Ryan W

In case you ever wondered what an explosion of go-go-boys, glitter and a gold ball gag would look like, Ryan W has taken out the guesswork for you with the music video for his new single, "Hardcore."

Says Ryan:

“When other gay artists and drag queens drop beige, blasé tracks that aren’t even suitable for elevator music, then pair them with videos that only make you change the channel, it makes it a real challenge to be taken seriously and not seen as forgettable or throw-away. It's time for a change!” - Towleroad

Say what you will about the song/video in the comments, but I'm guessing Ryan W's "Hardcore" won't leave you without an opinion... - Boy Culture

Ryan W is back on the scene in a major way, and he’s serving up some controversy with his latest release/music video HARDCORE.

Setting the bar for other gay recording artists was one of the goals with this video, so the Pop provocateur sought out a production company that could capture his vision of desire, liberated through naked earnestness.

“I was tired of seeing other artists put out low-budget videos that only delivered infinite boredom. I found a company that could deliver the high-quality production value that so many other music videos today on the gay scene are lacking.” To accomplish his mission, he contracted Los Angeles production company Visual Harassment to produce and direct the video, and Brad Rushing, whose credits include Britney's flaming Toxic video, along with other projects by Eminem, Mariah Carey, Nelly and Justin Timberlake, to be his Director of Cinematography. “I was truly blessed to work with such amazing, high-profile professionals for this project,” W comments.

Frustrated by the stigma faced by most openly gay recording artists, Ryan made it a point to put out a REAL music video, and not the typical corny nonsense that promises little and delivers less. With slick production value, award-winning cinematography, a hit song poised to anathematize, and that irrepressible WOW factor, Ryan W is hitting the scene HARDCORE.

“When other gay artists and drag queens drop beige, blasé tracks that aren’t even suitable for elevator music, then pair them with videos that only make you change the channel, it makes it a real challenge to be taken seriously and not seen as forgettable or throw-away. It's time for a change!”

HARDCORE is available on iTunes, Amazon, and all major portals Worldwide and the video can be accessed via YouTube or by visiting RYANWMUSIC.com - Gay Global Times

Kansas City native and Broadway performer turned pop artist Ryan W makes his Richmond debut headlining VA Pridefest on Saturday, September 28. He took a moment before making his way to RVA to give us a preview of his music and style.

GAYRVA.COM: What inspires you as a musician?

Ryan W: Music is the one thing that we all have in common. My goal as a musician is to do songs that make people feel good and empower themselves. When people listen to my lyrics I want them to be like “WOW! This is about me!” Real Life – You know, “The Drama, Pleasure, and Pain.” And of course it has to make you dance like crazy!

Describe your musical style?

Actually, I am a pop artist with a passion for dance music. Therefore, all my music gets remixed. I am so blessed to be able to work with Billboard #1, Grammy-winning, legendary remixers and producers!

Think about on a Saturday night. You get ready. Excited to go out, you make sure you are looking fierce. You head to the club, the dancefloor is packed and you just start moving because your hear these amazing beats. Then you head to the dancefloor and forget all your problems and just work the dancefloor. That’s my style of music!

Tell me about your fashion inspiration – what inspires your look?

Flash, Flash, and more Flash! hahaha

My stuff usually comes from designer and celebrity stylist Patricia Field (Sex and the City and Ugly Betty) in New York, and items from Modus Vivendi in Greece.

It’s all about expressing how you feel on the inside. I feel like I shine on the inside so I try to shine on the outside! When all else fails, make it shine!

What’s it been like working the Pride circuit? Any stories from the road?

Pride’s are one of my favorite things! It’s amazing to see everyone come together and celebrate who we are.

I have met some amazing people during my travels, many of whom I’ve become personal friends with!

As for stories, I have some really good ones, but I never kiss and tell! I will say, opening up for Patti LaBelle last summer in Pittsburgh was amazing! She is an amazing woman and the festival was outstanding!

What have been your favorite places to travel?

