Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Scott.
Ryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since I was a kid music has helped me feel my way through life. Growing up in Grand Rapids living minutes from the city, I felt its pulse. Spending days and nights at my grandparents in Lakeview out in the country, I felt its freedom. Listening to my mom sing around the house and sundays at church hearing the choir, I felt it bring me closer to God. Driving around with my dad and shooting pool listening to old vinyls, I felt its soul and nostalgia. Music has been a constant in my life. It has provided the soundtrack to my wins and losses, lows and highs, most memorable moments to ones I’d like to forget. This is how my favorite artists have impacted my life so to be able to hopefully supply the sound that could do that for someone else is an honor and blessing that I don’t take for granted.
I started writing when I was in my teens and from there I recorded my first songs during my freshman year in college. It would be years before I ever saw true growth but brick by brick I, and the ones who helped me, built a foundation and from that I started to become my own artist.
I signed a production deal with Jake Bass, son of Jeff Bass (known for their work with Eminem) in 2017. I still remember the first time I heard the Eminem show, it made me feel something I’ve never felt before. It was so raw, so believable, so honest, it felt like I was in the room with him. To be able to work with the ones who helped to birth his artistry is still, to this day, unreal to me.
From there, we’ve released two albums, multiple projects, and graced many stages. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to open up for Joyner Lucas on the “I’m Kind of a Big Deal Tour” at the Magic Stick in Detroit, the Beacham Theatre in Orlando, FL and the House of Blues in Boston, MA. I’ve performed at numerous Michigan festivals including the Arts Beats & Eats festival, the Taco Fest, the Harvest Fest and Food Truck rally, and the Glizzy Fest in Flint, MI. I’ve been featured and performed on Detroit’s Channel 4 Live in the D (2025), CBS NEWS (2025), and comedian Dave Landau’s Normal World Podcast at Mercury Studios in Irving, TX. I’ve collaborated with a number of renowned artists including one of my favorite artists of all time – former Aftermath artist Jon Connor, Locksmith, Sammy Adams, and former Detroit Lion, CBS & NFL Today talent, Nate Burleson. I recently linked up with Grammy & Oscar Award winner Jeff Bass & his son Jake Bass on new song “Just Human”. I say all that not as a “look what I can do” story but instead to show you that this all came from a dream and a mic in my parents basement. It came from nothing and became something. That’s the point. I have a long ways yet to travel but I’m beyond grateful for the journey thus far.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always smooth, more like a rollercoaster of ups and downs. But the most valuable thing I learned was that you’ll never reach a point in life where it will all of a sudden all make sense because the second it does, life will throw a curve. That’s just how it works. There is no mountain top because once you climb that mountain, it’s human nature to search for another. Because of this, I try my very best to find peace in the journey. That’s all we have. Really, that’s all there is. I’ve not been chosen for festivals, I’ve forgotten my words on stage, my dj didn’t show up while opening up for Joyner Lucas on a headliner tour in front of a sold out crowd, I’ve been looked past, underestimated, made fun of, I’ve battled inner demons of imposter syndrome for years, I’ve thrown myself in the fire by telling my truth and exposing some of the most personal aspects of my life in hopes that my story might impact others, make them feel less alone. But I wouldn’t trade any of these bumps in the road for the lifetime of memories it’s lead to.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I use a variety of styles from rap/hip-hop to pop, folk, country rap, alternative rock and R&B to create a sound uniquely my own. My primary mission is to use my music to bring about hope, to inspire and spark a light in someone, to make a positive impact on my audience and remind you that destinations are cool to have but nothing compares to the journey. I have “to one person you are the world” tatted on my back. My grandpa had it written in his notes that we found after he passed. It has been my mantra ever since. If you can have an impact on just one person in this lifetime, that’s something to be proud of and also a reminder that even when you feel like no ones listening or watching, there’s always one and it’s your duty to keep going for that one.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would tell the younger me that failure is a lie. It’s actually the only true way to discover what lies within and one of the only ways to grow. Take the pressure off and relax. Life will always happen, no matter how hard you try to control it. When you choose to let go, that’s when the magic happens. Everything happening to you is happening for you. What matters is how much you loved and how you made people feel.
I spent way too much time during my younger years of music trying to replicate and compete with other artists. Do you unapologetically and let that be heard in your music. Quit trying to stand out while standing in. Just stand out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rynscott.com
- Instagram: @rynscottmusic
- Facebook: @rynscottmusic
- Twitter: @rynscottmusic
- Youtube: @rynscottmusic
