Michael S. Ryan is an award-winning musician, songwriter, producer, author, and podcast host from small town Nova Scotia, Canada. As a multidisciplinary artist, Ryan has built a reputation as a compelling storyteller both on stage and on the page.
As the frontman, guitarist, and songwriter for The Town Heroes, Ryan has toured extensively across Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond, releasing seven critically acclaimed albums. His work has earned him 13 Music Nova Scotia Awards, 5 East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs), multiple Coast Best Of honours—including Best Band in Halifax—and numerous songwriting recognitions. His debut solo album, From The Bottoms Of Our Murky Hearts, was nominated for Music Nova Scotia’s Folk Album of the Year.
Known for his captivating live performances, sharp humour, and deeply personal songwriting, Ryan has developed a loyal following drawn to his ability to balance emotional depth with disarming wit. His songs explore themes of love, memory, rural life, and the emotional landscape of modern existence.
As a writer, Ryan co-authored the book You and Me (2021) with his wife, visual artist Kristen Herrington. The book is a laugh-out-loud compilation of travel and relationship stories, at times beautifully evocative and at others wildly amusing. The project expanded into music with the release of the companion single “You and Me,” translating the spirit of the book into song.
Ryan is also the co-host of the podcast Make It with Mike and Kristen, which features in-depth conversations with artists about creativity, career, and perseverance. The podcast has ranked as high as #36 globally in the Arts category and has been featured at major creative conferences including SXSW and Podfest.
In 2020, Ryan undertook an ambitious creative project, releasing a new self-written, recorded, and produced song on the first day of every month, each accompanied by a music video and an original painting by Herrington. These songs became his debut solo album, From The Bottoms Of Our Murky Hearts, a collection of intimate, emotionally resonant work showcasing his range as both a songwriter and producer.
He is the founder of Hot Jupiter Sounds, his recording studio located in the woods of Tantallon, Nova Scotia. Originally created for his own work, the studio has evolved into a sought-after creative space where Ryan produces and collaborates with other artists, bringing an experienced ear, technical expertise, and artist-focused approach to every project.
Across music, writing, and audio production, Ryan’s work is unified by a commitment to storytelling and an exploration of the shared experiences that define us—love, loss, humour, resilience, and the search for meaning.
