Ryley Walker is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist hailing from Rockford, Illinois, whose work has been notably vast and varied across the spectrum of indie folk, psychedelic, and experimental music. Born on July 21, 1989, Walker began his musical journey in the Chicago music scene, blending his intricate fingerstyle guitar work with a lyrical depth and a voice that bridges the gap between soulful and meditative. His rise to critical acclaim began in earnest with the release of his 2014 album "All Kinds of You," but it was the folky yet avant-garde tapestry of 2015's "Primrose Green" that truly cemented his status as a unique force in the modern folk scene.

As his discography has expanded, Walker has never shied away from pushing boundaries and exploring collaborative efforts, such as his joint album with drummer Charles Rumback, "Little Common Twist," or delving into interpretation and improvisation with "The Lillywhite Sessions," a complete reimagining of Dave Matthews Band's unreleased album of the same name. Albums like "Course In Fable" and collaborations like "Deep Fried Grandeur" with free jazz duo Kikagaku Moyo showcase Walker's continuous evolution. Singles like "The Madman From Massachusetts In An Empty Bar" reflect his storytelling prowess and ability to capture moments in time with a raw yet refined musicality. His work, characterized by cerebral compositions and a willingness to experiment, seals Ryley Walker's reputation as a musician unanchored to genre, dedicated to the craft of songwriting, and ever keen to explore the sonic landscapes that lie at the edges of the musical mainstream.

Genres

Chamber Psych

Drone Folk

Latest Release

So Certain

Ryley Walker

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released January 11, 2022