“It was never a phase” for Derrick Ryan. At least, that’s the title of his band Minute After Midnight’s euphorically catchy single of the same name. However, in many ways, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter is very much keeping the spirit of classic emo and scene music alive and well in the modern age with his forthcoming debut album, MATTER OF TIME, due for release on November 13th via Fearless Records.
On MATTER OF TIME, Minute After Midnight delivers a collection of infectious, nostalgia-fueled anthems that are sure to become scene staples in no time, from the high-octane ripper “Massochist” and the raucous rock and roll singalong “Infamous” to the deceptively heavy fever dream that is “The Hatman.” However, beyond the undeniable hooks, soaring melodies, and unapologetic energy, MATTER OF TIME serves as a culmination of Derrick Ryan’s journey as an artist thus far, as well as a love letter to the bands and musical influences that not only shaped his musical identity but also provided him with a sense of solace and belonging along the way.
Ahead of the release of his debut album, MATTER OF TIME, we caught up with Minute After Midnight mastermind Derrick Ryan to discuss the artists and albums that helped define his musical journey and ultimately shape this collection of undeniable emo and pop-punk anthems. From Fall Out Boy to Slipknot, these are the albums that helped shape the sound and spirit of Minute After Midnight.
Let Go - Avril Lavigne
This album dropped when I believe I was in the fourth grade. At least when I started listening. I would go nuts when “Complicated” came on the radio. Then, after it was followed by “Sk8er Boi,” I was obsessed and fully believed the song would be the story of my life. I remember downloading the songs and music videos on LimeWire.
Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) - Slipknot
Vol.3: (The Subliminal Verses) dropped when I was in the sixth grade and attending private school. One of my crushes introduced me to Slipknot, and I’ll never forget the day I bought the CD. I was with my grandmother, but I remember feeling the strangest pit in my stomach. I was nervous because the album cover was pretty metal. The heaviest thing I’d ever heard at the time was stuff on the Tony Hawk soundtrack. By the time I made it to track 4, “Duality,” heavy music became my identity. Underneath my uniform, I’d wear long sleeves so I could rock my jelly bracelets and spike bands.
Blink-182 - Blink-182
In the middle of sixth grade, I moved back to public school. I met a friend; his name was Josh, and he taught me how to play a good portion of these songs over the house phone. You know, before everyone had a cell phone. These were some of the first songs I ever learned to play.
From Under the Cork Tree - Fall Out Boy
This was the album I listened to front to back. It completely shaped me into the scene-loving pop-punk enthusiast I am today. My neighbor at the time ended up being their tour manager for the “Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour.” It was FOB, All-American Rejects, From First To Last, and Hawthorne Heights. A true elder emo will know all these bands, but I got to meet them, and it was one of my first big concerts.
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge - My Chemical Romance
Another critical album in the shaping of my career. I hold it almost to the highest regard, as My Chemical Romance's style was something I became infatuated with. Gerard Way's voice was always so instantly recognizable, and their lyrics, I’d write them all over my notebooks in class. Watching “Helena” before school on MTV was such a nostalgic memory for me.
Count Your Blessings - Bring Me the Horizon
This album was my intro to Bring Me The Horizon, who would later become one of my favorite bands. Everything about this album is so raw and messy, yet simultaneously, every track felt like a massive hit of dopamine. The lyrics on this record really opened my mind to what we could say in songs and how we could express ourselves.
The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
Every aspect of this album and era was peak for me as an emo/scene kid/skater. My entire MySpace was The Black Parade themed. I don’t feel like it's necessary to go into it. If you lived this, you know how epic it was.
For Those Who Have Heart - A Day to Remember
My favorite A Day To Remember album by a long shot. All of these songs are classics; I feel like I draw so much inspiration from this album to this day. I love all the songs still, and seeing this live is always such a blast. Can ADTR do a tour where they just play this album and some of Homesick?
Sempiternal - Bring Me the Horizon
This is the best album of our genre to drop as of 2026, in my opinion. I don't know what happened in the studio here, but this album holds up to its name, Sempiternal, which, if I’m correct, means “everlasting.”
MATTER OF TIME, the debut album by Minute After Midnight drops November 13th via Fearless Records. Pre-save here
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