The music of Ryan Vail combines elements of electronica, folk and classical music, constantly experimenting with the combination of classical instruments with unique recording and composition techniques.
A collaborative project between Ryan and Elma Orkestra, 'Borders' won the Northern Irish Music Prize's 'Album Of The Year' category in 2019. A symphony of electronic and analogue components combine and enhance the live ‘Borders’ show beyond its natural boundary. Cinematic drone footage of the Irish border and countryside is accompanied by string players, classical composition and vocal appearances from Moya Brennan and Stephen James Smith for a full on assault of the senses which has taken them from deepest Mexico to the Berlin Wall.
Ryan has had radio play or performed live Sessions with BBC Introducing, Other Voices, Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamauq, Annie Mac, Tom Ravenscroft, Across The Line, Tom Robinson, Phillip Taggart and Zane Lowe.
An acoustically treated room is home to Ryan's personal studio, which is equipped with the latest equipment. In this studio, Ryan has worked with award-winning composers such as Carly Paradis and Sheridan Tongue. Having worked on shows such as "The Innocents" on Netflix and "A Secret History Of The Troubles" on BBC. Ryan has been producing, scoring, and composing here for the past three years. The musical arrangements and sound design for the Game Of Thrones visitors center were provided by Ryan. During Derry 2021, Ryan scored a large scale projection trail for Illuminate Derry. In 2022 Ryan scored the LÚ Festival Of Light Drogheda Festival which was a large scale Projection Trail.
Press quotes:
“A minimalistic, electronic dream” -Nylon
“Vail Combines modern classical music and electronic sonics for a sound all of his own” – Stereogum
“Daring and emotionally affecting work and deserves your full attention” – The Independent
