By: Daniel P’Lopez
Photos by: Justin Mayotte
Ry Rivers is a new up-and-coming country singer from central Florida. He was raised between Pompano Beach and a farm town called Okeechobee. Ry, born as Ryan Adam, admits that he did not come from a musical family and grew up being raised by his divorced parents in both towns. Ry discovered music on his own, which is why he brings a unique spin to country music.
He credits his parents’ music genres with influencing his style. His mother listens to soul, R&B, and jazz, and his father listens to country and classic rock. That is why he brings soul and R&B into his country sound.
“I think I bring that cool edge to the country genre; I like to call my sound ‘blue eye country soul’.” Says Ry.
At a young age, Ry knew music hit him differently, more than a romantic or infatuation with it. “I totally was like head over heels in love with music, and went full force with it,” admits Ry. It was something that Ry loved and enjoyed. He started with poetry and was self-taught on the piano. It wasn’t until he hit middle and high school that he began to take music seriously.
Ry’s influences came from his wide range of music tastes and styles. His playlist can include anything from a wasted white girl to a love drunk cowboy to stuff he was raised on, like AC/DC, Alan Jackson, Teddy Swims, Shania, and Dolly Parton, just to name a few.
Ry originally started singing pop/soul music, which he admits was due to the area he lived in, Florida. In the recording sessions, producers would try to tone down his country twang, and with his country roots and love of the music, he knew he should transcend into a country artist.
For Ry, it has been the greatest decision. Everything just comes so much easier, and he feels like opportunities have come through, as well as many new fans. “I finally feel like I’m home. I don’t say it’s a pivot; it’s more like a return to my roots.”
Ry has a new single out called Kiss a Cowboy, which he wrote himself, being a songwriter at heart. He explained that country music is all about the song, the story, the lyrics, the truth behind the music, the authenticity, and the honesty, which resonates with Ry and his music. The video was shot on his dad’s farm in Okeechobee, Florida, a push that Ry made to make it more authentic to himself and his music.
Country music has come a long way and is a worldwide love affair; many people worldwide appreciate country music, and there are many artists out there. Ry’s song, anyone and everyone can relate to it, a cowboy lure and what it’s like to be in love with a cowboy, “I wrote this song in the way that I wanted anyone to be able to put themselves in the end of the driver seat of the song so I kind of wrote it from that angle.” Says Ry.
Ry explained that he differentiates himself from other country artists with his sound and voice, also being a Nashville outsider, and eventually finding his way into Nashville. Ry says he brings a cool and different approach to his music. By the way, he wrote his song Kiss a Cowboy, with his strong work ethic, for which he and his team are credited. “We’re a little left of center, and I think we just bring a cool approach to everything we do. It’s been honestly such an amazing journey so far, and this song is just the beginning. I’m so excited for it!” Said Ry.
Ry likes to sing the national anthem at charities and to donate his time to where he can donate his time and music. Especially for animals, as Ry admits to being a dog lover, even his dog is named Nash after Nashville. Ry admits he loves being outdoors and is a very active person; he loves to work out, and living a healthy lifestyle is a huge part of his life.
Ry would love to use his music to provide for himself, his friends, and his family. He would also love to travel the world and connect with people. Ry admits that he loves to perform and connect with people. He would love to do world tours, collaborate with other artists, see different cultures and ways of life through music, and someday win a Grammy.
Ry is playing the Key West Songwriters’ Festival in Key West, Florida, one of his favorite places in the world. He’s also headlining a stage at the Stonewall Pride Festival in Wilton Manors, Florida.
Ry has many new singles coming out later this year and would love to do a Christmas EP.
Ry’s song Kiss a Cowboy comes out on May 30th, and the video on June 11.
Instagram—@theryrivers
TikTok—thewholesinger
Facebook—RyRiversmusic
Website—Ryrivers.music