I’m sure after this weekend it will be Richmond, VA! I wish I could spend more time in each city I perform in. It’s amazing how people make you feel so warm and welcome. I think flying overseas is my favorite. From trying new foods to learning about other cultures. It just reminds you that we are all human and we are in the world together!

What has it been like growing up in Kansas and making the transition to New York City?

Despite my look, deep down I’m just a nice boy from the midwest. Being a showbiz kid, I moved to NYC right out of high school to do Broadway shows. While doing Broadway, I discovered what I really wanted to be was a recording artist. I had several boy band offers, but I really wanted to be a solo artist and do something that no other gay artist has done.

New York is where I record usually, but I made the move to Los Angeles. Which is a bit different than the NYC scene. Even as a child, deep down I always knew I would either be in NYC or LA, but I still visit Kansas City often and it will always be home.

What can we expect during Saturday’s performance?

Expect the unexpected. I tend to get a little crazy onstage! My goal is to get everyone dancing and have a great time! You can expect massive beats, maybe some comedy, and maybe some surprises! I tend to feed of my audience, so I hope Virginia is ready to let loose, as I bring the club outdoors!

What projects are you working on right now?

Currently, we are working on my next release – Hardcore. We are in the process of working on a massive and a big budget music video. In fact after VA Pride we start the casting process and it will be a few months of production and editing. I am seeing so many artists putting really bad, cheap videos out. This is something I will never do. I promise to represent the gay community with only the best!

So get ready, the song is very risque and the video will be fierce!

VA Pridefest is on Saturday, Sept. 29, 1-8 p.m. at Kanawha Plaza, 8th & Canal St. For more information on Ryan W, visit http://www.ryanwmusic.com/.
- GayRVA

In the Studio With Ryan W - Out on the Town

DANCE MUSIC ALERT: RYAN W DROPS SMASH HIT SINGLE

September 18th, 2010- Dance Music Icon Ryan W, and Producer/Remixer Nick Harvey have teamed up again to deliver their biggest single yet, UNTOUCHABLE.

UNTOUCHABLE (written by Ryan W and S. Singleton) has the Power, Passion, and Drive to make you work the dance floor. "It's one of those songs that will have people saying, 'OMG, this is my theme song!' " Says W. He also stated that the lyrics are very conceited and laughed!

The UNTOUCHABLE Maxi Single will feature mixes from legendary remixer/producers Razor N' Guido (NYC). “It was a dream come true to have this highly respected powerhouse duo on this single”, says W.

Other mixes include versions by Nick Harvey (Switzerland), and Steamweaver (Brazil).

Ryan's first single CRAVE, which released March 2010, quickly went straight to #1 on Masterbeat. CRAVE made Ryan W a common name within the Dance Music World. The song also ended up on many DJ's Top Ten Lists, and Podcasts from all over the World. In July 2010, his follow-up single OCEANS, also went to #1, making it one of the summers hottest dance tracks.

This past Summer, Ryan was the headliner for many Pride Festivals around the United States, making various club appearances, and performed at Market Days in Chicago. Upcoming performances include Los Angeles, and New York in late fall 2010. He is also planning more releases at the end of the year, and working on his full length album WLAND.

UNTOUCHABLE will be available September 22, 2010 on iTunes, Masterbeat, BeatPort, and Amazon.

www.ryanwmusic.com

www.nickharveymusic.com
- Gay Data

A local boy is starting to hit it big in the music industry. Ryan W., who began his career on Broadway and as a backup dancer for big musicians, is enjoying the praise he’s been receiving about his newly released single, “Crave,” while putting the final touches on his full album.

