Character Q&A: Ryder Wallace

It’s late in New York City, the kind of night where the streets hum softly and creativity feels suspended in the air. I meet Ryder Wallace inside a recording studio tucked away in a quiet Midtown building. The space is dimly lit, warm with amber lights reflecting off soundproof walls and polished hardwood floors. Vinyl records from legends past line one wall, while a large mixing console sits at the center of the room, blinking softly as if still breathing from the work just done.

Lionel Barnes, the R&B icon Ryder is currently collaborating with, wrapped up for the night not too long ago. The booth still smells faintly of incense and fresh coffee, and Ryder hasn’t rushed to leave. He’s settled into the studio couch, headphones resting around his neck, prepared to listen back to the track and make notes before meeting Lionel again.

“Lionel relocated to New York City just for me so we could work on his album,” Ryder says, shaking his head with a quiet smile. “When he called, it was right around the time Kelli and I started our thing, and I didn’t want to leave. Can you believe that? For the first time in my life, I didn’t want to leave Rose Hill.”

There’s a stillness to him now. Not the restlessness of a man chasing something, but the calm of someone who’s finally found where he belongs.