Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, music has always been an important part of Ryan-O’Neil’s life. From Reggae, Dancehall, Folk, and Country in his earlier years to Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, and Classical music in his teens, Ryan devours new music as if it sustains him. Ryan-O’Neil is a multi-genre emcee, singer/songwriter, instrumentalist & producer currently living in Brooklyn, New York. However, it doesn’t stop there, Ryan-O’Neil is also a Kindergarten teacher, inspiring young children to appreciate music and the world around them. Ryan’s music touches various soundscapes and eras of music, funk, R&B, rock, hip-hop, jazz the list goes on and on. Ryan cut his teeth while attending school at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Classes like Gospel Chorus, Senior Chorus, and New Music Singers were integral in Ryan’s musical foundation.

While studying music in college, Ryan would meet 100dBs and go on to record his first project, “The Adventures of the One Hand Bandit & the Slum Computer Wizard” in 2007. After a short break and some smaller side projects, Ryan-O’Neil and 100dBs would release their follow-up “Tea & Spliffs” in 2012. All the while dBs worked on tracks for their projects, Ryan watched, studied, and learned. First recognized as a rapper, Ryan would soon pick up the guitar and write his first songs. Highly influenced by the country and folk music played by his aunts when he was younger, Ryan’s first songs reflected this influence. Being the gregarious networker he’s always been, Ryan quickly formed multiple groups based around the songs he wrote on guitar. Mama’s House Daddy’s Whiskey, Mr. Pink, and The Bandits to name a few.

All these groups culminated with Ryan recording, and self-producing his eponymous album “Ryan-O’Neil” in 2014. The album has been described as a combination of folk, mixed with Hendrix-inspired guitar work, and West Indian rhythms. Ryan has since stretched his producer muscles by working on his “Major to Minor” project on his YouTube channel, as well as numerous singles.

Always one to share his joy and knowledge with others around him, Ryan-O’Neil started teaching guitar in 2012. Since graduating college with a music degree in 2006, Ryan has worked in early childhood education. Teaching is second nature to Ryan and he has found some of his greatest joys in music through teaching others.

At the end of 2019 Ryan-O’Neil completed a life long goal by founding the independent record label Brave New Records. With big plans of producing unique live musical experiences to promote his releases, Ryan-O’Neil, BNR, and the world was dealt a massive blow by the global pandemic. Not one to be deterred, Ryan-O’Neil connected with Hamburg based DJ/producer Chinch33 to let out their frustrations by writing and recording the EP “The Quronic” in the first months of lockdown.

A year later and Ryan-O’Neil has released his and Brave New Records’ first vinyl release, “Love in 3 Acts.” Ryan continues to educate young children, currently teaching kindergarten at the the Alexander Robertson School. He also teaches guitar and ukulele. Ryan lives in Brooklyn with his wife Jeni, their dog Huxley, and their cat Danger.