Download from Bandcamp

"When I watch an artist or group perform, I sometimes find myself wondering what other people in the room are thinking about their experience at that moment. I’ve seen some jarring works created and / or deployed in front of unassuming audiences: absurd and perplexing behavior as means of expression, violence (incidental, cathartic), non-music music within the setting of a “normal music” event (perhaps a favorite), etc. Somehow, I routinely come to the conclusion that a person standing in front of other people and singing a Capella, may be what incites the most unpredictable responses.

…and in the case of Ryan’s performances, this is amplified by the fact that he is delivering these songs in such a playful and jovial way. …and often using humor as well. Humor and songs about humor, about discomfort, about pain and sadness.


I know that many people discredit this type of act as just being a joke, a waste of their time, unimportant. …and for some people, it’s just possible that they do not have the capability of taking this type of “song” seriously. On the other hand, Ryan has the potential to bring people to tears. He’s a “goofball” sometimes, a lot of the time, sure, but it can also be the moments in which he is sharing the most fragile pieces of himself, more dark and less obvious stories and thoughts, the instances that prompt a friend to wonder if they should ask “is he really doing ok?” where I truly see a connection happening that is rare and vital in art. Perhaps we are all just so caught up and conditioned into being so serious all of the time, that accepting the potential depth and validity in something that comes across as (and is also) so joyful and childish… might be more difficult than anyone would really assume. "-James Fella

Hi My Name Is Ryan is the solo project for AZ based artist / entertainer Ryan Avery. Many of the other albums found on this page are of their side projects which vary in sound, production and genre.

1. ryanavery.org
2. Instagram
3. YouTube