Raised in North Carolina, WONDR was first introduced to hip-hop by his older brother (now WONDR's manager) who gave him a copy of Petey Pablo’s “Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry.” From there, his love for music and ability to keep perfect rhythm grew. He played drums and guitar in countless bands throughout his childhood, covering everything from Hendrix and Muse to Alan Jackson and Kid Rock.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Ryan James is WONDR

Producer/Singer/Writer/Performer

For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to WONDR?

When I was in middle school and high school I was in a couple bands that performed at the school talent shows. The first one didn’t have a band name, but the second, and this is no joke, we called School of Rock. This was mainly due to the fact that last second before the show our high school asked us what the band name was so they could announce us before we went on stage. Plus, that movie is a classic and definitely contributes, in some degree, to me pursuing music. We covered everything from Jimmy Hendricks to Muse. In my last couple years of college, my friend NickyMo and I formed the rap duo, but we ended up splitting in December of 2017. I’ve been a solo artist going by WONDR since January of this year.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The name happened pretty easily actually. My former duo partner, NickyMo, and I were texting just trying to think of words that sounded cool. I suggested Wonder, he came back with Wondr, and then I decided to make it all caps for a more NASCAR look with WONDR. The story around it didn’t evolve until afterward. To me, the word “wonder” is something I’ve lived by. I’ve always been a risk-taker, someone who wonders what the possibilities could be. When my friends were too scared to try something, if I knew there was a slim chance it could work, I would take it. It’s that sense of wondering what greater things could happen if you’re willing to risk what you have now. Some of those things I did though, might not have been the wisest of decisions...

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I write most of my own music. I’ve collaborated on tracks before and on this next single. My music tends to revolve around what I want from life, what I’ve been through, and who’s been involved. Music, as it is for many others, is a form of release. I’ve been through a lot emotionally with friends, relationships, and family. My music helps me portray those experiences. These topics I’m sure will change over time with with my overall growth as an artist and as a person.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

My music curates towards hip-hop, pop, and mainstream genres. Right now I study a lot of Drake, Post Malone and Travis Scott’s music. They are incredible writers, marketers, and their music touches such a broad audience. There is something to be said about their ability to stand out in an industry that has become so saturated.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

The first concert I went to with my dad was an Aerosmith concert. It was in middle school and Motley Crew opened for them. Something about watching Tommy Lee, Joe Perry, Mick Mars, Steven Tyler, and all those guys on stage. Their demeanor, their lifestyle, their stage presence; it captivated me as a young kid and I knew I wanted to do what they were doing. I wanted to be a rock star.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

I flex… a lot. Nah, I’m just playing. For a while, I struggled with dry mouth and loss of breath. It took me a while to find a remedy, but I usually try to drink some room temperature water (cold water dries your mouth out), eat an hour or two before the show so I’m not full when I’m on stage (helps with loss of breath), and I learned recently, it might have been Blake Shelton who does it, but, to eat some salted Tostitos to get the saliva going helps prevent a dry mouth. A little tip for anyone else having a similar issue.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Probably getting my song “Moves” placed in the video game “The Crew 2.” It was surreal hearing my song in a racing video game. I remember getting a lot of the music I listened to from games like “GTA” and “Midnight Club.”

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Drake, and if we’re talking dead or alive, Biggie. Drake because I’ve never seen him live and for that first time to be on stage would be incredible. His current tour stage setup is pretty incredible too. Just makes me wonder what the next one will be like. Biggie because when I first started rapping I was listening to a lot of him, Jay-Z, Tupac, Tribe Called Quest, Das EFX, and just old school hip-hop in general. I used to emulate his voice in my raps and study his flows. I could only imagine what it would be like to be on stage with him.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

3 for Dale