Biography

Skilled multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer, Ryan Koenig spends much of his time traveling, performing and recording with a variety of internationally recognized musical acts. He is a proud native of Saint Louis, MO, and his career as a professional musician has brought him throughout the continental United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Ryan has recorded and/or performed live on diatonic harmonica, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, tenor guitar, baritone guitar, 12 string guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, guit-jo, 5-string banjo, plectrum banjo, tenor banjo, banjolin, dobro, lap steel, button accordion, fiddle, electric bass, jug, washboard, drums, bones, and even a trashcan. His ability to change instruments at a moment's notice thrills audiences wherever he goes. In addition to his skill as an instrumentalist, the ever-stylish cowboy clad singer belts out tunes in a highly distinctive tenor voice, and is a prolific songwriter. His career as a traveling musician began in 2004 playing guitar and singing for spirited St. Louis rock 'n' roll trio, The Vultures. In 2006, he co-founded an original string band blues group, The Rum Drum Ramblers, with long-time creative conspirators Mat Wilson and Joey Glynn. Ryan joined Americana and roots act Pokey LaFarge in 2008, a project which took him to bar rooms, clubs, festivals, and theaters all over the globe, in addition to several radio and late night television appearances and film work.

At home in St. Louis or on the road, Ryan writes, performs, and records with many acts in a variety of styles. In addition to The Rum Drum Ramblers, he also regularly fronts the country and midwestern group The Goldenrods and co-fronts the old-time stringband The New Missouri Fox Hunters. He and his wife Kellie Everett perform as a radio era cowboy duo, The Southwest Watson Sweethearts. Ryan regularly plays washboard, guitar, fiddle, plectrum banjo and mandolin with hot jazz and lowdown blues group Miss Jubilee and the Yas-Yas Boys. He recently joined classic country band The Sapsuckers, performing on lap steel, harmonica, mandolin, button accordion and fiddle. He formed The So Grand Polka Band adding plectrum banjo and button accordion to the polka repertoire of Goldenrod accordionist Jess Adkins. It’s also possible to catch him collaborating with an ever growing list of groups and artists, including Fiddlin’ Sam and the Bolo Band, The Hooten Hallers, The Gaslight Squares, Jack Grelle, Tim Dulin and Skylar Finan. His massive discography includes contributions to more than 50 recordings, several of which as both a musician and producer.