Ryan V, once the magnetic voice behind the popular South African band “The Waiting Room,” is making a dynamic return to the music scene. After a period away from the spotlight, Ryan’s musical journey has taken a fresh turn with the release of his solo works. This phase of his career not only showcases his growth as an artist but also his strategic choice to partner exclusively with Gala Music, a platform known for its fair compensation models.
A New Chapter on Gala Music
In a strategic move to take control of his musical career and financial future, Ryan V has started releasing his catalog of music exclusively on Gala Music. This decision stems from the platform’s commitment to fair artist compensation, which resonates with Ryan’s principles as an independent artist. Currently, his catalog boasts four original songs, with anticipation building around two more scheduled releases on the 21st of May, and the 4th of June.
Ryan’s shift to Gala Music isn’t just a business decision; it’s part of his broader vision to connect more authentically with his audience. By choosing a platform that supports artists directly, Ryan ensures that his fans receive his music exactly as intended, while also fostering a sustainable creative environment for his career.
Solo Success and Inspirational Tracks
Ryan’s solo debut, the single “Hope,” marked a significant milestone by hitting number one on Radio Laeveld in January 2023. This track, available for a listen on YouTube, symbolizes his return to form and has been well-received for its uplifting melody and introspective lyrics. Following “Hope,” Ryan continued to captivate his audience with a live and unplugged performance of “Rescue” on the Expresso Morning Show, further demonstrating his versatility and depth as an artist.
The upcoming release of his singles on Gala Music is highly anticipated. This collection promises to blend Ryan’s rich musical influences, from 90s US pop-rock icons like Collective Soul and John Mayer, with his unique style. These influences not only shaped his musical identity but also inspire the authentic sound he aims to bring to his new works.
Beyond the Music
Beyond his recordings, Ryan V is deeply involved in the music community. He is a part of “Radio Unplugged,” an acoustic cover duo that highlights his collaborative spirit alongside fellow musician Philip Malan. Furthermore, his education at The Songwriting Academy in the UK under mentors like Rob Wells and Larry Dvoskin has honed his craft to a fine edge, preparing him for this new phase in his career.
Ryan also extends his talent to custom songwriting services, catering to individuals, couples, and even brands, showcasing his versatility and commitment to spreading the joy of music in personal and meaningful ways.
Looking Forward
Ryan V’s journey from a band member to a solo artist reflects his resilience and adaptability. His choice to partner with Gala Music is a testament to his belief in fair play and mutual respect in the music industry. As he continues to release new music and perform live, Ryan V is not just revisiting his roots but also paving a new path for himself and his listeners. With a clear vision and a dedicated platform, the future looks bright and melodious for this talented artist.
We had the pleasure of interviewing the artist. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
I am Ryan V, a Pop/Rock singer/songwriter from Cape Town, South Africa.
Please tell us about your music.
I am musically influenced by a lot of US 90s pop/rock music. Influences include “Collective Soul,” “The Goo Goo Dolls,” “John Mayer,” and many others. My latest music releases are my first releases as a solo artist.
Please tell us about your journey.
I am the former lead singer of the South African pop/rock band “The Waiting Room” The band had a lot of success between 2006-2008, including a record deal, plenty of radio play, and touring with some of the biggest rock bands in the country. I returned to music in 2020 during the lockdowns when I started intentionally writing new music. Once our country re-opened, I needed to create a secondary income, so I actively started gigging again and am now in a position where I am close to getting into music full-time again.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The lockdowns came with many challenges for many, and I wouldn’t wish them on anyone ever again, but in that dark time, I found myself returning to music. It was an opportunity for me to put my deepest thoughts, battles, concerns, and hopes into songs. The passion, drive, and dream were re-awoken in me. The difference is that I am now married, and we have three children. This makes my success so much more important as my family counts on me to make this a success. I also want my kids to follow their dreams, so it is important for me to show them that it can be done. The best strategy is to be authentic and stay true to the music that burns in me. I do tend to do things differently and that’s also a BIG motivating factor for me releasing my music exclusively with Gala Music. I am all about justice, and I am 100% convinced that their model is the way of the future. Part of my strategy is to align myself with their amazing community and way of doing things to work towards a better future for musicians.
Any message for our readers
If you’d like to really get behind musicians like me and support our careers, please consider downloading the Gala music app and listening to our music there. The streaming compensation is considerably higher than that of traditional DSPs, and you can listen for FREE without any ads.
Thank you so much, Ryan, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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