Elaine Ryan

Artist Information

Biography

Elaine Ryan is the living embodiment of the nomadic troubadour. Her eagerly-awaited debut full-length album, Songs From The River, will feature tunes written in Vancouver, Montreal and Hawaii, recorded in Maui, and mixed and mastered in Montreal. Elaine’s material draws from such diverse life experiences as busking in Europe, studying flamenco in Spain and working in an orphanage in Guatemala, and she distils hard-won lessons into potent folk-rooted songs deserving of real attention.
Ryan first served notice of her creative potential with the 2007 release of a six-song EP, Sisters. It earned a warm response and college, community and CBC Radio play, while club gigs in her Vancouver hometown showcased her prowess as a natural performer.
Elaine now takes a major artistic leap forward with Songs From The River. "This is the album I’ve been wanting to make for quite some time now," she says, crediting her recent residence in Maui as a catalyst in its creation. "It is a very relaxing place to be, and it helps you collect ideas. One of the ways my songs get written is that ideas I’ve been stewing on for years will sort of suddenly come together in my mind.”
The album was recorded in a home studio near the ocean, and the rustic setting helps account for its warm and intimate feel. Elaine produced it herself, and she had a clear vision of the sound she wanted. "It is sparse as I wanted my voice and the lyrics I’ve written to come through," she explains. Drums and bass (electric and acoustic) are used subtly and sparingly, with the focus always remaining on Ryan’s fluent guitar playing, melodic and emotionally eloquent vocals, and convincingly poetic songs.
An oft-cited reference point for Elaine’s soulful voice is Tracy Chapman, while she acknowledges Ani DiFranco as a key influence. "I find her an inspiring character, through her guts and her thoughtful and political lyrics," she says. In fact, catching DiFranco in performance at a festival in Ireland had a life-changing impact on Ryan. "I was 14, and I was just into the pop music I’d hear on the radio," Elaine recalls. "I was still trying to form an identity, and going to Ani’s phenomenal show encouraged me to pick up the guitar."
Elaine was actually born in Ireland, then emigrated to Vancouver with her family at age five. The Ryans are a musical family, and Elaine would often sing harmonies with her younger brother, who’s also a musician. "Music would always be playing in our house," she recalls. She took drama and musical theatre throughout high school. “That was my introduction to performing. Lord Byng Secondary had a great program, and several excellent performers, including Hollywood actors Cobie Smulders and Carly Pope, have come out of it.”
The school of hard knocks that is busking also provided invaluable experience. "Before I even began writing songs, I had a spell of busking in Switzerland. That was good for getting over jitters, and it certainly toughens you up."
Study then took precedence over music, as Ryan took an arts degree at the University of British Columbia, completing a B.A.with Honors, with a major in International Relations and a minor in Political Science. Career options considered included development work and law, while studying flamenco dance in Seville created a dilemma. Ryan proved a natural at this most romantic of dance forms, but she explains that "I had to decide between music and dance and which one to take more seriously. I felt music was a better form of self-expression for me."
Flamenco’s loss is folk music’s gain, but lessons from flamenco proved invaluable. "I feel that what rubbed off from flamenco was the confidence my teachers exuded," says Elaine. "The sense that you can be very feminine, yet very confident and in control at the same time is what I love about flamenco. I also love the intense emotion of flamenco,
and I like to make my songs intense emotionally." That is apparent in a new song like "September Promise," and such passionately poetic lines as "there’s a drunken jailer in my chest…but I will break through the bars of this ribcage to get to you."
Ryan is now fully committed to music, and her development as a songwriter of real depth is showcased on Songs From The River. That skill had first been demonstrated on Sisters, via songs that effectively fused the personal and the political. The title track is a clarion call for female solidarity ("all over the world you’ve got sisters looking out for you"), while she bravely adopts the persona of a womanizer on "Saviour" ("he was looking for a savior in the body of a woman"). Another EP highlight is the tender "Dream Of Peace," a song that encouraged film-maker Shane Morgan to work with Elaine on filming a music video for the 2007 MAD Film Festival, one that won the Best Score category.
Elaine’s powers of persuasion as a songwriter are demonstrated on another tune for Songs From The River, "A Simple Love." Armed with just voice and guitar, she delivers a gentle song with lyrics declaring "I don’t think it will change patriarchy, but it might just touch your heart." Ryan laughingly confesses "that was a song I wrote to convince the guy I’m currently dating to go out with me!" Equally effective is "Still On My Mind," a heartfelt ballad.
A new song with a much heavier feel is "Diesel," with its depiction of a mood of "Violence seems to curdle in the air, like gas to a match just waiting there." "I wrote that after my trip to Guatemala," explains Elaine. "They were coming out of a civil war there, people still had guns, and it was a very unsafe environment."
Ryan’s confidence as a performer was boosted by successful 2009 appearances at Indie Week in Toronto, the Austin Women’s Music and Film Festival, Festival de la Chanson at Mont Tremblant, and at famed Montreal club Metropolis (as part of the Emerge Festival). A seven month stint in Montreal also brought Ryan plenty of positive feedback.
Elaine is now eager to take her songs on the road, and she’ll be touring Canada in May and June. Until then, put on Songs From The River, and just go with the flow. It will be a highly rewarding journey.
For more information, send an email to mselaineryan@gmail.com.