Ryan, who lives in Kansas City and takes care of his mother, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, has always dreamed of this moment. He has been working nonstop on this single and album, and with help from Junior Vasquez’s engineering team, he has given us an instant dance classic, which has quickly jumped onto everyone’s radar.
Camp: How long have you been working on the album?
Ryan W.: Well, I’ve been working on the album for the past four months, and have been working on the single “Crave” for over a year. But I have been planning this whole thing for several years before my mom had her stroke.
What’s the next single?
The next single is called “Oceans.” It comes out June 23rd.
So, you have performed onstage with Ricky Martin, Britney Spears and Cher. What were you doing exactly?
I was doing backup dance.
Oh, did you start out dancing in your early career?
Well, I started in Broadway as a singer/dancer. I loved it, but I hated it (laughs). I was hoping that someday it’d be me up there, getting the spotlight.
Do you think that the setback, with your mom and moving back to Kansas City, has made you stronger?
Oh, yes. It’s made me focus a lot harder. And it’s given me more time to focus on it as well. I’ve gotten a lot of crap for being in Kansas, but I like it. It’s centrally located. I can easily just hop on a plane and go to New York or L.A. I might not choose to live here if the circumstances were different, but then again, all of this has happened while I’ve been here, so. …
And you were just in New York. What were you doing there?
I was recording every day! All day, then I’d go pass out. I was scheduled to open the Wendy Williams show, but it didn’t happen. I was too busy recording. I was on such a tight time frame. I had to do five songs in five days. If I didn’t get it done, I was going to be in big trouble. I got it done, though! But the weekend was amazing. I got to meet and hang out with people I’ve always looked up to. Inaya Day, Deepa Soul was there, Heather Leigh West. I never thought I’d get to meet them, let alone be in their “circle.”
So, last I checked, your single, “Crave,” was number three on Masterbeat. How’s that feel?
Well, it actually rose to number one. The day it came out, it was number eight. Then rose to three, which was the same day Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s “Telephone” came out. Then “Crave” rose to number one.
That’s great! What kind of feedback have you gotten from that?
I’ve gotten a lot, actually. It’s pretty big in Montreal so I’ve heard great things from up there. There’s a lot of DJs playing it. I’ve had Hex Hector and Manny Lehman contact me and say they love it. I met Hex in New York and brought him the singles CD, and he said he knows all about it already and who I was, so it was very exciting!
So you’ve mentioned some of your idols. Who are people you’d love to perform with, dead or alive?
Well, definitely Michael Jackson. And I really want to do some songs with Missy Elliott!
How did your release party go at Missie B’s a couple weeks ago?

Oh, it was great! When I got there, there was a line out the door. I was worried because it was Easter weekend, but it was packed that night. It was fun. I just got to sing once as it’s hard to perform at a club, as you don’t want to interrupt the dancing that people want to do.
Are you doing anything with Kansas City Pride or any other city’s Pride?
No, not here, unfortunately. And all of this is happening so fast, the single release, the making of the album. It’s happening really fast, so I had to take myself out of a lot of the circuit things. I’m only going to be able to do things, possibly, in Amsterdam, Barcelona, and a Chicago event.
Has being openly gay been a deterrent in making this album?
Oh, no, not at all. Plus, it’s never defined me. I’m a singer and performer first and just happen to be gay.
OK, how do you feel about Ricky Martin coming out now, so many years after he was popular?
Well, I used to work for him so I kind of had the inside scoop. I think it was more of a publicity thing.
What about younger or at least more current celebrities — do you think they should be out and open?
I think people should just be themselves. I think they need to be true to themselves. I struggled with it before when I started, but then decided that it was my life and if people didn’t like me being gay, then whatever.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Oh, definitely shop. I also have two pugs, so I love to just veg with them.
Are you single?
Yes, but I’m open to it [dating">. I’m just so focused. I’ve made some mistakes in the past. But this [making an album"> is a lot of work.
Oh, we’ve all been there. Do y - Camp Magazine

A local boy is starting to hit it big in the music industry. Ryan W., who began his career on Broadway and as a backup dancer for big musicians, is enjoying the praise he’s been receiving about his newly released single, “Crave,” while putting the final touches on his full album.

