Manchester-based Canadian singer-songwriter Ryan Lamey channels personal history, emotional upheaval, and the search for connection into music that spans tender lo-fi introspection to soaring, rousing power pop. His songs carry a raw sincerity, melodic strength and lyrical poignancy—once described by the Manchester Evening News as “epic in chorus, heartfelt in sentiment, and rousing in atmosphere.”
In the early 2010s, Ryan co-fronted the dark pop duo The Spiels alongside producer and singer-songwriter Minute Taker (Ben McGarvey). Their music was noted for its rich vocal harmonies, intricate arrangements and emotionally driven songwriting—described by the Manchester Evening News as “alternative folk-pop with an infinitely dark hue.” The band’s momentum was paused when Ryan became a dad, stepping away from music to focus on family life.
After a 7-year hiatus, Ryan returned in 2022 with the album Disordered—an entirely self-produced and performed body of work born from the solitude of the pandemic and the aftermath of a mental health crisis. The album marked a creative reawakening, and paved the way for a string of musical projects that continue to explore themes of loss, love, identity and resilience.
In 2023, Ryan began collaborating with musician Dan Parr on live performances and a series of stripped-back, heartfelt covers of classic pop songs—intimate reinterpretations that struck a chord with listeners and ultimately evolved into the formation of Heartsmith. Joined in 2024 by multi-instrumentalist Gemma Lovegrove, the trio began developing a sound shaped by harmony, storytelling and emotional honesty.
That same year, Ryan released how now can I be good—a deeply personal EP reflecting on grief, guilt and acceptance, written and recorded in the months following the loss of his father and stepfather—who died one year and one day apart.
Now fronting Heartsmith, Ryan continues to write, perform and record with a renewed creative energy—balancing the collaborative spirit of the band with an ongoing commitment to his own solo material.