Ryan Ferris performing live with his band Beacon Bloom, at Electric Avenue Festival in Christchurch
XCHC has touched the lives of countless creatives, providing support and community to the creative scene in Ōtautahi and across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our purpose is to cultivate a creative ecology, which we do by facilitating connections and providing a place where people can experiment, test/exchange ideas, and develop their creative practice. This interview is one in a series, to spotlight and tell the stories of the creatives that XCHC attracts and supports.
“Something about all the creative juices flowing in that space have definitely influenced me into working more on my creative projects” - Ryan Ferris speaking about XCHC
The first of our community to be interviewed was Ryan Ferris, an avid podcaster, event curator, musician, and frontman of up-and-coming, live electronic band Beacon Bloom! Ryan was kind enough to share with us some of his personal experiences since joining the XCHC community; going from cafe patron to throwing one of the all-time best events XCHC has ever hosted.
Can you recall a memory from XCHC that stands out to you? What was it about this experience that was meaningful for you?
Ryan: “A bunch of us threw an intentional event at XCHC called Aftergloom Delight - UV lights, 130 facepainted people and wax, Alan Watts preaching philosophy in the toilets, a temple/teahouse chillzone, people spinning from ropes on the ceiling, UV artists producing art in real time and live electronic artists + superlush top tier DJs. Absolute European level event and aside from some noise complaints we had no issues whatsoever. The night was universally enjoyed - such a good time”.
Aftergloom Delight
Have your experiences at XCHC influenced your creative work, if so how?
Ryan: “Yes - I've spent a bunch of time at XCHC editing my podcast due to the environment there. It's a perfect inspirational environment - Artists in residence working their craft, out-of-towner creatives and digital nomads passing through, ever changing art exhibitions on the walls, friendly clamor and delicious smells from Pedro's cafe and the ever-present anchor of Preston holding it all together. Something about all the creative juices flowing in that space have definitely influenced me into working more on my creative projects”.
If you had to highlight one main benefit of being part of XCHC, what would it be and why?
Ryan: “Community - I've met an incredible bunch of people through XCHC”.
What are you currently working on and is there a way that XCHC could support you in some way?
Ryan: “Mostly working on my band Beacon Bloom. I'm sure we'll do another event when it's possible :)”.
Do you have anything more to add?
Ryan: “So happy you guys made the funding target!”
—
You can see more of Ryan by following his band Beacon Bloom, visiting his website The Good Timeline, or by visiting us at XCHC when he’s around! Stay tuned for more Community Spotlights coming soon.