Ryland Moranz
and his darkest secrets
"I've seen for miles before my time / Years before I was born, and years after I'll die"— Run Rabbit Run
Ryland Moranz is an alt-country and folk songwriter whose work explores the passage of time through real and imagined narratives. His compositions draw influence from literary figures like Kurt Vonnegut and Ernest Hemingway, filtered through the musical traditions of Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, and Blaze Foley.
His sophomore release, XO, 1945 (January 2021), was recorded at Leeroy's Rebeltone Ranch studio in Lethbridge, AB. It followed his 2016 debut, Hello New Old World, which introduced audiences to his introspective brand of prairie songwriting. Notable tracks include the haunting Run Rabbit Run and the philosophical There Ain't New Songs.
Beyond his solo work, Ryland is a member of Leeroy Stagger's alt-country outfit, the Rebeltone Sound, and performs extensively across Canada, the US, and Europe. His voice — often compared to a young Steve Earle — carries a weathered authenticity that belies his years.
A true multi-instrumentalist, Ryland is equally at home on clawhammer banjo, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, mandola, and harmonica. He also works as a visual artist, session musician, audio engineer, digital audio researcher, and experienced tour manager — all from his home base in Lethbridge, Alberta.
"I feel less like a writer of fiction and more like a collector of sorts… kind regards from a past that's different than you remember."