A Folk Soul Songstress Enters Maui's Music Scene
By Trish Smith of the Maui Weekly

There’s a new girl on the rock and she’s got something to say.
Singer/songwriter Elaine Ryan brings a soothing, organic voice for Maui’s listeners to enjoy, offering thoughtful lyrics and guitar sounds reminiscent of some of music’s finest female icons: Natalie Merchant and Tracey Chapman.
Elaine has this innate ability to draw listeners in with her pureness, and there’s a sweet, yet stern, honesty in her voice. She provides wonderfully textured layers and substance in her songwriting that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
This 27-year-old arrived last year from Vancouver, Canada, and has been cruising the Valley Isle, playing here and there, revealing a solid collection of political love songs.
Self-taught in voice and guitar, this musician started singing the moment she could speak. Born in Ireland, a country referred as “the land of poets and playwrights,”Elaine was surrounded by its music and a European culture that she still carries with her today.
“I have begun to notice lately that the way my voice moves is reminiscent of traditional Irish music,” she said.
She picked up a guitar as a teen after seeing Ani DiFranco perform in a tiny venue in Galway,a city nicknamed “Ireland’s Cultural Heart. Elaine found inspiration through this New York musician’s strong lyrics and captivating presence.
“When I saw Ani, I was just blown away,” she said. “I thought, ‘That’s my thing.’”
DiFranco is known for her cultural and political efforts throughout the years as well as her strong feminists values, which the quick-witted Elaine can relate with.
“The term ‘feminist’ gets a bad rap, but I believe I am a feminist in the respect that I am ‘pro-woman’ and support strong values,” said Elaine. “Perhaps, though, I’m a feminist, with a skirt.”
With a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, Elaine walks the walk to back up the talk within her intellectual-stimulating lyrics.
“I care a lot about social justice and I think it comes out in my songs sometimes,” she said.
Elaine’s an old soul, possessing layers of wisdom as a result of her fascinating travels.
She draws from her experiences when songwriting; from working in a Guatemalan orphanage to busking her way through Switzerland and Spain. Busking is playing in the streets, with the guitar case open and the world as your stage.
It is one of the most “raw and scary” things a musician can do, according to Elaine.
“It’s interesting. People look at you like you’re a TV and forget I can see them,” Elaine said. “It really helped me develop as a performer. It doesn’t seem nearly as daunting now to perform out live.”
This “folk soul songstress” has played in various venues while living in Vancouver for a long time and recorded her debut EP, Sisters, in 2007 on her own.
She loves playing the title track, Sisters, as it reminds her of all the wonderful women who have touched her life.
“I base a lot of my lyrics on relationships and I feel like I got the lyrics right on this song,” said Elaine. “It’s a very meaningful song.”
Her song, Dream of Peace, off the debut, can be found on a charity compilation honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. called Dream On, which was released in January (www.thedreamcontinued.org).
Elaine has taken “baby steps” into Maui’s music scene. She performed at Jacque’s in Pā’ia while visiting, then after she moved here, she substituted for her friend and talented Maui singer, Karen B, one evening at Kīhei’s Ambrosia. She now has a regular spot on Tuesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the mellow lounge tucked away in the chaotic Triangle.
“Maui’s a great place with wonderful musicians,” said Elaine. “I was actually surprised about how much talent there is here and different styles.”
Elaine has played at Casanova’s, Cafe Marc Aurel, and has graced the airwaves of Mana’o Radio.
She has the potential to blow up like “righteous babe” DiFranco and realizes the need to venture into new territories to make a large-scale impact. She’s planning an East Coast U.S. tour this summer, most likely in the Big Apple to gain some urban exposure and label options.
Currently, Elaine is setting up to record some new songs she’s written, including the intoxicating A Simple Love Song. This sweet ballad becomes one of those songs you can’t get out of your head, and don’t want it to. The track possesses pleasant melodies that are as comfortable and cozy as your favorite sweatshirt.
Elaine’s future on this island is unforeseen yet while she’s here she hopes to captivate the minds and hearts of Maui.
“It would be great to make an impact here,” she said. “I want to draw in people who want to really listen.”
This bright talent has got something to say. Listen up.

Contact Elaine Ryan at mselaineryan@gmail.com, visit www.elaineryan.ca or check her out at Ambrosia in Kīhei every Tuesday, from 6 to 9 p.m. You can grab her Sisters EP right now on www.CDBaby.com, her MySpace page, Be Happy in Pā’ia or at one of her gigs.

March 5, 2009
Trisha Smith

 The Vernon Morning Star just reviewed my CD 'Songs from the River'.

Here's an excerpt:
"Her material has a touch of easy-flowing café culture running through the arrangements (September Promise), and her songs stand alone with minimal adornment. They’re evocative and direct (Making Eyes), and the clarity of the production allows the best part, Ryan’s voice, to shine through."

Read the whole review here.

http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/119013-june-19-20-22-folkstar-vagabonds-tour-hop-off-the-bus-in-montreal.html#post145365

Indie Week 2009 - Irish Showcase - Vancouver's Folk Soul Songtress Elaine Ryan - Oct 9 - Hideout

www.elaineryan.ca

Vancouver, BC - September 30, 2009 ----Folk-Soul Songstress Elaine Ryan will make her debut performance at Toronto’s Indie Week, which runs October 7th to 10th. Ms. Ryan, who was born in Waterford, Ireland will be showcasing at the Hideout at 484 Queen Street West, on Friday October 9th, from 9:45 to 10:15 p.m. as part of the Irish Showcase. She will also be playing a set on Thursday October 8th, from 8-11pm at Slacks lounge at 562 Church Street.

Ms. Ryan, who hails from Vancouver, British Columbia, has performed at festivals from Austin, Texas to Mont-Trembant, Quebec, has mesmerized audiences in Maui and Montreal and has sung her heart out on the streets and trams of Spain and Switzerland. Elaine Ryan’s award-winning song Dream of Peace was included in this year’s Dream On! Compilation album dedicated to the memory and work of Martin Luther King Jr. (www.thedreamcontinued.org.)

As a poignant writer of love songs, political love songs and songs that are just plain political, Elaine creates lyrics that strike a chord, blending poetry with precision, humility with honesty. The simplicity and soulfulness of her music call to mind the music of Tracy Chapman, while her rhythmic sensibilities evoke influences as diverse as Paul Simon and Ani Difranco.

“For me, the lyrics are essential. I love to sing and make music, but I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t have a passion for writing,” she explains.

Ms. Ryan is in the process of mixing and mastering her first full-length album
. She recorded the album using studio time that she won at a songwriting contest in March. Her first short recording, the Sisters EP was released in 2007.

Tickets for the October 9th show are $10 at the door. Doors open at 9pm. Ticketing and schedule for Toronto Indie Week are available at www.indieweek.com.

http://indieezine.com/content/view/1809/28/