Unveiling the Untold Story: Ryan Key's Battle to Include 'Ocean Avenue' on the Record
In a candid interview, Yellowcard's Ryan Key reflects on the iconic pop-punk track 'Ocean Avenue' and its journey to the record Join us as we delve into the untold story behind this timeless hit, revealing the challenges it faced before making its mark in music history
Yellowcard's hit single "Ocean Avenue" dominated the airwaves and MTV's Total Request Live! almost two decades ago. However, lead vocalist Ryan Key reveals that the song nearly didn't make it onto the record. In the latest episode of We's "Anatomy of a Song," Key, now 43, shares the backstory of the tune, which served as the band's second single from 2003's Ocean Avenue. He explains, "The song was almost relegated to being a B-side just two weeks before. I had the verse lyrics but no music, until I stumbled upon the rhythmic drum and guitar loop that eventually became the verse. When I matched that melody with the lyrics, they fit together perfectly."
Upon entering rehearsal, Key came equipped with his initial attempt at the chorus. However, the reaction he received was far from what he had anticipated. "Everyone stared at me as if I had two heads, and I couldn't understand why. It turns out, the melody I had composed was identical to 'Time After Time' by Cyndi Lauper," the singer explains. Realizing the predicament, Key acknowledges, "I knew I couldn't continue with that melody, but it became ingrained in my mind and I struggled for weeks to shake it off. It just wouldn't leave me alone."
Barry Brecheisen/WireImage
Persistent and unwavering, the band's long-standing producer and mixer, Neal Avron, urged Key to continue refining the composition until it achieved perfection. "That's not it yet," he reiterated tirelessly. And then, one day, Key entered the room, melodiously crooning, "If I could find you now, things would get better," and Avron's response was instantaneous: "Jump in there and record that right away!"
Working against the constraints of time while recording Ocean Avenue posed yet another hurdle. "We were merely two weeks, or roughly a week and a half, away from completing the album," explains the musician from Jacksonville, acknowledging that in those days, the concept of home studios—where one could work on music at their own pace—was practically nonexistent. "[You had to] vacate the studio because another artist was scheduled to use the space, so we had no choice but to wrap up our work."
Jason Squires/FilmMagic
Recording the album at Sunset Sound, a legendary studio, was a defining moment for the pop-punk band. Reflecting on their previous record, "One for the Kids," Key recalls the hardships they faced, sleeping in the van and showering in sinks. However, three years later, they found themselves in West Hollywood, ordering three meals a day from a book in a studio. As Yellowcard fans are aware, the band members went their separate ways in 2016 but reunited in 2022 for Riot Fest. Key admits they had no idea what the dynamic would be like within the band, as there were strained relationships that contributed to their decision to temporarily part ways.
But Key describes the energy and connection between the four of them, as well as the overwhelming response from the crowd, during the show as intense. This pushed them to plan a summer tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Ocean Avenue and also motivated them to record new music. Key mentions that getting into the studio was even better because it had been a while since they had spent time as friends, enjoying whiskey and writing songs.
The result of this journey was Childhood Eyes, a 5-track EP that was released on July 21. Key explains that it provided a genuine connection to the band's roots and the reasons they initially started making music under the name Yellowcard. He believes that the songs reflect this special time and that the fans have been able to connect with them.
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Key cannot help but appreciate the impact that "Ocean Avenue" had on the brand's direction. He expresses gratitude for his inspiration that led to the creation of the melody on that particular day, acknowledging that their lives would have been significantly different otherwise.
Watch the exclusive video above to uncover the stories behind Yellowcard's popular tracks "Only One," "Way Away," "Breathing," as well as their latest release "Three Minutes More." This video is the newest addition to our captivating "Anatomy of a Song" series.
