Ryan Lewis
Born on March 25, 1988, in Spokane, Washington, Ryan Lewis's childhood was heavily influenced by music. He graduated from Ferris High School in his hometown and then from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, before studying at the University of Washington, where he specialized in the comparative history of ideas. From a young age, he played guitar in rock bands and developed a significant interest in music production at the age of fifteen. Alongside his studies, he became a professional videographer and photographer, developing a visual expertise that would become integral to his artistic career.
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Solo Career and First Duo
In 2008, Ryan Lewis released his first instrumental EP, titled "Instrumentals," featuring four tracks of alternative hip-hop. The same year, he collaborated with MC Symmetry, from Rhode Island, on a self-titled LP, marking his first steps as a producer and independent artist. This period of artistic development led him to meet Macklemore in 2006, but it was only in 2009 that they formalized their collaboration to form the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and release the EP "The VS. EP."
The "The Heist" Era
The duo achieved international recognition with the release of their studio album, "The Heist," in October 2012. This album, which includes the singles "My Oh My," "Wings," and "Can't Hold Us" featuring Ray Dalton, propelled Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to the top of the charts. Their success was further cemented by four Grammy Awards in 2014, including the award for best new artist and best rap album for "The Heist."
Artistic Expansion and Collaborations
Following the release of their album "This Unruly Mess I've Made" in February 2016, Ryan Lewis continues to expand his musical horizons beyond the duo. In July 2017, he co-wrote and produced the song "Praying" for Kesha, and later directed "The Greatest Show" for the soundtrack of the film of the same name in 2017. His versatility is also demonstrated through collaborations with Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Ed Sheeran, and a hip-hop legend like Kool Moe Dee on "Downtown." He also directed the majority of the duo's music videos, including "Same Love," "Thrift Shop," and "Can't Hold Us," further solidifying his role as a complete artistic director.
Independent Pursuits and Projects
Even after the announcement of a hiatus for the duo in June 2017, Ryan Lewis remains active in production. In August 2019, he co-wrote and produced the song "Subaru Crosstrek XV" for Hobo Johnson. His commitment to sound design continues with the launch of the podcast "The Deck" by Audiochuck in April 2022, for which he writes the theme music. From his early days as a videographer in Spokane to his recent work, Ryan Lewis remains a central figure in the American music scene, combining production, artistic direction, and composition.
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