A Family Update from Ryder Mason
Hey everyone, Ryder here.
I want to take a moment to clear the air and share some updates about what’s happening at Riffuge Studios and with the Ghost Riff Riders. There’s been a lot of moving parts lately, and I’d rather you hear it straight from me than through the rumor mill.
First off: Sam Nolan Carter and Vera Carter are and will always be family. Not just to me, not just to the band, but to the very core of Riffuge itself. Sam co-founded this place with me and Vincent Krell, and Vera has been the vocal powerhouse that’s carried us through countless nights. They’re Riffuge royalty—period.
Now, here’s the truth. Sam has been burning it at both ends for years, juggling the Dallas and Denver studios, managing the Riders, and pushing nonstop for growth. He’s been giving so much of himself to the music, the business, and to all of us, that he hasn’t had the chance to stop and breathe. Vera’s been right there with him every step of the way. They’ve more than earned a break, and we’re giving them that space to rest, recharge, and go travel together.
This isn’t goodbye. Sam will be back, no question. This is just a much-needed reset.
In the meantime, I want to be crystal clear: we’re not leaving a hole behind. We’re hiring more people to take the weight off Sam’s shoulders, and honestly, to take the stress off mine too. Running a band and two studios is a beast, and it’s time we gave Sam the backup he deserves.
We’re also incredibly lucky to have my sister Lily stepping up in huge ways. She’s been learning directly from Sam, and I could not be more proud of the effort and heart she’s putting in. And of course, Vincent Krell has been grinding alongside me to keep things moving. We’ve got a family here, and that’s how we roll—when one of us needs space, the rest of us step up.
So if you hear whispers that Sam’s “out” or Vera’s stepping away—don’t buy it. They’re just taking a long-overdue vacation. They’ll be back, stronger than ever.
In the meantime, we’ve got some incredible new people joining the team (you’ll be hearing more about that soon), and the music isn’t slowing down for a second.
Sam and Vera, if you’re reading this—enjoy your time. You’ve earned it. We’ll hold it down until you’re back.
With love and riffs,
Ryder Mason
Ghost Riff Riders / Riffuge Studios