Instrumentation

Elaine Ryan: Guitar and vocals

Discography

April 2010 Full Length Release: Songs from the River

Dream On! MLK Collaboration
"Dream of Peace"

EP: The Sisters EP
Single: 'A Simple Love'

Radio play:
Radio Centreville, Montreal
CHOQ FM, Montreal
CBC radio
CKSF, Burnaby
Vancouver Coop Radio
Radio Pio-Paia, Maui
Mana'o Public Radio, Maui

Links

• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• Still On My Mind
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• A Simple Love
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• Sisters
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• September Promise-Elaine Ryan
  Listen   Download
• Diesel-Elaine Ryan
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• A Simple Love
• Sisters
• Dream of Peace
• Your Reckoning

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Elaine Ryan the Singer-Songwriter [+ Show ]
  

  Elaine Ryan the Singer-Songwriter You probably haven't heard or seen of this Elaine Ryan. Well ne...Elaine Ryan the Singer-Songwriter
  
  You probably haven't heard or seen of this Elaine Ryan. Well neither did I until she contacted me and I took a listen to her music on myspace. Isn't that the beauty of the internet? You can get in contact with pretty much anyone around the world, be it close friends or complete strangers. Now on to this Elaine character.
  
  Born in Waterford, Ireland, Elaine immigrated over to Vancouver at the age of 5, where her musical journey, or sometimes lack thereof, began. She was a choir girl and a backup singer for various children's music, but Elaine never really took all of this too seriously. Instead, like any good typical Canadian kid, she went to school. She got that coveted BA in International Relations, and sought to have an impact on the social conflicts around the world. She even had offers to go to law school, but a volunteer trip to Central America changed her world entirely. All throughout life, she had resisted the temptation known as music, and sought the conventional path of school and work. But this trip made her realize that she had to stay true to herself. As a result, Elaine picked up that guitar, which was lying on the ground since she was 17, and began to write songs. In just over year, she has accomplished what other artists take years to do. She has composed more than an album's worth of music that can't wait to be recorded and showcased, and she is set to take on the Vancouver music scene.
  
  I took a listen to her songs she posted on myspace, and I was astonished by the lyrical content and her strong, but graceful, voice. With the first track, “Monday Morning,” Elaine brings to light the idea of true love. With lyrics like “when loving someone is like setting them free,” you can't help but look inward and reflect on personal relationships. “Sisters” is by far my favorite track. If there was a female version of James Blunt, then I think Elaine might fight into that category. Elaine's soulful voice shines through in this song, where she preaches that “all over the world, you've got sisters looking out for you.” In “Savior,” Elaine brings in some technology to help her out, besides her usual guitar. With a drum machine in the background and a keyboard on the side, Elaine sings with passion, reminiscent of Chantal Kreviazuk. In “Cry in My Arms,”the tenderness of her voice shines through the thickness of the lyrics. Elaine casts a nice shadow on the solitude that many people feel. Her lyrics can appeal to almost anyone, and that, along with her soulful voice, is why I have decided to write such a long article based on four songs.
  
