Meet Ryan Manalili

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Manalili.

Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I remember my dad buying me my first guitar when I was nine. He’s a huge Beatles fan so I grew up listening to them and wanting to be rock star at a young age. I’m self-taught in the instruments I know mainly because we couldn’t afford lessons growing up. My dad had this guitar chord book that I learned my foundation from and it opened up a new world for me when I dove in. Growing up, I lived in a pretty nice neighborhood, but the school I went to wasn’t the safest. A lot of people I grew up with are either locked up or unfortunately didn’t make it past eight grade. I’m not going to give you a cliche story about how ‘Music Saved My Life’ but it definitely gave me a clear direction of where I want to be headed.

When I started sophomore year of high school I started doing shows with a few homies and ended up doing shows every month or so until graduation. I ended up taking a year off after graduating and decided to not go back to school. Music has always been the plan now that I think of it. I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else. I released my first single, “Backseat Queen”, in April and I don’t ever plan on stopping. (quick shoutout/shameless plug to Obed Padilla for helping me produce this track).

I just started working on my EP and I plan on releasing it in early 2020. I couldn’t have done any of this without my family and friends for supporting me through this journey. My dream is becoming a reality every day and I’m just getting started.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Uhm, It hasn’t been smooth nor rough. If that makes any sense. My biggest struggle I can think of is, well, myself to be honest haha. I have a huge support system but I overthink everything I do. Writing, recording, whatever it is I’m a perfectionist when it comes to it, so it can take me forever to be happy with a project.

Tell us about your work – what should we know?
I’m just a guy from Oceanside who loves to make music. I write my music from experiences that I believe are relatable and lyrics that paint a picture in people’s minds. I have two singles out right now “Backseat Queen” and “Can’t Get Enough” both of which I have received great return from my listeners.

The most important thing for me is to have people feel my music rather than to just listen to my music.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
-My Parents: My folks have played a big role in me following my dreams. I’m an Asian American pursuing a non traditional career that is quite frankly opinion-based. They have given me the fuel and I needed to start, and the support to keep me pushing. I’m trying to be their retirement plan haha.

-My homies (y’all know who you are): I have a creative group of friends who help me out with anything I need. Music Production, Pictures, Videos literally anything. I have gotten this far with them and we’re headed nowhere but up from here.