Ryan Primack Interview (2008): Poison the Well, Touring & Fears | Ryan Minic, Ryan's Rock Show

In an interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Ryan Primack of Poison the Well reflected on the band’s long career, creative process, and personal growth over the years. He admitted that despite over a decade in the industry, he was still passionate about playing music and never truly tired of it. However, he also revealed that self-doubt had been a constant over the years, acknowledging that he had questioned himself and his career path many times. Primack spoke about briefly leaving the band to attend college, only to drop out after realizing music was his true calling. Looking back, he joked that had he stayed in school, he might have ended up as just another jazz guitar teacher in the suburbs. He reminisced about the band’s early days, particularly a 1998 basement show in Indianapolis where, for the first time, a fan sang along to their songs—an unforgettable moment that reinforced their belief in what they were doing. Reflecting on Poison the Well’s evolution, Primack admitted that as the band grew, there were moments of fear—worrying about running out of creative ideas or feeling pressured to top their previous work. While he was confident in their latest album at the time, he confessed that each new writing session brought concerns about whether they could continue producing fresh material. He also opened up about the recording process for their latest album, discussing how they initially planned to work with J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines), but due to unforeseen circumstances, they ended up recording with Steve Evetts. Despite the change, the band was happy with the outcome, noting that Evetts pushed them to create a more focused and intense record. When the topic of their time on Trustkill Records came up, Primack kept his response professional, refusing to say anything negative but implying that their experience had its ups and downs. He acknowledged the difficulties that many bands faced with the label but chose not to elaborate further. Beyond music, Primack shared insights into his personal philosophy, discussing spirituality, his evolving views on life, and the lessons he’s learned from loss. He recalled the profound impact of his grandmother’s passing, an experience that reshaped his beliefs and led him to explore spirituality outside of organized religion. He also emphasized the importance of living in the moment, focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. As the band’s tour manager as well, Primack detailed the challenges of handling logistics while performing. He described his daily routine, from making sure the band arrived at the venue on time to handling interviews and merch distribution. While he found it stressful at times, he said he took on the responsibility to ensure that everyone in the band could go home with enough money to survive. Throughout the interview, Primack maintained a humble perspective, expressing gratitude for the fans and the opportunities he’s had. He admitted that touring is a humbling experience, constantly reminding him that he never expected his band to have such an impact. He closed by stressing the importance of hard work in any career, believing that while luck plays a role, real success comes from persistence, dedication, and a willingness to adapt.