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In his short career, South Shore Nova Scotia native Ryan Neilson has found a way to connect with audiences throughout Canada with his universal themes, infectious melodies, and skill with the guitar. His unique acoustic-pop, pop-rock stylings have been compared to "a modern take on 70's folk-pop, a la Simon & Garfunkel. He's also been compared to Michael Buble, with a guitar style very comparable to acoustic John Mayer.

Some of Ryan's earliest memories are of sitting at his mother's piano singing along. "I think the first song I ever loved was 'Down By The Bay,' which I would improvise endlessly," he recalls. His early musical influences were The Steve Miller Band, Bruce Springsteen, and Chris DeBurgh, but "it was John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers who really got me interested in the guitar."

Ryan draws musical inspiration from John Mayer, for "his effortless guitar and ingenious lyrical lines." He also takes inspiration from "Duffy, James Morrison, and Corinne Bailey Rae who inspire me with their soulfulness, the sheer humanity of their music - and Robbie Williams for his energy, think-big attitude and showmanship -- and Ray LaMontagne for his honesty and poetry."

With the ink still fresh on his Bachelor of Music degree from Acadia University, Ryan wrote and recorded his debut CD, "Four Walls," which showcases Ryan's versatile talent on vocals, guitar and keyboard. Since its August 2008 release, the album has twice found its way to number one on the East Coast Countdown with hit singles All Fall Down, and Hello Houston, and won seven awards in the prestigious 2008 annual Muse's Muse awards.

Look for Ryan at a venue near you as he takes his music on the road this summer with a planned tour of the Maritimes, and find out why listeners everywhere are moved by Ryan's music, his enthusiasm, and his unique perspective.