Kevin Ryan

Growing up around the beat and pounding of his father’s drums for a rock cover band, Kevin Ryan began his love affair with music at an early age. At age 10 he started testing the waters of songwriting, but it wasn’t until he was 19 and away at college in New York City that he discovered his own unique style of pop/rock and started the journey that led to his self-titled debut album Kevin Ryan, which will be released in the fall of 2013.

This Minneapolis based singer/songwriter features an intoxicating and affecting baker’s dozen of introspective songs about fear, heartbreak, doubt, lust, rage, confusion, revival, and hope. The debut album consists of 13 memorable tracks, 10 of which were penned solely by Kevin and three with co-writer and producer, Chad Shank. From the alluring piano ladened first single “Midnight”, to the glossy radio friendly “See It All”, and the heart wrenching “This Letter” ( a word of warning to parents who don’t accept their child’s GLBT lifestyle) , one theme rings true throughout the entire album and that is to not only accept the person you are, but to embrace it.

Inspired by a fusion of various musical styles such as Freddy Mercury, Michelle Branch, The Fray, Chantal Kreviazuk, Savage Garden, Rascal Flatts, Sara Bareilles, The Beatles, and Matchbox Twenty, Kevin developed his own entrancing style full of acoustic and electric guitars, sweeping piano parts, heavy drum beats, and most importantly heartfelt lyrics. Subsequent critical reception of his music was found favorable when his song, “Won’t Stop” won an audience voted competition on Mitchell, South Dakota’s Q107.3 radio for the best original song.

Deep inside the spirit of Kevin beats the lifeblood of victory over the harsh realities of both inner and outer struggles associated with love, longing, and his gay lifestyle. His music reveals a proclivity for pricking the heart rather than rejoicing in the monotonous status quo of contemporary pop/rock sounds. By sharing his passion for music as well as the ascent above life’s never ending obstacles, Kevin’s recognizable passion is evident.