COVER STORY
ROGER RYAN
Multi Grammy-Nominated Producer Still Has A Lot To Offer The Global Music Community
Roger Ryan made a decision early in his early collegiate years to pursue music over medicine. It was a path that positioned him to live the life he dreamed of and pursue the passion of his soul. The man, musician, producer extraordinaire, lover of people, and human he is today, are all the result of his courage to choose purpose and never look back.
As I stare blankly at the black and white ivory keys of an old but perfectly tuned piano in front of us, Roger fondly muses "This is a lovely, old classic," reminiscent of his childhood piano. He then sings an impromptu version of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars' while running his fingers smoothly on the keys.
Amused by a couple of matte black speakers on stilts, mounted and flanked on a trestle table below two computer monitors, a mixing desk dominates the Dolby Atmos-equipped surround studio, Roger shares his vision of creating similar spaces, locally and abroad,
for upcoming young engineers and producers to cultivate and refine their skills.
I am trying to keep up with all the technical minutiae. Diversion was my ally. I inquire how Lisa Winans is doing. Ryan was astonished at how the world has grown smaller and smaller. "Here I am in Dubai, talking to a guy who met Lisa Winans, cousin of Cece Winans. Lisa was this small (gestures his palm facing the floor slightly above his knees) when we met and is now a well-versed artist singer/songwriter in her own right, the Nashville-based multi-Grammy-nominated producer fondly reflects.
Backstory: He was Cece Winans first Musical Director and toured with her during the Alone In His Presence and Everlasting Love Tours.
We wrapped up our tour of the JBM studios in Al Qouz with a talk about what excites him in a day’s work.
While incredibly honored by his first Grammy nomination, Nashville-based producer Ryan is aware of the catalyst, accomplishments such as these can be in creating greater opportunities to elevate his visibility and thereby expand his reach in this music industry at large.
“My first real experience at getting my feet wet,” he recalls was the duet project with the legendary Shirley Caesar. It featured artists such as Patti LaBelle, Oleta Adams, Kirk Franklin, Kim Burrell, Gladys Knight and Faith Evans to name a few.
Music production has been his way of answering a higher calling and his multiple Grammy nominations affirm that it was all for a greater purpose. Ryan is all about music and people, "whichever order." The opportunity to tour with his college buddies, 'Take 6” in 2007, heavily influenced his decision to change his major and ultimately become a professional musician.
While there is an undeniable confidence from which he masterfully produces and arranges music, the real strength is encompassed thru his capacity to walk in humility and honor. "We, all of us, spread light to everyone around us," the wise Juno Award-winning producer reflects.
I perceive that the artist - the person, is what Ryan is drawn to, creating an environment for the artist to thrive. It’s people over music. "I want the artists to be able to tell their stories authentically through their music."
An avid traveler, Roger enjoys experiencing the richness and diversity of other cultures. His musical landscape is no different, as his musical creativity and finesse are in demand all around the world. Current projects include a Multi-Genre Music compilation for the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, an Artist Instructor for the acclaimed Berklee Center in Abu Dhabi and working with Dubai-based Nigerian artist Reuben Edenojie. This furthers his mission to form meaningful relationships, collaborate with the incredible artists here and in turn help to build the industry in the UAE.
This is the beginning of a new chapter in his unfolding story and Roger is full of excitement and expectation for all that is to come.
Music is for the soul
Special thanks to: Cristina and Cre8tiv Entertainment, JBM Studios
Co-write credits: Roger Ryan PR Team
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