Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan O’Leary.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ryan. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Ultimately, it was my father who got me into music when he bought me my first guitar in elementary school. I grew up playing drums and guitar in multiple rock bands covering artists from Led Zeppelin to Muse. My first intro to the hip-hop scene was in a rap duo in college that actually split at the end of 2017, so January 2018 was my real start as a solo artist.
To elaborate a little on why my brand is, so NASCAR focused, I’ve always been a big fan of NASCAR. I’ve been watching and attending races since I was young. I raced go-karts a lot growing up as well and have even raced in a few small leagues. As how I got to LA, I recently moved here from Nashville, TN to further pursue my music career.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been numerous twists and turns, from the split of my former rap duo, to unsuccessfully managing a four year, long-distance relationship. I lost friends and people I loved, I took risks knowing there were no guarantees, I’ve put myself and my brother in debt, and I currently share a room with my brother in my sister’s apartment. I’m still living the struggle, but it’s the love for music and the small wins that keep us going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about WONDR – what should we know?
I’m a hip-hop artist that goes by WONDR. My sound and brand are shaped by the experiences, relationships, and the life I’ve lived. The way things I study and enjoy like racing, fashion, music, and mindfulness fit into stories from my life and relationships results in relatable and authentic work.
I also spend a lot of time looking outside of the music industry for opportunities to grow my brand as an artist, from film and video games to sports and fashion.
I’ve teamed up with companies like The Legends Brand to style and promote music videos and have more exciting partnerships in the works. These engagements would not be possible without a level of authenticity, uniqueness, and potential to do big things.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Staying humble and not losing myself in the crowd.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.wondr94.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/wondr94
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wondr94
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wondr94
- Other: http://www.wondr94.com/music
Image Credit:
Blaine Butler, Rachel Deeb, Mason Allen, Raleigh Metro Media, Ina Obasi, Shane Miller
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