Catching up with Casey Ryan
Casey Ryan is a local musician who has been making a big name for himself on the global stage over the last few years. This photo was taken during a recent tour of Australia. Courtesy photo
KINGSTON — One of the Silver Valley’s most talented native sons will be making his way up here once again to serenade his hometown fans next weekend.
Casey Ryan is a Kellogg High School grad who always had a passion for music, but has turned an adolescent hobby into a successful global career.
But it was a recent leap of faith and a full relocation to get him to the point he is today.
“About a year ago, I moved full time to Arizona and have since focused my touring efforts in the southern U.S. states like California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, playing mostly in Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego,” Ryan said.
This year also saw the release of Ryan’s two newest singles “Sleep Deprived” and “Nothing, Now,” both of which have made their rounds through streaming services, as well as over the radio.
That being said, Ryan has spent most of his summer in Coeur d’Alene performing throughout the region before returning back to the Southwest.
His popularity has expanded to truly global as he made stops in places like Iceland, Ireland and Australia, and he hopes to get back overseas, but also needs a little R and R before he gets into the thick of his winter slate.
“I’m gearing up to have some much needed downtime for writing and recording,” Ryan said. “I will hopefully have a five-track EP out by 2020, time permitting. I’m hoping to return to Ireland in the fall for a small tour run and am in the process of finalizing those details now. Outside of that, I am booking up my winter dates and am looking forward to playing some venues I’ve wanted to for years, such as the Troubadour in Los Angeles.”
Both of his singles from this year have hit the 10,000 download milestone, something many artists never achieve.
Ryan is also closing in on another milestone that is pretty impressive on its own.
“It’s honestly a really humbling and cool feeling knowing that art I’ve created has resonated so well with that many people,” Ryan said. “I'm also close to hitting my 1,800th show since I started playing live, which is absolutely insane to think about. My favorite thing this year was getting to play four shows in Australia. Seeing people on the other side of the planet knowing my songs was so amazing, and I feel so grateful for opportunities like that.”
Ryan may be a world traveling artist, but he holds his home close to his heart and makes sure to get up here as often as he can.
“Mostly, I enjoy coming back to Coeur d’Alene and the Silver Valley for the comfort,” Ryan said. “I’ve been all over the world and there’s just something so special about this place to me. The love and support that I get here is overwhelming and I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have it. I suppose playing so many shows is just part of the journey. The more I play, the better I get, and the better opportunities come. It makes it that much better being at home and seeing so many familiar faces out at my shows.”
Ryan was part of the headlining lineup at the Farm Jam Festival in Colville, Wash., this past weekend, but on Saturday he’ll be in Kingston, putting on a show for his local fans.
Ryan’s home performance is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Hilltop in Kingston.
“I hope to see all of my old Silver Valley friends out and get to catch up,” Ryan said.