Ryan Adams has been praised as "one of rock's most talented songwriters” (SPIN). The 7-time Grammy nominated artist has 17 studio albums to his name, accumulating in millions of sales. He has produced albums for esteemed musicians including Willie Nelson, Jesse Malin, Jenny Lewis and has collaborated with some of music’s most influential artists such as Weezer, Fall Out Boy, America and many more.
 
Ryan’s profound contributions to music have taken many different forms. From his songwriting, to his producing, to fronting the rock/alternative country band Whiskeytown, and forming, “Ryan Adams & The Cardinals,” his ability to connect with audiences across a variety of different mediums is undeniable. Adams’ musical creativity was recognized early on and led to his NME Best Solo Artist win in both 2003 and 2004. In addition to his self-titled, double-Grammy-nominated 2014 album, Ryan’s catalogue includes Heartbreaker, Ashes & Fire, Easy Tiger, Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Nights, Love Is Hell, his 2001 major label debut Gold, and more.
 
Ryan’s artistry is not limited to his songwriting capabilities. In 2009, he published Infinity Blues, a book of free verse poetry about his journey to self-realization, and Hello Sunshine, a collection of poems and short stories. Ryan’s passion for writing continues, and he is currently working on his first novel. His music has spanned multiple musical genres, and has been incorporated in film and television specials such as Judd Apatow’s top grossing production Bridesmaids, This is 40, popular HBO TV series’ True Blood and Felicity, and his song, ‘Stay Alive’ appeared in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring Ben Stiller.
 
In November 2014, Ryan performed a two-night engagement at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall, which turned into a critically acclaimed live album on PAX-AM records, a label specifically for his music releases.

Ryan is widely known for his powerful shows performed all over the world and regarded for his prolific songwriting. He has been praised by many music icons including Noel Gallagher, Taylor Swift and the legend Elton John, who described him as the “fabulous one.” Adams currently resides in Los Angeles, California with his five cats, typewriter, and coffee machine.

Joey Penner has been penning songs since he was a young boy. At age fifteen, his grandmother passed on her Fender acoustic to him on the condition that he learn to play it well…and find a nice Mennonite girl to marry. 

After two years studying music at Brandon University, he joined local Winnipeg band, The Waking Eyes, touring, recording and being nominated for a JUNO with them until 2010. Next came stints with Royal Canoe, Jicah and French Press, and a number of one-offs with the likes of Del Barber, JP Hoe and Imaginary Cities. 

Now, so many years after selling his soul to his grandma, he's still writing, singing, and strumming that old Fender, accompanied by a rag-tag crew of harmonicas (yet hasn't so much as dated a Mennonite, which is kind of unbelievable, actually).

His music could perhaps best be described as alt-pop, with playing styles encompassing roots, rock, minimalism, ADM (acoustic dance music) and folk, and lyrics covering topics from social protest to prehistoric nostalgia. 

In August 2016 he released his first single "Free World" and accompanying b-side "The Ark" online and to campus radio. He's played throughout the city, sharing bills with Adam Hanney & Co., Last Ditch on the Left, Hearing Trees and a host of others. He looks forward to putting out more music and videos in the coming months, with a tentative EP release on the horizon.

Josh Spencer is the Founder of KickDrum Events in Montréal and was the host of "The Neighbourhood" on CJLO 1690am from March 2017 - May 2018

Contact: josh.k.spencer@gmail.com

Jesse Speed is following