By ELIZABETH LIU
Staff Writer
Solo singer-songwriter from the Albany Area, Ryan Leddick, is an individual of many talents. He is a vocalist, solo artist, a guitarist, and a member of the Albany area music collective. Leddick is an artist on a mission: the goal of his music is to empower those around him, and to inspire his audience with uplifting words and powerhouse vocals, as well as melodies.
Leddick has performed during LarkFest, one of the biggest festivals in the Capital Region this past Saturday on the Madison Ave. Main Stage. This was Leddick’s fourth year performing at the festival.
Leddick is a solo artist that has a total of 108 gigs as of last year. He has experience playing at a variety of gigs, from house venues, to charity events, and local festivals in the Capital Region, such as Tulip Festival in the spring. He is a supporter of local, intimate venues with the goal in his mind to give back to his audience.
His single from 2014, “Dog Days are Gone,” is a featured selection on “Rose Roots, Vol. 1.” “Rose Roots” is an album that was released during his time with the Rose Record Label Group at The College of Saint Rose. He has an album available on most streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify that was recorded in 2015. Leddick also has a recording project that is projected to be released by the spring of 2020.
Leddick graduated from the college’s music performance program in 2014. In his time at Saint Rose, he learned the piano, music theory, and how to take care of his voice, among other things; he became a master of his craft. Prior to his days at Saint Rose, Leddick was trained in classical opera.
“At Saint Rose, I was not only spending hours in a practice room a day, but I was learning how to take care of myself and more of my craft,” said Leddick. “I taught myself guitar so I could accompany myself.”
Leddick’s musical style can be described as similar to artists like Adele, Marvin Gaye, and Dave Matthews, with his soulful powerhouse vocals and rock-like melodies. Leddick’s live performances are typically only himself and a guitar.
“I still get nervous,” said Leddick. “But usually by the end of the first song, I feel okay to continue.”
Leddick’s musical influences come from a variety of genres, including soul, American reggae, and country. With his powerful vocals and moving lyrics, it is easy to see why LarkFest invites him back year after year.
“I’m a fan of more of lesser known artists,” said Leddick. “The goal of my performances – not just Saturday at LarkFest – is always to keep in mind to ensure that my audience has a good time with my music. I am also trying to keep the idea of being my most authentic self when I am on stage.”
Leddick also admits that the purpose of his music, while it is a form of expression for himself, is to advocate for the LGBTQ community and LGBTQ artists. As a queer artist himself, he hopes that the main message that his audience will get out of his performance this past Saturday will be one of empowerment and preserving one’s identity.
“I’m not in the Music field to make money,” said Leddick. “This is something that I genuinely love to do, and I want to share it with the world. I also want to inspire others that they can be themselves in this world.”
Leddick performs in various gigs, houses, and venues across Albany and the Capital Region. Leddick has both Facebook and Instagram accounts where you can find information about his latest gigs and upcoming musical projects, and to just keep up with his presence in general.
