City Sounds: Ryan Martin John, 19 July
Sunday, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm @ Queen Street Mall Stage
Ryan Martin John is a country folk singer-songwriter with a penchant for dreamy harmonies and intimate guitar playing. Based on Kaurna Country, his songs walk the line between inward self reflection and outward curiosity of the world, nestled in the familiar tones of 70s era Laurel Canyon songwriters. Live performances feel like a hang with a friend you feel you’ve known forever, with Ryan often warmly playing down the seriousness of his songs whilst asking “does anyone else feel this way?”. Usually playing alongside his close friend and acclaimed guitarist, Tom Kneebone, the two weave their voices and guitars around each other resulting in an inviting folk & country sound that’s as detailed as it is spacious.
In 2023, Ryan released his debut album ‘Goodness, Gracious, Graceless’ to notable acclaim (Winning SCALA ‘Best Performance’, Folk Alliance nomination for ‘Best Artist’, Adelaide Roots & Blues Association ‘Best Roots Album’ nomination, SA Music Major Award nomination for ‘Best Solo Artist’). Drawing influence from Gram Parsons, Neil Young and Paul Kelly, the album is a full country band affair. With big drums, big harmonies, and a sound that’s very nostalgic of a golden era of country folk-rock crossovers. Since then Ryan’s songwriting has transformed into the more current sparse and intimate sound audiences have become familiar with. In 2025, Ryan unveiled the first of many singles ‘Ways To Fall’ and ‘Starline’, showcasing a closer, warmer style of writing that garnered high rotation on ABC Country and national radio airplay. Ryan was also a semi-finalist in the Nashville-based International Songwriting Competition of 2025.