February 24th, 2012
Two suitcases and a carry-on, that's what I packed my life into just about a month ago. My bags, my guitar and I jumped on a plane to Austria. My ultimate destination was Innsbruck, a beautiful medieval city surrounded by the alps, where I chose to move after having lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia for 15 years.
It's like a storybook here. Cobblestone streets, giant snow-capped mountains, ancient cathedrals with loud, chiming bells, and a bluey-green river that meanders through the centre of town. Before I moved here, I had looked at a gazillion images of the city online, and I couldn't believe what I was seeing - the beauty. Now, I realize that none of those pictures captured just how stunning it is. The people, too, are friendly, helpful to this non-german speaking thug, and they seem to really enjoy where they live. There is a lively, fresh energy here despite it's antiquity. And so as not to be misunderstood, the city also has a very modern side, with avant garde architecture and a great night life. All of this is very well intergrated.
What am I going to do here? Well, I am going to write songs for a new album, tour Europe and make some paintings. I am welcoming all the change, and trying to transform the feelings and thoughts that go along with it into inspiration for my art. I'm not sure what to expect, but I hope that whatever I create will reflect this new adventure. I'll keep you abreast of my progress.
I am starting to work on a small tour of Germany for the end of April/early May. If you know of any places I should play there, please email me: ryanmacgrath@gmail.com. Also, I'm planning to go to Spain towards the middle of May, and would love to hear from you if you have any ideas for music venues or "must see" places. I'll post tour dates for both countries soon.
Thank-you for viewing my site! It's going through a few wee changes right now, so please come back for more updates.
All the best from Austria. Ciao!
Ryan
September 1st, 2011
This past spring, I wrote and recorded two new songs for director Thom Fitzgerald's new movie "Cloudburst". The film stars Brenda Fricker and Olympia Dukakis as two life-long lesbian lovers who must make a dash in their pick-up truck from the US to Nova Scotia in order to get married. If they don't, their 31 year relationship may be at stake. The film is at times political, at times hilarious, and at most times heart wrenching. Along with the two songs I have written for it, the film also features my duet, "Bird and Cage", with Canadian songstress, Chantal Kreviazuk. This song is from my 2010 album, "Cooper Hatch Paris".
TO SEE THE FILM AND HEAR MY MUSIC IN IT, please attend the 2011 Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, NS. The movie screens at the Atlantic Gala Presentation at Park Lane Cinemas on Sunday, September 18th. Also visit the "Cloudburst" facebook page for updated sceenings in your city: CLOUDBURST
See you on the red carpet!
xo R.
June 14th, 2011
My best friend is getting married! I'll be heading to Toronto this week for the wedding and then staying in Ontario to play four shows with Steven McKay. Steven is a super talented songwriter with clever, whipsmart lyrics, and interesting arrangements. His voice is akin to being carried on the backs of a 1000 chanting monks - is there anything better? Please visit/listen to him here: www.myspace.com/stevenmckayandyou. We play our first show together on June 23rd at The Spill in Peterborough. See the "STAGE" section of this site for additional show listings.
I have some cool things shaping up for the summer. When I return from Ontario, I jump into the studio to begin recording a song I wrote for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Engineer, producer, and musician extraordinaire, Mike Ritchie (Nightowls Productions) will be the main squeeze on this project, and he and I will create something epic, no doubt. You'll have to wait until November to hear it, though, when the foundation unveils it at their biggest annual fundraiser, The Festival of Trees.
Also, I was just booked to play a show at FRED in Halifax on July 16th as part of their summer concert series. The wonderful Alana Yorke will open for me, and you can most likely expect some other special guest appearances. This will be my only full show in Halifax until mid September.
And as usual, I have some top secret plans brewing!
Oh, this past weekend my bandmates and I were filmed by these awesome people: www.thepicturehouse.ca
Thanks a bunch! R.
June 3rd, 2011
Tomorrow evening at 7:30pm I'll be playing at Fables in Tatamagouche, NS. I'll be accompanied by Mike Ritchie on guitar and piano during this intimate concert at what I think is one of Nova Scotia's most interesting venues. It reminds me of a speakeasy in 1940's NYC, a place where thinkers thought and artists dreamed and beatniks caused a ruckus. And it's nestled into this sweet little community. Great drinks there too. Please join Mike and I in Tatamagouche this weekend.
Next weekend, June 11th, I'll be at Lane's Privateer Inn in Liverpool, NS. This show is coupled with an Australian Wine Tasting! Please visit www.lanesprivateerinn.com for more details.
THEN, I jaunt Ontario for my best friend's wedding and a two week tour of that fine province! The first show is on June 23rd at The Spill in Peterborough - very neat spot. If you're interested in catching one of my Ontario Summer Tour 2011 shows, please see the "STAGE" section of this site for all show listings. I'm excited to be sharing much of the tour with two great artists, Steven McKay and Glenn Nuotio.
