Meet Ryan Nolan of Ry Toast in West LA

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

Ryan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a hip-hop fan since I can remember. When my obsession got too much to bare, I decided being a fan wasn’t sufficient and I decided to get into the game. I bought myself turntables, moved to California and got started as a DJ.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Any creative, independent hustler type career is bound to have its struggles. It’s all about getting out of your own way. If you’re in a creative profession, naturally you are a sensitive person. It’s easy to let your emotions get the best of you and make you question your career path. It’s imperative that you stay focused on your goals, stay in love with what you do, and above all, keep your mind right!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ry Toast story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is me, Ry Toast. I specialize in curating vibes, creating environments, slowing down time, unifying eclectic groups of humans, and elevating frequencies. I do this through djing, through yoga, through art, and through my personality. I try to operate on all cylinders and all times, I love to maximize!

I am proud of so many things going on in my life right now!

I am proud of Tyrone’s Jacket, a band started with my (now) husband and our best friend. We are in the process of finishing our first album. It’s been an incredible journey and I can’t wait to share it with the world. We are releasing our record and going on tour in July with Katastro. Stay tuned!

I am also super proud of Sweet Beats LA- The DJ truck I co-created with my ace, Marianne Matsuura AKA DJ Kiyomi. We have a vintage Ford Stepvan that we retrofitted with a DJ Booth and a bangin’ sound system. We have been doing events with the Dodgers, Grand Park, EatDrinkVegan Fest, and more! We are currently booking for this summer!

I have a yoga and music project called Beats, Balance, and Flow. This is a class I created with another amazing friend Kari Jaffe, of This Yogi Life. Together we design posture sequences and with matching soundtracks for deluxe yoga experiences. We just got back from Lightning In A Bottle Festival, where we taught twice. We are also teaching at Disclosure Festival in LA on June 23rd.

I have to say, I am really proud of my residency, which has been running for over two years now, Thursdays at Blind Barber in Culver City. I DJ with my homegirl slash musical soulmate, DJ Allura. Together we are “HoneyDew LA”. We met at the Beatjunkies Institute Of Sound at a scratch class and have been building together ever since. We do really dope music-centric, culture-focused parties. Our last event was DJ Premier VS J Dilla themed. It was tight!

I think a lot of things set me apart. If I had to sum it up I would say my energy sets me apart from everyone, and all the directions I have taken my career. If I could break it down I would say my selection, my turntablism, my look, etc.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
No role. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in the universe.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.djrytoast.com
• Email: booking@djrytoast.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rytoast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.r.nolan

Image Credit:
Sarah Kathleen Photo, Stephen Dietrich, Macksimo, Kungfu Breakfast

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