Local singer/songwriter Michael Ryan blends alternative, blues, pop and rock with a hint of folk to create honest-driven lyrics with catchy, memorable melodies. A native to the Portland, Oregon area Ryan began performing on the stage at the young age of five, and received his first guitar when he was fourteen. He began writing music with a high school friend and spent the next several years experimenting in projects throughout high school and college.
In 1998 Ryan moved into a small studio apartment in downtown Portland and began honing his craft; writing and playing original material in the local open mic circuit. He continued pursuing other projects on the side, but his own songs kept tugging at him - vying for attention. By 2003 he had recorded a rough demo - his first album "Fat Li'l Ryan". The demo has been widely distributed across North America, including Hawaii.
2004 marked the birth of The Fat Li'l Ryan Experiment. With a varied blend of influences, the trio forged a unique style all its own, playing venues throughout the Portland/Vancouver area. By Fall the band had dispersed and Ryan joined with native Aussie, Paul Monk to create an acoustic ensemble. Pauls style of acoustic guitar and mandolin was a welcome addition, adding a whole new dimension to Ryan's songs. The duo played many shows in Portland and Seattle, before Paul headed back home to Australia in June of 2005.
Ryan continued performing at events/festivals and venues in the Portland area thoughout the summer. Working with a handful of local musicians sitting in during his performances, each show proved to be a unique experience. Ryan has had the opportunity to work with many musicians from varied different backgrounds as well as skill levels.
As summer winds down, Ryan will be heading into the studio with the rest of the members of First Name Michael to record a CD.
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