Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Holley.
Ryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ryan Thomas Holley is a musical artist that has thrived in Austin, Texas, and called the area home for over 30 years. Maybe he was taking advantage of what’s left of the cheap, South Austin rent, or he was headed back to the Texas Hill Country, but he is very much still a part of this ever growing community of artists in the ATX.
He has graced the stages of Austin area venues consistently for the last 3 decades. Earning spots at some of Austin’s most legendary venues including, Antone’s, Stubb’s BBQ, The Backyard(RIP), The Black Cat Lounge(RIP), Liberty Lunch(RIP), and so many others. Whether he was opening for international touring acts on Stubb’s indoor stage in the early 2000’s(30 Seconds To Mars, Imogen Heap), or headlining shows at Antone’s or Momo’s(2006-2011), he was head over heels in love with the music scene. He has enjoyed successes in the solo realm, as well as the band outfits he was a part of. Touring, playing, and writing easily became a consistent daily routine for him. The next decade would bring considerable musical changes, but he was developing his vocal capabilities and honing his production skills to present a new facet of the stone. During that time, he developed and executed on a number of new musical endeavors. He was fronting and supporting local artists, and also auditioning for multiple national touring acts as a guitarist at this point. Ryan was accepted to CalArts Valencia for Film Scoring/Composition in 2000, and also won a spot in the top 50 on the CBS reality show in 2006, CBS Rockstar. Although he did not end up in California for either of these two opportunities, it definitely opened his eyes to the world outside.
Ryan has fronted, or supported various acts through the 90’s and into the 2020’s. We’ve all heard quite a bit about his Austin roots and involvement in the local scene, but let’s talk about his involvement on the regional and national level. Although Austin has been home for decades, Holley has forged a regional following that spans multiple states and Metro areas. The list of legendary Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma venues he has performed at is long and very recognizable. Performing primarily in Texas currently, he has a long history of regional touring, and fly-out performances under his belt. The list of Artists he has supported in one way or another is also long. In the last decade, he has performed on stage with Gary Lucas (co-writer of Jeff Buckley’s, Grace, Captain Beefheart) and a long list of great musicians from all over the world. Ryan has been a long-time host of Austin’s Annual Jeff Buckley Birthday Concert. The series has run for over a decade and plans a comeback in 2025. He has also spent a considerable amount of time teaching and working with students at The Musician’s Woodshed in Austin. As one of the retail managers, he has also been a great resource of information for new instrument buyers and beginning players.
Currently, Ryan is the lead vocal on DepartureATX: Tribute To Journey and Arena Rock Of The 70’s and 80s, Diamond Days: A Tribute To Classic Van Halen, and a yet unnamed tribute to the rock band, Boston. Although Ryan is a part of the Tribute music scene in Texas, he is also still very much a player in the original music scene. Holley has consistently written and released material for the last 2 decades as a solo artist, or with one of the many band’s he has fronted or supported.
Be on the lookout for new releases, as well as remixed and remastered re-releases of some of his early material!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The music business ebbs and flows, but it has been extremely hard over the years for many reasons. Several factors have contributed: Lack of funding, lack of visibility in (a) saturated market(s), lack of marketing/promo/graphic design expertise, and certain “gatekeepers”. Gatekeepers are the individuals, A&R, you name it that do their best to control the so called “musical landscape” from the region to internationally.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
-I have been a private music teacher for 25 years specializing in Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele. I am also a Vocal Coach
-I am a studio Guitarist if many styles. I attended Texas State for Music Composition.
-I have over 30 years of live experience with performances in almost 30 States.
-I’ve recorded on over 25 LP releases, and 10 EP releases. With somewhere around 200 songs total released with my playing or singing.
-I consult in appraisals and valuing music gear of all types, but specializing in Vintage equipment. I have 10 years of music retail experience, as well as 18 years of pawn shop experience.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Not particularly but I do love Rick Beato. I also listen to the Johnny Goudie Podcast, How did I get here?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.RyanThomasHolley.com
- Instagram: @ryanthomasholley
- Facebook: @ryanthomasholley
- Youtube: @ryanthomasholley
- Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/ryanthomasholley
Image Credits
Karin Jensen Photography
Ralph Arvesen Photography
Seven Pillars Photography
