Hailing from Oregon, RYLAND (Ryland Adams) is not just a name on the rise but a visionary, blending both sonic curiosity and technical mastery into an evolving narrative of music. His latest release, “*Showing Friends,” is a bold statement of his artistic versatility, an ongoing collection of self-produced art that navigates the delicate balance between experimental innovation and emotional resonance. At 25, this American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist draws from an impressively diverse palette, weaving influences from modern alt-pop, alternative rock, classic rock and electronic genres into a cohesive, genre-fluid body of work.
RYLAND’s journey from piano-playing childhood to a multifaceted musician is marked by constant evolution. From his early days jamming with friends in a high school rock bands to his later fascination with modern music production, his musical roots are as diverse as they are deep. Having taught himself to produce and mix music, he now independently creates, resulting in a sound that bears the hallmarks of both his rock origins and his modern alt-pop influences. RYLAND’s inspirations range from genre-bending icons like David Bowie and Frank Ocean to the sonic mastery of producers such as Rick Rubin and Pharrell. His work echoes these influences while maintaining a fresh and personal touch, creating music that feels both cutting-edge and timeless.
Released on September 29, 2024 – RYLAND’s birthday – “*Showing Friends” is a landmark project that invites listeners into his sonic world. This 10-track album is not just a collection of songs but an ongoing personal art piece, deeply rooted in emotion and framed by his distinct production style. Each track title references a specific date, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue, inviting fans to explore the personal stories and milestones behind the music. Through this thoughtful craftsmanship, RYLAND succeeds in turning everyday moments into memorable sonic experiences. “*Showing Friends” feels like a diary in musical form – a look into the mind and heart of a young artist capturing moments in time with sound.
The album opens with the explosive energy of “10.18.22 ChickenHoney,” an immediate showcase of RYLAND’s ability to grab attention with a driving rhythm and guitar-centric melodies. It’s a high-energy introduction that sets the stage for the dynamic journey ahead, leaving no doubt that this album will be anything but predictable. With its infectious groove and commanding instrumentation, this track is both a bold statement and a powerful prelude. The arrangement is lively, propelling listeners into RYLAND’s world with an infectious charm.
From this upbeat start, RYLAND seamlessly transitions into “06.04.22 Dance Alone,” slowing down the tempo to create a moodier, more introspective atmosphere. Here, his vocals take center stage, weaving a narrative of reflection, underscored by atmospheric production. This track showcases his versatility, allowing his emotional range to shine while demonstrating his skill at building rich, layered soundscapes.
The third track, “04.04.23 WEST OF ALAGOr,” begins with a cinematic swoosh before morphing into a hypnotic mid-tempo rhythm. Infectious drumbeats blend seamlessly with rich synth textures, showing off RYLAND’s knack for creating expansive soundscapes. This track, in particular, highlights his talent for intricate production while keeping things accessible and engaging.
“09.08.23 Cops In The Head” continues the sonic journey, carrying over the infectious rhythms from earlier tracks. A menacing low-end synth hums underneath the beat, while RYLAND’s vocals hover with a subtle urgency. The interplay between light and dark elements showcases his ability to balance emotion and technicality.
The pace quickens with “09.16.22 Something That’ll,” a track that rides on infectious grooves and catchy high-end harmonies. This song exemplifies RYLAND’s ability to balance intricate production with a natural, almost effortless feel. Its addictive rhythm makes it one of the album’s catchiest offerings, inviting listeners to move along with its irresistible beat.
“08.08.23 Face2face” shifts gears with a combination of acoustic guitar strumming, booming drums, and whining synths, creating a dynamic contrast. RYLAND’s vocals float between vulnerability and boldness, giving the track an organic feel that builds into something grander.
The melancholy vibe returns in “08.18.23 Glisan,” a moody track where RYLAND grapples with the complexities of love. “Just cause I don’t love you now / It doesn’t mean I’ll never love you ever,” he sings, capturing the emotional tug-of-war that relationships often bring. This moment of vulnerability is grounded by the song’s effective instrumentation.
“8.16.23 Let Me Down” follows, offering a beautifully melodic love song. Gentle acoustic guitar underpins this intimate track, allowing RYLAND’s emotive vocal delivery to shine. His voice is warm, inviting listeners into a deeply personal moment, while the light instrumentation creates a soothing backdrop. It’s a quiet, yet powerful, entry in the album, balancing the more intense moments with its delicate simplicity, making it one of the album’s most relatable moments.
The penultimate track, “09.01.23 DAYLIGHT,” builds on a foundation of groaning basslines and smacking percussion, creating a sense of urgency that carries through the entire song. Distorted vocals and relentless energy propel the track forward, adding a layer of intensity that contrasts with the album’s quieter moments. The final bars of bombast will get your adrenaline flowing freely.
Closing the album is the atmospheric “02.23.23 Channel 42,” a downtempo gem that rounds off the journey with a sense of calm and introspection. The chill groove of the song is punctuated by lush synths and laid-back percussion, offering a serene, almost meditative conclusion. As the song reaches its climax, a fiery guitar solo bursts forth, adding a thrilling, raw edge to the composition. Listeners are left reflecting on the diverse emotional and sonic landscapes RYLAND has led them through.
Beyond “*Showing Friends,” RYLAND’s growing catalog features standout singles that further showcase his range and artistry. “Get By RN” is a rhythmic gem, combining percussive beats, droning synths, and jangling guitar to create a soundscape that feels simultaneously fresh and nostalgic. RYLAND’s ability to blur genre lines makes tracks like this impossible to ignore – they feel familiar, yet daringly original. “Switchblade (FU)” delivers an immersive experience of unrelenting basslines and tempo-switching dynamics. The urgent vocals keep the listener on edge, while the shifting sonic moods showcase RYLAND’s experimental approach, proving that he can switch from raw aggression to intimate vulnerability with ease.
As an emerging artist, RYLAND’s body of work, especially “*Showing Friends,” speaks to his tremendous potential. His ability to distill complex emotions into tightly crafted tracks sets him apart in an industry that often prioritizes style over substance. Every beat, melody, and lyric in his music feels purposeful, revealing an artist with not only technical prowess but also an acute understanding of the human experience. Whether through head-bobbing rhythms, explosive music arrangements, or heart-wrenching vocals, RYLAND’s music connects deeply with listeners, making him one of Portland’s most exciting new talents.
As he continues to push boundaries and refine his sound, it’s clear that RYLAND is an artist poised for greater success. “*Showing Friends” is a statement of intent, a bold assertion that RYLAND is here to innovate, challenge, and redefine what modern music can be, once you remove all the biases, imitations and preconceptions of mainstream induced styles and genres.
For those who crave music that excites, moves and challenges them, RYLAND is an artist to watch closely. With “*Showing Friends” and his growing catalog of inventive singles, he’s not just showing his friends – he’s showing the world – that his sound is here to stay, and it’s only just beginning.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
Streams & Downloads – https://ryland.komi.io
IG & TikTok – @Ryland.wav
