Biography
In a world where audiences are hungry for authentic narratives, look no further than Tanya Ryan. Charming and often disarming, Tanya channels her experiences to speak to our inner romantic while delivering a bold and empowering message through her writing, music, and personal pursuits.
A country crossover artist who seamlessly integrates roots and pop elements to modern country tones, Tanya paints a life canvas with her music – blending meaningful lyrics with captivating melodies in effort to create a deeper understanding of love, and a connection between individuals and their own heart.
Originally from Saskatoon, Tanya wrote her first song at age 7; from there she continued to explore and develop her songwriting, singing, and the playing of various instruments. The pursuit of a sustainable music career led her to the Alberta Foothills, where she has established herself as a prolific independent artist. After winning the Calgary Stampede’s Nashville North Star Contest in 2012, Tanya was one of six artists chosen for the Canadian Country Music Association’s (CCMA) Discovery Program (2014).
Her unique live show presence – punctuated by a distinct musical style and a captivating, comical narrative – later put Tanya on esteemed stages like the Big Valley Jamboree Main-Stage, the Calgary Stampede’s Coca-Cola Stage, and in other performance opportunities as an opener for the likes of Dallas Smith, High Valley, Tim Hicks, as well as American favourite The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
All the while, Tanya steadily developed an emotionally and experience-driven artistic catalogue. Her well-received 2014 single release “Cry for the Devil” led to her debut EP, Simple As That – leading to the first of multiple Alberta Country Music Association (ACMA) Award nominations.
After the 2017 single release, “In Another Life”, Tanya was named as a top 3 finalist in Alberta’s prestigious Project WILD Country Artist Development Project – earning a $50K prize and sending her into the studio with noted producer Mark Troyer of Evergreen Studios.
For the past number of years, Tanya has been an active advocate and ambassador for The Rowan House Society – raising over $30K to provide crisis intervention and long-term support to those affected by family violence. She is also a published columnist and blogger, she unearths a candid and uncensored exploration of everyday life, spirituality, and mental health through her writing.
Between Tanya’s new single “My Heart Song” and its music video, as well as her new album, Open, it’s an adventurous start to a new decade for this boho-clad amazon.