Frank Ryan on Kingston as Canada's music city
Episode 87
Born in Dublin, singer-songwriter Frank Ryan (https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan) developed his artistry between London, Toronto, New York and L.A. On this episode, Frank shares how Kingston won his heart, what makes it a truly unique live music destination, and why he believes the city deserves the distinction as Canada's premier music city.
Chapters:
0:21 Episode overview
2:46 From Dublin to Kingston: Frank's journey
6:48 The value of mentorship
8:24 How rising costs push culture out of communities
12:08 Why music thrives in Kingston
15:54 Kingston's unique geographic opportunity
17:36 The allure of Kingston's music scene
21:43 Frank's musical inspiration
24:39 Frank's "flip" from guitarist to vocalist
29:32 From busking to breakthrough to back-to-basics
33:58 Frank's surprising warm-up routine
37:18 Song: Stone Me by Frank Ryan
42:39 No compromises: Timing Frank's new album release
48:53 Leaving L.A. for Kingston: A community of "real love and support"
53:04 Excitement for the future of Kingston's music scene
57:05 How Kingston's abundance of local music creates connection
1:00:55 Live music as the magic element of community
1:04:00 Kingston's evolving musical landscape
1:07:20 Why we need a middle class of music
1:10:06 Kingston's magical live music combination
1:13:42 Episode credits
Episode Production Credits
Guests:
Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan
Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Music in this episode:
Stone Me by Frank Ryan
Cover photo:
Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/view
Audio production:
SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view
Episode Links
Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan
Steve Jordan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jordan_(drummer)
Roswell Rehearsals https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191624/view
The Toucan https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view
Musiikki Café & Whiskey Bar https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here… (https://kingstonlive.ca/subscribe)
Born in Dublin, singer-songwriter Frank Ryan (https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan) developed his artistry between London, Toronto, New York and L.A. On this episode, Frank shares how Kingston won his heart, what makes it a truly unique live music destination, and why he believes the city deserves the distinction as Canada's premier music city.
Chapters:
0:21 Episode overview
2:46 From Dublin to Kingston: Frank's journey
6:48 The value of mentorship
8:24 How rising costs push culture out of communities
12:08 Why music thrives in Kingston
15:54 Kingston's unique geographic opportunity
17:36 The allure of Kingston's music scene
21:43 Frank's musical inspiration
24:39 Frank's "flip" from guitarist to vocalist
29:32 From busking to breakthrough to back-to-basics
33:58 Frank's surprising warm-up routine
37:18 Song: Stone Me by Frank Ryan
42:39 No compromises: Timing Frank's new album release
48:53 Leaving L.A. for Kingston: A community of "real love and support"
53:04 Excitement for the future of Kingston's music scene
57:05 How Kingston's abundance of local music creates connection
1:00:55 Live music as the magic element of community
1:04:00 Kingston's evolving musical landscape
1:07:20 Why we need a middle class of music
1:10:06 Kingston's magical live music combination
1:13:42 Episode credits
Episode Production Credits
Guests:
Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan
Hosts:
Johnny San [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Music in this episode:
Stone Me by Frank Ryan
Cover photo:
Virginia Meeks https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191735/view
Audio production:
SoundWise Inc. https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191590/view
Episode Links
Frank Ryan https://kingstonlive.ca/frank-ryan
Steve Jordan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jordan_(drummer)
Roswell Rehearsals https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191624/view
The Toucan https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view
Musiikki Café & Whiskey Bar https://kingstonlive.ca/resource/1191600/view
Kingston concerts and music festivals https://kingstonlive.ca/
Sign up for Kingston music news, local concert and event listings and announcements delivered to your inbox monthly, weekly or even daily. Subscribe here… (https://kingstonlive.ca/subscribe)
Relevance:
Video Credits
Produced by:
SoundWise Inc.
Posted: Dec. 30, 2025 via kingstonlive.ca
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