Joey Ryan
Los Angeles, California, United States
Music
Press
Joey Ryan is a modern troubadour—growing up on a steady diet of Dylan and his contemporaries, he decided to play music instead of going to grad school, and we’re better off for it. His classic singer-songwriter style guitar picking is quite refreshing, and each song possesses a smattering of something to make it sparkle, whether it be a little bit of organ on “Honest Man” or lush strings on “As It Must Be”. We picture the Los Angeles that Joey Ryan inhabits not like the city we’ve visited before, but more like the dreamland crafted by the works of Brian Wilson and The Mamas and the Papas.
We have a download from Joey of “As It Must Be”, and some pretty awesome streams to compliment it. Dreamy.
Sounds like: Iron and Wine, Bob Dylan, Donovan - RCRDLBL.COM
The US singer Joey Ryan has had his music featured in recent ads for Wrigley's Extra promoting its Hollyoaks sponsorship, with the Radio One DJ Jo Whiley highlighting him as one to watch. - UK Guardian
"effortlessly charming music with a warm streak of melody, honesty and humility"
- Heather Browne, I am Fuel, You Are Friends - I am Fuel, You Are Friends Blog
"Armed solely with his acoustic guitar the Californian singer – who appeared completely relaxed on stage – strolled his way through his set with consummate ease. His gravelly and powerful vocal ranged from boombox to mouse-like whisper"
- Zak Edwards, Birmingham Live, UK - Birmingham Live - UK
Joey Ryan: "Kenter Canyon" (EP review)
Joey Ryan is a Berkeley-educated singer/songwriter who is poised to release a new EP of modern folk-based music. The record, Kenter Canyon, was independently financed and will be available on January 19th on a pay-what-you-will basis.
What's remarkable about Kenter Canyon is not the way it was paid for or the distribution method rather it is the songs themselves. Ryan demonstrates a maturity and a craftsman-like songwriting talent that one wouldn't expect out of a young musician.
The EP kicks off with singer Sara Bareilles joining Ryan on the Josh Ritter-esque "Broken Headlights". Bareilles isn't the only guest musician who contributes. Gillian Welch's long-time partner Dave Rawlings pitches in on "Queen Jane", a track unsurprisingly built on a solid roots foundation, but given an ornate dressing in the arrangement. Z Berg (The Like) provides backing vocals on "Permanent", a song that is painful, in a good way.
However, Ryan proves that he doesn't need the novelty of guest musicians to succeed. "Walls Come Down" boasts a lush arrangement that feeds an arty guitar excursion, culminating in a magnificent crescendo. Toning things down, Ryan provides the beautifully melodic "Tipperary" (yes, it is a long long way).
Often the measure of a good EP is that is leaves you with the feeling that it ended way too soon, leaving you wanting more. If that is the case then there is no question that Joey Ryan succeeded with Kenter Canyon. - Snobsmusic.net
My first thought while listening to Joey Ryan's new EP, Kenter Canyon, was that he sounded quite a bit like Ryan Adams, which - in my opinion - is great company to keep. He also features some notable names on his new songs, including Sara Bareilles and Dave Rawlings, which caught my eye and should definitely help to further his cause. Fortunately, even without all the name-checking, Kenter Canyon (available on the 19th) is a great introduction to a truly talented new artist if you, like me, haven't heard the name Joey Ryan before. From the opening finger-picked guitar riffs of "Broken Headlights" to the bluesy folk rock of "Permanent," his earnest, rough tenor and personal yet relatable lyrics make Ryan's appeal quite obvious, and I'd be surprised if his name isn't one we'll start hearing much more frequently. - Chewinggumfortheears.com
Discography
Kenter Canyon (2010)
As It Must Be E.P. (2009)
the California ep (2006)
Good Enough (2005)
Photos
Bio
Joey Ryan had just graduated from Berkeley and was poised to attend graduate school to study neuroscience when he abruptly announced to his family that he wanted to pursue a career in music instead.
Unwavering in his vision for his future, Joey explains: "I realized that the truths I was interested in discovering through science were actually more accessible through music."
Born and raised in Los Angeles to a teacher and a psychologist, Ryan experienced an unusual perspective on life at an early age when his father nearly lost his life to cancer, resulting in a uniquely intellectual yet emotional viewpoint on life, love, and human nature in his songwriting.
Joey has now toured the US and UK several times over, returning home this past March for a month-long residency at LA’s Hotel Cafe. In May he’ll tackle the east coast again, followed by a European tour in June.
Joey's current EP, “Kenter Canyon,” was produced by Tony Berg (Jesca Hoop, Aimee Mann) and features performances by Sara Bareilles, Dave Rawlings, Z Berg and Matt Chamberlain. With harmonies by Bareilles, the opening track “Broken Headlights” pays tribute to the shockingly clear Los Angeles air after it rains, gracefully likening it to the confessions of a long-hidden love. The song received its first airplay from Chris Douridas on KCRW.
Joey Ryan's “Kenter Canyon” was released on Mophonics on January 19th, 2010.
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