Ryan, who lives in Kansas City and takes care of his mother, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, has always dreamed of this moment. He has been working nonstop on this single and album, and with help from Junior Vasquez’s engineering team, he has given us an instant dance classic, which has quickly jumped onto everyone’s radar.
Camp: How long have you been working on the album?
Ryan W.: Well, I’ve been working on the album for the past four months, and have been working on the single “Crave” for over a year. But I have been planning this whole thing for several years before my mom had her stroke.
What’s the next single?
The next single is called “Oceans.” It comes out June 23rd.
So, you have performed onstage with Ricky Martin, Britney Spears and Cher. What were you doing exactly?
I was doing backup dance.
Oh, did you start out dancing in your early career?
Well, I started in Broadway as a singer/dancer. I loved it, but I hated it (laughs). I was hoping that someday it’d be me up there, getting the spotlight.
Do you think that the setback, with your mom and moving back to Kansas City, has made you stronger?
Oh, yes. It’s made me focus a lot harder. And it’s given me more time to focus on it as well. I’ve gotten a lot of crap for being in Kansas, but I like it. It’s centrally located. I can easily just hop on a plane and go to New York or L.A. I might not choose to live here if the circumstances were different, but then again, all of this has happened while I’ve been here, so. …
And you were just in New York. What were you doing there?
I was recording every day! All day, then I’d go pass out. I was scheduled to open the Wendy Williams show, but it didn’t happen. I was too busy recording. I was on such a tight time frame. I had to do five songs in five days. If I didn’t get it done, I was going to be in big trouble. I got it done, though! But the weekend was amazing. I got to meet and hang out with people I’ve always looked up to. Inaya Day, Deepa Soul was there, Heather Leigh West. I never thought I’d get to meet them, let alone be in their “circle.”
So, last I checked, your single, “Crave,” was number three on Masterbeat. How’s that feel?
Well, it actually rose to number one. The day it came out, it was number eight. Then rose to three, which was the same day Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s “Telephone” came out. Then “Crave” rose to number one.
That’s great! What kind of feedback have you gotten from that?
I’ve gotten a lot, actually. It’s pretty big in Montreal so I’ve heard great things from up there. There’s a lot of DJs playing it. I’ve had Hex Hector and Manny Lehman contact me and say they love it. I met Hex in New York and brought him the singles CD, and he said he knows all about it already and who I was, so it was very exciting!
So you’ve mentioned some of your idols. Who are people you’d love to perform with, dead or alive?
Well, definitely Michael Jackson. And I really want to do some songs with Missy Elliott!
How did your release party go at Missie B’s a couple weeks ago?

Oh, it was great! When I got there, there was a line out the door. I was worried because it was Easter weekend, but it was packed that night. It was fun. I just got to sing once as it’s hard to perform at a club, as you don’t want to interrupt the dancing that people want to do.
Are you doing anything with Kansas City Pride or any other city’s Pride?
No, not here, unfortunately. And all of this is happening so fast, the single release, the making of the album. It’s happening really fast, so I had to take myself out of a lot of the circuit things. I’m only going to be able to do things, possibly, in Amsterdam, Barcelona, and a Chicago event.
Has being openly gay been a deterrent in making this album?
Oh, no, not at all. Plus, it’s never defined me. I’m a singer and performer first and just happen to be gay.
OK, how do you feel about Ricky Martin coming out now, so many years after he was popular?
Well, I used to work for him so I kind of had the inside scoop. I think it was more of a publicity thing.
What about younger or at least more current celebrities — do you think they should be out and open?
I think people should just be themselves. I think they need to be true to themselves. I struggled with it before when I started, but then decided that it was my life and if people didn’t like me being gay, then whatever.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Oh, definitely shop. I also have two pugs, so I love to just veg with them.
Are you single?
Yes, but I’m open to it [dating">. I’m just so focused. I’ve made some mistakes in the past. But this [making an album"> is a lot of work.
Oh, we’ve all been there. Do y - Camp Magazine

This is the followup to the sensual "Crave" which was released earlier this year. "Oceans" is on the softer, romantic side. Ryan is given a better opportunity to showcase his vocals on this song. Remixes are by Nick Harvey and Ruben Vega. Nick's main versions have his signature tribal sound, however these have a lighter, uplifting feel as well. Imagine a Freemasons mix that was much harder. Ryan's vocals sound great on this. The main mix is over 12 minutes long and remains exciting throughout. Ruben Vega's mixes are slightly less tribal than the title indicates, but these are hard-hitting as well. Both are very well done.
- Sweet Muzik

