Ryan Townsend is a New York based Singer, Guitarist, and Songwriter. His string driven blend of Acoustic Rock delivers intimate harmonies, mixed with high energy improvisation. Genuine song craft and soulful storytelling are rooted in the warm sound of a nylon acoustic guitar. Performing live, both solo and with his band, Townsend sculpts his songs through looping and layering his music, creating articulate and organic soundscapes.

“Townsend’s deep, at-times gravelly vocals provide an intimate-yet-powerful effect to his lyrics. The thread that ties his songs together is the allure of ambient sound, entrancing melodies, powerful vocals, and an authentic approach to music that’s made to stir the soul.” (Melissa Esposito – Hudson Valley Magazine)

With the sensibilities of John Mayer and grit of Chris Stapleton, Townsend parallel’s his contemporaries while drawing from his earlier influences such as Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, and Chris Cornell.

His original music has been featured in the Lionsgate feature film Living Will, and on commercials for PBR on NBC Sports Network. He’s released original music with producer/engineer John Siket (Phish, Dave Matthews Band) and has shared the stage with national acts like Donna Jean Godchaeux (Grateful Dead), Questlove (the Roots), Jimmy Herring (Widespread Panic), and Leo Nocentelli (The Meters).

“Ryan Townsend is a gifted composer and musician dedicated to his craft. He has real chops. We’re fortunate to have a talented fellow like him in this neck of the woods“ (Johnny Laser – NYSA).

Townsend’s story is marked by a life of music. He first discovered it’s magic through the sounds of Motown, Classic Rock, and Country songs that were passed down from his parents. At the age of 14, he picked up an old Spanish style guitar his father had and was instantly hooked.

A couple years later on a trip to the Jersey shore, underage and inexperienced, he snuck into a night club performing two songs to a packed out eager crowd. That experience, along with beginning to play in his own bands and write original compositions, fostered a love and desire for live performance and sharing his music with others. 

After studying film in school, Townsend worked a myriad of jobs from maintenance to waiting tables, while his looming passion for music hung in the balance. He halfheartedly settled into the 9-5 world at a publishing company designing greeting cards, but it wasn’t long before its uniformity grew weary and he sought a road less traveled. After a couple of years juggling earlier mornings at the office and late nights performing at clubs everywhere from Greenwich Village to Philadelphia, he decided to quit his day job and peruse music full time. 

It was a decision that proved advantageous. Over the years he’s continued to perform, write and record songs, bringing his music to a loyal ever-growing fanbase. Townsend also owns and operates RCT Music Group, a music studio in Nyack, NY, where he shares his knowledge and passion for music with students and clients alike, offering lessons, workshops, and recording services.

He regularly performs at public venues and private events in the New York Tri-State area, and greater northeast, for a variety of different occasions and concerts.

“Ryan is a true professional and the sweetest most accommodating person to deal with. His talent and music are incredible. I still have people messaging me about the band and the range of music they were able to perform.” (Taryn Saridis – NYC Music Boutique)

Most recently in 2026 he released the full length album Passages. He continues his mission of cultivating smiles and reminding people of the simple things in life, while passing along a positive influence through his music and sharing in our common connections and collective experiences.