  For more information regarding Elaine Ryan including concert details and song sampling, please feel free to visit her on her myspace (ELAINE). If she continues to write such beautiful songs, you might even be able to catch her next year at the folk festival.

• Dream On (An MLK musical tribute review) [+ Show ]
  

  ...The Dream On! project 40 international independent musicians have written and performed 30 songs ......The Dream On! project 40 international independent musicians have written and performed 30 songs over two CDs to carry on Dr. King's fight for social justice. No matter what your musical tastes, there is diversity with elements of Folk, Country, Indie Rock, and R&B, and sprinkles of Jazz, hip-hop and gospel. I favoured CD two with its surprise touch of reggae in Tony Fair-I's Dr. Martin. Dixon Chibanda brought a sense of world music with Africa.
  
  The acoustic numbers are the best such as Elaine Ryan's Dream of Peace. Laura Vecchione's Tell ‘em about the Dream, Metah's Dream On, Shakka Hasberry's Bring it Back, Daysahead's It's in your hands and Craig A. Thompson's I have a Dream – MLK tribute also stood out. But more important than the music is the sense of history the lyrics capture and the values, which are epitomised.
  
  The music, to be launched amid Obama's inauguration, is in alignment with Dr. King's ideals of peace, justice, love and freedom. Available as free downloads; the “user” is invited to donate to one or more of several charitable organisations. In addition to the CDs, five exclusive MP3s will be release each month via free download. The most popular of the exclusive tracks will become another CD to be released at a later date.
  
  An educational documentary about Dr King's life, work and vision, and the continuation of the dream is also planned to coincide with the release. The documentary, which will also be available for download, will give insight into the musicians and the charities benefiting from the project.
  
  Music producer and writer Armstrong of Three of Wands Productions, LLC, together with five charitable organisations, aim to build a community of people dedicated to continuing the dream – through peaceful, collaborative efforts to create positive change. Dr King, who would have been 80 on January 15, 2009, inspired Armstrong. Born to two peace Corp volunteers, she has been a life-long volunteer. She was stirred to launch the project on King's Birthday this year when she rediscovered a sermon given by King at Temple Israel in Hollywood in 1965. The sermon spoke of the insuppressible power of love. Dr King's powerful oratory awakened something in Armstrong that she couldn't deny. This project is one not to sleep on.
  
  To learn more about Dream On and the live events planned visit: http://www.thedreamcontinued.org/
  
  The UK Corner covers urban entertainment from a British perspective and is written by Fiona McKinson. She is a freelance journalist and creative writer based in London. Contact her at info@thetalentshow.co.uk.

• Elaine Ryan [+ Show ]
  