See link - Just Circuit Magazine

See link - Just Circuit Magazine

"Crave" is the debut single from up and coming singer Ryan W. Ryan delivers a warm, unforgettable vocal on "Crave." Remixes by Nick Harvey, Ruben Vega, Fumi Kondoh, Taz, and Streamweaver make this dancefloor ready. Nick Harvey's main mixes a bit more accessible this time around with the soaring synths and pounding beats. His Sunday Morning mix is a bit more big room-ish. The dubs of his main versions are nice as well. Ruben Vega's mixes are a bit more drummy. Fumi Kondoh's has plenty of 'drama' in it with its various ups and downs in energy level. The old school vibe of it is really great. Taz's mix is indeed a 'wild ride' as the mix name indicates. It hits hard in all the right places. Streamweaver's is very big room-ish as well. The entire package is great. "Crave" could soon become a club classic.
- Sweet Muzik

Amid the office workers and shoppers grabbing a bite at the Town Center Panera Bread, Ryan W pops out like a colorful punctuation mark at the end of a dry sentence.
Ryan W’s confident strut, of-the-moment jeans, trendy haircut streaked with white highlights, movie-star-bleached teeth and strands of stylish silver Dolce and Gabbana necklaces grab the attention of patrons munching on salads and turkey sandwiches and checking e-mail.
You can almost read their minds: This kid isn’t from around here.
Actually Ryan W (the “W” is for Wesley, his middle name) is from around here—he graduated from Shawnee Mission North, was a Miller-Marley School of Dance and Voice student, performed for eight seasons at Theatre in the Park, earned his actor’s equity card at Starlight Theatre where he was a member of the professional company in a production of “Grease” and took a turn or two on the American Heartland Theatre’s stage. At one point in his burgeoning career he was in three simultaneous productions: the young Prince at Kansas City’s Dickens Holiday Fair, “South Pacific” and “Annie.” That’s how Ryan W rolls; he’s a hardcore worker.
Ryan is oblivious to the stares of the noon lunch crowd in Leawood. He’s more intent on the interview at hand and promoting his latest breakthrough success in the high-energy world of dance club music where record-spinning DJs have the ability to spread the gospel of musical artists.
Spending time on both the East and West Coasts since graduating from high school, Ryan relocated to Johnson County to be caregiver for his mother, Beverly Walling, a former managing director of Kansas City’s Theater League. She suffered a massive stroke in 2007.
“I’m an only child,” explains Ryan. “It never crossed my mind that I shouldn’t come back to look after her. You do what you have to do.”
And what Ryan had to do—in addition to being a devoted caretaker for his mom—was continue developing a recording career he started in Los Angles in 2006. A fresh transplant from New York City where he spent five years, which included performing in Broadway shows such as the Tony award-winning “Aida” and “South Pacific,” Ryan arrived in Tinsel Town to do some television commercial work.
“I did spots for Sony, eBay and OfficeMax,” says Ryan. “I was cast as one of the dancers.”
Though Ryan always thought theatre would be his path, he danced on tours with artists such as Britney Spears, Cher, Jessica Simpson and Ricky Martin. Inspired and motivated by his exposure to the talents of A-list celebrities, Ryan began writing lyrics and music in California. He signed a development deal, found a writing partner, Brianna Sage in NYC, and released his first solo single, “Crave,” in March 2010 to the exact audience Ryan had dreamed about: major, respected DJs in New York, Brazil, Japan and Switzerland who take popular music and remix it for play in nightclubs.
Ryan W’s catchy tunes are being remixed by the best in the business—Junior Vasquez, Steamweaver, Ruben Vega and Nick Harvey—that are household names in the dance music world.
“My music also receives airtime on dance-oriented radio stations,” says Ryan.
On July 7th Ryan W released “Oceans” which has been embraced as a dance anthem and was once again picked up by mega-star DJs. His third single, “Untouchable,” debuted well in September and a full-length pop-flavored CD titled “W-Land” is tentatively slated for an early 2011 launch.
Ryan admits his music is not necessarily mainstream in his hometown. But in large cities where nightlife includes high-profile dance clubs, hits like “Crave” and “Oceans” invigorate and pump up the crowd.
“People go to clubs to dance it out, get in their own zone and enjoy the atmosphere,” says Ryan, speaking in the true vernacular of a modern-day club artist. “My music is played across the world.”
Popular music download Web sites such as iTunes, Masterbeat, and amazon.com feature Ryan W’s maxi-singles and his music is distributed overseas as well as in the United States.
Ryan says one of the trademarks of his music is that it lets people forget their problems for a moment.
“My lyrics are something people relate to—they’re about love, life and loss,” says Ryan. “And the beats are infectious.”
When Ryan isn’t shuttling between LA and NYC recording or traveling the country performing in clubs and at festivals, he leads a quiet life in Johnson County, tending to his mom and two beloved pet pugs Harry Winston W and Meatball W.
“My dogs keep me sane,” says Ryan quietly, still unaware of the whirl of motion going on around him at a suburban sandwich shop in the middle of Johnson County.
And just like those club fanatics who get lost in his music, Ryan W lets his mind wander far from pressing family obligations, perhaps to the crowded and frenetic dance floors of Munich or Tokyo or Rio de Janeiro.
“I want people to enjoy my music, and if they do, then I’ve done my job,” he says.
For more information on Ryan W and his music, visit w - 435 South Magazine

