We recently connected with Ryan Driscoll and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan , thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

As you may know, the entertainment industry can be extremely difficult and exhausting at times. Many artists are living paycheck to paycheck, gig to gig, and show to show. The majority of live entertainers must supplement there income with day jobs or part-time jobs outside the industry. Working as a vocalist, there is rarely consistency or stability. For many years I worked tirelessly to find “the next gig”. I have always known I was meant to use my voice, but it has been difficult to find a job in the industry that offers long-term job security.

I have moved to numerous states including California, Pennsylvania, New York, and Nevada simply to pursue jobs as a performer. For 5 years I worked internationally as a resident guest entertainer for the world’s #1 ultra luxury cruise line, Seabourn. However, each gig was simply a contract that would eventually end and I would be back to the drawing board searching for the next opportunity.

In between performance gigs I have worked many temporary jobs as a barista, trail guide, pool technician, and delivery driver. These jobs offered a steady stream of income while I searched for the next opportunity to use my voice.

As you know, there are no rewards without risks. The recent pandemic turned the world upsidedown and negatively impacted many industries, but especially the entertainment industry. Live music venues closed their doors permanently, musical tours were cancelled, restaurants and bars no longer offered live music, and millions of entertainers were left without work or unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, I was working on a cruise line at the time and was stuck in my room for 85 days before returning home. I also produced a big band show called Come Fly With Me at the Mosaic Theatre on the Las Vegas strip, but due to the pandemic the theatre closed permanently. Many artists and entertainers have similar stories. However, after moving to Nashville in 2021, I was able to return to the stage and entertain once again.

It took resilience and dedication, but I am now working as a full-time vocalist and entertainer at some of Music City’s greatest restaurants and venues. I currently perform 5-6 nights a week at various upscale restaurants, clubs, whiskey bars, and live music venues. I also perform at private events, corporate parties, weddings, and holiday gatherings of all sizes.

It is truly a blessing to be working as a full-time entertainer. I am thrilled to be using my gifts and talents to entertain audiences throughout Music City!

Ryan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was raised in a very musical family, both my parents had musical theatre backgrounds and played an electic collection of music from jazz to pop. My siblings played the piano and guitar, but I just loved singing!

I started performing in musical theatre productions at 15 and was fortunate to have been cast in leading roles like Marius in Les Miserables, Lt. Cable in South Pacific, Nicely Nicely in Guys and Dolls, Finch in How to Succeed in Business and Cain in Children of Eden.

My love of classic pop and jazz continued to grow through the influence of artists such as Josh Groban, Michael Buble, and Harry Connick Jr. which naturally led to my interest in hit songs by Mel Torme, Perry Como, Vic Damone, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Nat King Cole.

I was fortunate to have been hired as the resident male entertainer for the world’s most prestigious cruise line, Seabourn, where I spent the next five years sailing around the world performing a diverse selection of songs for our guests. From Stevie Wonder to Andrea Bocelli, I sang hit songs by some of the most iconic artists of all time. Although living on a cruise ship is very trying at times, from the hectic schedules to exhausting rehearsals, the experience I gained has proven to be invaluable.

When I returned from my last cruise I created a tribute show to the crooners called “Come Fly With Me”. The show was to premier at the historic Mosaic Theatre on the Las Vegas Strip, but like so many others was closed due to Covid. It was then I decided to relocate from Las Vegas to Nashville.

I have had the privilege of performing for distinguished guests such as Elaine Paige, Sir Tim Rice, Darius Rucker, Randy Travis, Thomas Rhett, Jason Robert Brown and Stephen Schwartz. For me, engaging with my audiences and having that emotional connection with them is truly incredible.

I think what sets me apart from other Jazz vocalists is my deep connection with the music and lyrics. I focus on every phrase and note to ensure the audience receives the best performance possible. Not only do I focus on the physical technicalities, but my emotion and passion shine through my performance. Also, my repertoire and skills go beyond jazz to include pop, rock, and opera. My background as a stage performer allows me to engage with audiences in a very personal way. I currently perform at a variety of venues including hotels, country clubs, amphitheaters, and live music venues.

My focus going forward is to create compelling and entertaining jazz shows of all sizes, from small trio’s to 20 piece big band productions and continue to introduce audiences to a wide variety of musical styles in very special ways.

I am currently represented exclusively by Nashville based Fly With Me Entertainment™.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a live entertainer is the immediate and significant impact I can on the audience. There isn’t a day that goes by where I haven’t had a true and meaningful influence on an audience member.

Whether I am singing a song for their birthday or simply performing a specific song request, I am able to have a positive and lasting impact on those I entertain.

I can’t think of a more rewarding career. I get to do what I love while using my gifts and talents to make people laugh or smile or reminisce. It’s truly magical.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to pivot during the recent pandemic. I was unemployed and couldn’t find any work in Las Vegas. A few friends of mine had mentioned there was plenty of work in Nashville, TN. So without a second thought I decided to move out to Music City. As you may have heard before, there is no rewards without risk.

I always encourage people to pursue their dreams and take risks and invest in themselves and their passions. I thought to myself, “I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.” I could always move back to Las Vegas and get a day job as a barista or work nights as a bartender. There really weren’t many risks after all.

I also pivoted my focus from a broad approach to a more focused approach. So instead of trying to sing every genre and work numerous different types of shows from musical theatre to opera to jazz, I wanted to put more energy and time into one area. I decided to put my eggs in one basket and it paid off. Now all my energy is focused on music by classic crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Sinatra was actually one of the first and greatest pop singers but nowadays we classify his music as jazz.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ryanjdriscoll.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/ryanjdriscoll
• Facebook: Facebook.com/ryanjdriscoll
• Youtube: YouTube.com/ryanjdriscoll