Born in the Los Angeles, Ryan was drawn to music at a young age and was playing in neighborhood bands by age 12. An early love for Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead evolved into a passionate exploration of traditional country and early rock ‘n’ roll.
After starting his first band, the rockabilly combo Bedrock, Ryan founded Lone Justice with Maria McKee, a groundbreaking unit that tapped into the rich indigenous music of Southern California.
After Lone Justice, and a move to NYC next, he joined forces with singer-songwriter Amy Allison to launch Parlor James, a vocal harmony duo that revamped classic folk and country balladry with a dark edge.
After successfully releasing an EP and album, Ryan moved on and continued his forays into undiscovered musical terrain. Taking a cue from the Trip Hop movement of the late 90’s, he adopted the persona of Rattlesnake Daddy to combine roots music elements with cutting edge technology: “It was my goal to take samplers, electric guitars and massive powered speakers and use them in a band setting that could break down the wall between artist and audience.
Always restlessly hunting for the next new song/sound, Ryan is currently recording a country album with Lone Justice partner and longtime friend Marvin Etzioni.
He is also delving into his archives to release unheard tunes from earlier projects. Live, Rattlesnake Daddy has recently re-emerged in the thriving South Central Blues scene.
He continues to perform with veteran blues artists at South Central’s home-grown venues, sparking musical interchanges that inform his own work.
As ever, Ryan’s musical evolution continues.