  There’s a new girl on the rock and she’s got something to say. Singer/songwriter Elaine Ryan brings...There’s a new girl on the rock and she’s got something to say.
  Singer/songwriter Elaine Ryan brings a soothing, organic voice for Maui’s listeners to enjoy, offering thoughtful lyrics and guitar sounds reminiscent of some of music’s finest female icons—Natalie Merchant and Tracey Chapman.
  Elaine has this innate ability to draw listeners in with her pureness, and there’s a sweet, yet stern, honesty in her voice. She provides wonderfully textured layers and substance in her songwriting that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
  This 27-year-old arrived last year from Vancouver, Canada, and has been cruising the Valley Isle, playing here and there, revealing a solid collection of political love songs.
  Self-taught in voice and guitar, this musician started singing the moment she could speak. Born in Ireland—a country referred as “the land of poets and playwrights”—Elaine was surrounded by its music and a European culture that she still carries with her today.
  “I have begun to notice lately that the way my voice moves is reminiscent of traditional Irish music,” she said.
  She picked up a guitar as a teen after seeing Ani DiFranco perform in a tiny venue in Galway—a city nicknamed “Ireland’s Cultural Heart.” Elaine found inspiration through this New York musician’s strong lyrics and captivating presence.
  “When I saw Ani, I was just blown away,” she said. “I thought, ‘That’s my thing.’”
  DiFranco is known for her cultural and political efforts throughout the years as well as her strong feminists values, which the quick-witted Elaine can relate with.
  “The term ‘feminist’ gets a bad rap, but I believe I am a feminist in the respect that I am ‘pro-woman’ and support strong values,” said Elaine. “Perhaps, though, I’m a feminist, with a skirt.”
  With a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, Elaine walks the walk to back up the talk within her intellectual-stimulating lyrics.
  “I care a lot about social justice and I think it comes out in my songs sometimes,” she said.
  Elaine’s an old soul, possessing layers of wisdom as a result of her fascinating travels.
  She draws from her experiences when songwriting—from working in a Guatemalan orphanage to busking her way through Switzerland and Spain. Busking is playing in the streets, with the guitar case open and the world as your stage.
  It is one of the most raw—and scary—things a musician can do, according to Elaine.
  “It’s interesting. People look at you like you’re a TV and forget I can see them,” Elaine said. “It really helped me develop as a performer. It doesn’t seem nearly as daunting now to perform out live.”
  This “folk soul songstress” has played in various venues while living in Vancouver for a long time and recorded her debut EP, Sisters, in 2007 on her own.
  She loves playing the title track, Sisters, as it reminds her of all the wonderful women who have touched her life.
  “I base a lot of my lyrics on relationships and I feel like I got the lyrics right on this song,” said Elaine. “It’s a very meaningful song.”
  Her song, Dream of Peace, off the debut, can be found on a charity compilation honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. called Dream On, which was released in January (www.thedreamcontinued.org).
  Elaine has taken “baby steps” into Maui’s music scene. She performed at Jacque’s in Pā‘ia while visiting, then after she moved here, she substituted for her friend and talented Maui singer, Karen B, one evening at Kīhei’s Ambrosia. She now has a regular spot on Tuesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the mellow lounge tucked away in the chaotic Triangle.
  “Maui’s a great place with wonderful musicians,” said Elaine. “I was actually surprised about how much talent there is here and different styles.”
  Elaine has played at Casanova’s, Café Marc Aurel, and has graced the airwaves of Mana‘o Radio.
  She has the potential to blow up like “righteous babe” DiFranco and realizes the need to venture into new territories to make a large-scale impact. She’s planning an East Coast U.S. tour this summer—most likely in the Big Apple—to gain some urban exposure and label options.
  Currently, Elaine is setting up to record some new songs she’s written, including the intoxicating A Simple Love Song. This sweet ballad becomes one of those songs you can’t get out of your head—and don’t want it to. The track possesses pleasant melodies that are as comfortable and cozy as your favorite sweatshirt.
  Elaine’s future on this island is unforeseen yet while she’s here she hopes to captivate the minds and hearts of Maui.
  “It would be great to make an impact here,” she said. “I want to draw in people who want to really listen.”
  This bright talent has got something to say. Listen up.
  Contact Elaine Ryan at mselaineryan@gmail.com, visit www.elaineryan.ca or check her out at Ambrosia in Kīhei every Tuesday, from 6 to 9 p.m. You can grab her Sisters EP right now on www.CDBaby.com, her MySpace page, Be Happy in Pā‘ia or at one of her gigs.
  March 5, 2009
  Trisha Smith
  

Setlist

Set List:
Sisters
Reckoning
Monday Morning
Cry In My Arms
Tea
A Simple Love
September Promise
The River
Making Eyes
Trial by Fire
Diesel
Your Kind of Woman
Saviour
Dream of Peace
Aching
Still On My Mind
On My Side
Good Little Girl
No Excuses

Covers:
Sorry-Tracy Chapman
You had Time-Ani Difranco
Steal My Kisses-Ben Harper
I Shall Be Release-Bob Dylan
Good Boy-Barenaked Ladies

I usually play two 45 minute sets, almost all originals with a few covers thrown in.

Basic Requirements

Calendar