In this episode of Salty's Live Music, we welcome the rock band Ryder from Queens, New York, featuring members James and Max. Our conversation touches on their decade-long journey in the music industry, discussing the evolution of their band, the lively New York music scene, and their commitment to authenticity in their music.

James shares how he and Max always ran in the same circles and eventually connected over a shared passion for rock and roll, and they reflect on the influence of their upbringing in New York on their sound and style. The band emphasizes their DIY approach to music and music production, highlighting their upcoming live album, 'Live From the Dark,' which captures the live essence of their performances across various cities.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Band Groupeez, a live music service connecting music lovers with independent musicians and local venues.

Access your local music scene now at https://bandgroupeez.com

About Ryder:

Hailing from the concrete jungle of Queens, New York, Ryder is a high-octane hard rock outfit that fuses the swagger of classic arena rock with a gritty, modern edge. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals and rhythm guitar of namesake James Ryder, the band has carved out a reputation in the NYC scene for their electrifying showmanship and no-nonsense sound. With a lineup that features the blistering fretwork of lead guitarist Max Knight, the thunderous low-end of bassist Rod Viquez, and the explosive percussion of drummer Bill Peluso, Ryder delivers an authentic rock experience that pays homage to the genre’s legends while forging a distinct, heavy path of their own.

Ryder is set to unleash their anticipated live album, Live From the Dark, on February 13, 2026. Recorded across several packed shows in 2025, the nine-track collection is a testament to the band’s refusal to hide behind studio magic, featuring zero overdubs, edits, or corrections. Heavily featuring cuts from their recent release Menagerie, the album offers fans a "kick-in-the-teeth" listening experience that transports them directly to the front row.

Check out Ryder’s music, tour stops and show them some love at the links below!

Tour Dates: https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/ryder
Ryder on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ryder/1506211003
Ryder on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2t1TX6oweFBScAJhQMqqRC
Ryder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryder_ny/

#indiemusic #independentmusic #diymusic #bandinterview #livemusic

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Website: https://saltymf.com/

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In this episode we sit down with Anthony Dyer, retired U.S. Air Force Special Missions Aviator and author of 'Moon Child.' We discuss Anthony's upbringing in Sylva, North Carolina, his military career, the impact of 9/11, and the emotional toll of combat. Anthony shares his journey of writing as a cathartic process to cope with his experiences and the importance of close air support in military operations. He offers advice for young veterans and reflects on the significance of fatherhood and personal growth.

About Anthony Dyer:

Anthony Dyer hails from the small Appalachian town of Sylva, North Carolina and served in our military for over 20 years. Enlisting in July 2000, Dyer’s extensive military career began as a weapons loader on F-15E Strike Eagles before he realized his goal of becoming a Special Missions Aviator on the AC-130H Spectre gunship. Driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact after 9/11, he deployed to combat zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Africa with the 16th Special Operations Squadron, where he provided critical close air support and participated in high-stakes rescue missions.

Dyer’s debut book, Moon Child is a memoir that bridges his Appalachian upbringing with his intense life in special operations. Born from a therapeutic need to process the "silence that followed" his service, the book explores themes of trauma, addiction, and the search for identity beyond the uniform. His work serves as a call to break the stigma around mental health for veterans and others seeking redemption.

Purchase ‘Moon Child’ on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Child-Special-Missions-Aviator/dp/B0DZMXBHJ4

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Anthony Dyer's Journey
01:36 Growing Up in Appalachia and Military Beginnings
03:37 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Service
06:55 Transitioning to the Gunship Squadron
10:16 The Importance of Brotherhood in the Military
11:21 Finding Purpose Beyond Military Identity
13:04 The Cathartic Process of Writing a Book
16:20 The Symbolism of 'Moon Child' and Personal Growth
18:15 The Duality of Combat Search and Rescue
19:53 Words of Wisdom for Young Aspirants
21:39 The Journey of Fatherhood
22:51 The Writing Process and Its Challenges
24:22 Innovative Solutions for Veterans' Stories
26:23 The Importance of Community and Connection
28:43 Taking Risks and Healing Through Vulnerability
30:47 The Value of True Friendship

#military #veterans #mentalhealth #ptsd #veteranmentalhealth

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Website: https://saltymf.com/

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In this episode we get to know Dave Seymour, a former firefighter turned successful entrepreneur and real estate investor. Dave shares his journey from a blue-collar background to becoming a prominent figure in the real estate industry.

Our conversation highlights the importance of affordable housing, financial literacy, and the need for individuals to take control of their financial futures. Dave also introduces his latest project, Freedom Venture Investments, and emphasizes the significance of aligning with the right partners in the investment landscape.

About Dave Seymour / Freedom Ventures:

Dave Seymour is a retired 16-year veteran of the Fire Service who transitioned into real estate during the market crash, quickly establishing himself as a leading expert in commercial multi-family and ground-up development. Known for his "blue collar attitude in a white collar world," Dave gained national recognition starring in A&E’s Flipping Boston and has since disrupted the private equity landscape as a key leader at Freedom Venture.

Freedom Venture is a boutique private equity real estate firm that brings institutional-quality management to the lower middle market, specifically targeting underperforming multifamily assets in the Florida Gulf Coast region to deliver robust returns for investors.

Connect With Dave Seymour: linkedin.com/in/daveseymour343
Freedom Venture Website: https://freedomventure.com/
Inflation Nation: https://legacyalliance.link/Pod-Inflation-Nation
Free Multi-Family Masterclass: https://legacyalliance.link/Pod-Multi-Family-Class

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dave Seymour

04:04 Dave's Journey from Blue Collar to Real Estate

11:03 The Birth of Freedom Venture Investments

17:11 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape Post-COVID

20:02 Focus on the Southeast: Demographics and Opportunities

21:04 The Need for Affordable Housing

24:03 Economic Factors Affecting Housing Prices

25:32 Financial Literacy and Wealth Building

29:13 The Sandwich Generation and Housing Solutions

32:46 Understanding 401(k) and Retirement Planning

37:08 Legacy and Building Wealth for Future Generations

#entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #realestate #financialliteracy #investing

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Website: https://saltymf.com/

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