul, they are beautiful creatures and very intelligent. Mores code is robot talk.

Some questions with Ryan Laetari

Did you go through any musical phases in high school? Has it in any way shaped what you are making now?

I was huge into garage rock and burger records stuff in high school. I don’t think anyone else in Kansas knew about any of this stuff, at least no one I knew. Black lips, wavves first couple of records and king of the beach, jay reatard, Harlem, especially Harlem. Harlem made me cry. It’s funny to be asked this cuz I was just revisiting this stuff by putting my faves together on Spotify before this and I literally called the playlist “high school” all that stuff was just pure energy and fun and feeling. I’m trying to capture the spirit of that  

Are you self taught or did you take lessons/study music?

I played upright bass in 5th grade. That was fun hauling that around. I mostly remember playing iron man on it with my fingers. Other than that I did take guitar lessons from a guy in my neighborhood for a couple of years out of his basement. When my dad couldn’t pay anymore I mowed his lawn in exchange for lessons. He had like 7 tie-dye Steve Vai signature Ibanez guitars. He could shred.

What is your favorite kind of tree? Why?

Oak trees, cuz there’s a lot in Kansas In guess. Or this tropical-looking tree my mom had in her back yard. Idk what it’s called but the landlord chopped it down last year.

If you could only play one instrument for the rest of your life what would it be? Why?

I would almost say drums because they’re so fun. But I can do more with the guitar and I need it to write songs. So guitar.

Do you have a party trick?

I can flip cigarette out of my mouth and catch in my butt. Also a few card tricks.

How do you like living in the city?

I love the hustle and bustle! I love the big apple.

Do you notice any differences in the creative process of your solo endeavor and Coco Verde?

I feel like I’m not the greatest collaborator/bandleader. Juju, on the other hand, is great at getting everyone pumped on what he’s doing. But that’s why I like to do it all myself. I play everything and it’s easier for me to make decisions and get things done that way. With coco verde we spend countless hours rehearsing and working shit out together but everything ultimately comes down to juju. El Presidente de coco verde

Did you ever get grounded growing up? If so why?

I was never really grounded but I was on probation once.

Do you drive? Are you a good driver?

I don’t drive now. Some of my friends drive which is nice. I got in a bad wreck a few years ago and it made me a super nervous driver for a while but I think I’m good again.

Who are your favorite bands in NYC active right now?

Coco verde, Da pop, Gustaf, Gnarcissist, Arverne, The Lo-Fi’s, Di Ivories, Human Girlfriend, Nick Llobet, Whirly Bird, Flasyd, Max Pain and the Groovies, Miranda and the Beat, Psycho Pat, Better Head, Muckers, Meal, Gawn, Morning Silk, so many more.

If the sky wasn't blue what color would u want it to be?

I like it when I’m wearing rose-colored glasses, the sky looks cool then.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Love yourself. Listen to my music. Come to my show!

Ryan Laetari