This is the followup to his last single "Oceans." "Untouchable" has that right amount of attitude in both the lyrics and Ryan's delivery. The main mixes by Nick Harvey are his usual big room, tribal fierceness. His Plastic House mix is quite good. There are additional mixes by Razor N' Guido and Streamweaver. Razor N' Guido's mixes are much darker than Nick's versions. Their Duhb version is particularly notable with it's classic references. Streamweaver's mixes are slightly trancey with the soaring synthwork. Every version on this package is great. - Sweet Muzik

(02-14-10)-- Pop music wunderkind Ryan W's first solo single, CRAVE, will be released March 10, 2010. CRAVE represents a collaboration with Ryan W and smash songwriter Brianna Sage (In My Hands). The song is hedonism personified.

A Kansas City native, Ryan W headed to New York City as a teenager, where he appeared in Broadway shows like Aida and South Pacific and national tours of top musical celebrities. Performing alongside mega-stars like Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin, and Cher, he finally came to realize that the spotlight shining so brightly on them was his, too --and so he grabbed for it.

While recording in Los Angeles in 2007, he experienced a major familial setback when his mother, visiting him from the Midwest, suffered a massive stroke, leaving the entire left side of her body paralyzed, To make matters worse, she underwent an acute anaphylactic reaction to the medication Heparin, causing her right leg—the only one which still functioned—to be amputated. After 5 months of ICU and some therapy, Ryan W. flew his mother back to her home in Kansas City, where he would live and care for her while plotting his next move in the music industry.

In moments of geographical despair, he would think: “I have the looks, the voice, the moves, and the talent, but have I lost my momentum?” Sooner than he thought possible, the world had its unequivocal answer:

Hell to the no!

And so CRAVE flashed into existence, lusty and carnal.

Of course members of NYC legend Junior Vasquez's engineering team were immediately on the case. His team from around the world craved CRAVE, pumping out invigorating, cheeky re-mixes, including versions by Nick Harvey (Switzerland), TAZ and Fumi Kondoh (Tokyo), Steamweaver (Brazil), and Ruben Vega (NYC). Ever the perfectionist, Ryan W. selected this DJ's team because he felt it would best capture the old-school feel of classic NYC clubs like Twilo, Roxy and Limelight, places from a bygone era of opulence and unbridled erotic honesty.

The CRAVE Maxi-single will be available from iTunes, Masterbeat, Beatport, and Juno Records as of March 10,2010, and Ryan W's First full-length CD, Based on a True Story, launches in late 2010.

The thing about craving is that sometimes, you never can get enough. Have a listen and be prepared to give in to your temptations: like Ryan W. they're irrepressible.

www.ryanwmusic.com
www.nickharveymusic.com
- Gay Data