On Episode 320 of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Neff, bassist and vocalist for metalcore heavyweights Miss May I, for an honest dive into the emotional reality of dropping new music in 2026.
Releasing their ninth record, Ryan opens up about the weight of handing over deeply personal songs to the public. He shares the struggle of letting go of ownership, navigating the pressure to connect with long-time fans, and why he finds himself searching for those few bad comments despite glowing feedback.
Beyond the studio, Ryan lifts the veil on tour life, from the grueling balance of self-managing equipment on the road and late-night van driving to why he actually prefers van tours over luxury buses. The two also talk about the crucial role live shows play in proving new material and Ryan’s eager desire to bring Miss May I back to Australian shores.
In this episode, we cover:
- The precarious emotional rollercoaster of album release weeks
- Navigating online feedback and learning to let go of creative ownership
- The stark contrast between bus touring and van tour camaraderie
- How Ryan manages downtime and keeps energy high before headline sets
- A special message to Miss May I’s Australian fanbase
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