Thanks so much and happy June to you!
May 19th, 2011
This coming Saturday, May 21, Laura Smith and I will be playing a concert in Chester, NS at The Chester Playhouse. Please click on the "Stage" link above for more show details!
May 17th, 2011
Today is International Day Against Homophobia. In Honor of this day, for the next 24 hours, I'm giving my entire album away for FREE.
May 16th, 2011
My dad is very new to texting. As I was writing this update, I got one from him asking me how my show went on the weekend. I texted back saying that it was lovely, and that they want me back to play this summer. He responded, "That's great Ryan. Keep telling a story with your songs - it's interesting". This brought tears to my eyes. It seems like little words like dad's always pop up when I need them most. Thanks dad. Thanks little encouraging words.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
- This Saturday, May 21st - Chester Playhouse - Chester, NS w/ Laura Smith
- June 4th - Fables - Tatamagouche, NS
- June 11th - Lane's Inn - Liverpool, NS
Some of you know that I have been busy in the last couple of months writing some new songs for a movie. ("Cloudburst" by Thom Fitzgerald, 2011). Well, I am pleased to say that they are all done, in the movie, and waiting to be born on the silver screen. I'm excited for you all to hear those songs, and to see the film - it's beautiful. Also, just days ago, I found out that my song "Bird and Cage", a duet with Chantal Kreviazuk, will also be featured in the film. I'll keep you posted on it's release date.
I'll be heading to Ontario this coming June for a string of dates with Hamilton-based artist, Steven McKay. I first heard/saw Steven play back in the fall here in Halifax, and I became an instant fan. His self-titled 2010 album is one of my favourites to listen to while I'm painting in my studio! Also, I'll be playing on the Village Stage during Toronto Pride. It's an outdoor stage on the corner of Wellesley and Church. I have never been to TO Pride, and I'm thrilled that my first time going involves me playing music for the Pride-going masses! Please check-out the "STAGE" section of my website for more tour dates in Ontario and beyond.
Thank-you for visiting! If you would like to get in touch about anything, please email ryanmacgrathmusic@gmail.com
Til soon, R.
March 14, 2011
Hello Everyone! Welcome to the new website! It’s simple, clean and easy to navigate. If you have any reasonable suggestions as to how it may be improved, please contact us ryanmacgrathmusic@gmail.com. I hope you like it! My great friend and cohort in all things musical, Mike Ritchie, made the site for me, and I’m forever grateful for his help. Mike also plays guitar with me and co-operates Nightowls Productions to which you can link on my “LINKS” section (it’s the one with the little owls).
Newfoundland, here I come! This will be my first tour of the Rock, and I’m thrilled to finally be going to such a fine and legendary place. Please come and say hi at one or all of my shows during March 23rd to March 26th. Visit the “STAGE” section of this site for venues and times. All shows will be in St. John’s.
My calendar is booking up for 2011. If you would like to host a house concert (anywhere in Canada! We’ll make it work), or if you have a great venue to suggest, please feel free to email me at the aforementioned address.
Thanks for keeping tabs on me. xo R.
Oh, and please “like” me on facebook for more immediate updates.
March 2, 2011
Ryan is heading to the studio to record backing vocals with James Hill for his upcoming album. MacGrath and Hill hope to perform in concert with one another in 2011...stay tuned for details.
Feb 20, 2011
Recording has just finished for an original song to be featured in director Thom Fitzgerald's upcoming film Cloudburst. Watch for it in theatres this year! He teamed up with Mike Ritchie, Matt Fudge, and Mark Bachyski of Nightowls Productions to produce and record the track.
Jan 25, 2011
Ryan will be performing at the 2011 ECMA’s Rising Star Showcase, presented by Confederation Bridge at the Delta Prince Edward on April 15th. Show begins at 8pm.
Jan 20, 2011
Ryan has been nominated for THREE East Coast Music Awards!!!
Male Solo Recording of the Year
Alternative Album of the Year
Rising Star
Dec 20, 2010
Ryan is busy booking shows in Ontario for the month of June, hoping to share a few shows with another talented musician, Steve McKay from Hamilton, ON. Late summer, Ryan is also planning to partner up with Andrea Wittgens for a few shows around Antigonish and other parts of Nova Scotia. They first performed together this past year, at a house concert and hit it off! House concerts are one of his favourite ways to perform. If you are interested in hosting a show in your home, get in touch - ryanmacgrathmusic@gmail.com.
Dec 15, 2010
Ryan has just started to work with publicist Lisa Weitz. We're delighted to have a new member of the Ryan MacGrath team!
Dec 10, 2010
MacGrath is writing a very special song for the 20th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees, to be performed Fall 2011. It is the largest fundraising event of the year for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Plans are also in the works for MacGrath to be joined by Chantal Kreviazuk - as Kreviazuk shared her amazing vocals on MacGrath's album and is a wonderful supporter of mental health issues.
