Ryan Cassata (he/him) is a multi-talented artist signed to Kill Rock Stars. As an award-winning singer-songwriter, actor, performer, published writer, LGBTQ+ activist, and transgender motivational speaker, Ryan's music and story has been showcased on prestigious platforms, including The Larry King Live Show, The Tyra Banks Show, CNN, GRAMMY.com, Rolling Stone, Billboard, The New York Times, Newsweek, and The NY Daily News.
Ryan Cassata has built an impressive career with a remarkable track record of hundreds of national and international performances. He has released seven original and critically-acclaimed musical albums of original music. Notably, Ryan made history as the first openly trans performer at the Vans Warped Tour and has graced renowned stages such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Global Pride, and SXSW. The Advocate Magazine hailed him as a "Transgender singing sensation," while Paper Magazine included him on their list of "50 LGBTQ Musicians You Should Prioritize." LOGO's New Now Next recognized Ryan as one of the "9 Trans Musicians You Need To Get Into." Acknowledging his impact, Billboard Magazine referred to him as a "true force in the industry." They also featured him on their list of "11 Transgender & Non-Binary Musicians You Need to Know," and premiered his award-winning music video "Daughter," which has amassed over 2 million views on YouTube and 2.8 million streams on Spotify. Ryan's music has been played on Sirius XM Radio and BBC Radio 4, reaching listeners worldwide. In 2019, he proudly received The ASCAP Foundation's Mariana and Paul Williams "Sunlight of the Spirit" songwriting award for his original composition, "Jupiter." His 2021 self-written and self-produced album, Magic Miracle Mile charted on the iTunes Alternative Charts. Ryan's talent has garnered the endorsement of prominent names in the industry, including Ovation Guitars, Marvin Guitars, Figurehead Guitars, Breedlove Guitars, Grover Allman Guitar Picks, Daredevil Pedals, and Equator Coffee.
Ryan has been at the forefront of the transgender liberation movement since his early teens, appearing on the Larry King Live Show at 15 years old, the Tyra Banks Show at 17 years old, and speaking at schools and conferences to educate people on the importance of diversity and equality. With a Masters of Art in Social Transformation (MAST) from the Pacific School of Religion, Ryan was honored with the prestigious 2023 Marcella Althaus-Reid Award for his efforts in queering theology and his work thus far for the Transgender Liberation Movement. Ryan's journey as a transgender activist began at 13 when he joined the LGBT Network's Safe Schools Team after being severely bullied in middle school. Since then, he has become an influential speaker, delivering impactful speeches and sharing his experiences at numerous Middle Schools, High Schools, and Universities nationwide. Notably, Ryan achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest keynote speaker in the history of the Philadelphia Trans Health [Wellness] Conference. Ryan has shared his research and experience at esteemed institutions like Harvard University and the U.S. Capitol. His groundbreaking accomplishments have earned him recognition, including being the inaugural recipient of the Harvey Milk Memorial Award in 2011 from Bay Shore High School (Harvey Milk's alma mater) and receiving a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the United States Congress in 2019. In June 2023, he was invited to The White House, where he engaged in a taped conversation with Admiral Rachel Levine, leaving a lasting impression on national platforms.
In Film and TV, Ryan Cassata was the focus of the award-winning documentary Songs for Alexis, which Elvira Lind directed. Ryan Cassata stars as "Jalin" in the award-winning Travis Fine feature film "Two Eyes," which debuted as the closing night film of Outfest 2020. His original song "You & Me Babe" served as central music in the film and awarded him FilmOut's Best Soundtrack award (2022). Ryan also starred in the short film "Collective: Unconscious," which premiered at SXSW. Rolling Stone Magazine and The New York Times praised the short, highlighting Ryan's noteworthy performance. The Victoria Independent Film Festival recognized his talent with the "Best Breakout Performance" award in 2016. Ryan's artistic endeavors also extend to the realm of musical theater. He has been involved in various musicals, including a workshop production at New York Stage & Film's Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar. Ryan has also ventured into modeling and influencer work with notable brands such as Nike, Lids, Bonobos, Lull, Lyft, Hollister Co., and HP. In 2019, Ryan proudly became the face of TomboyX's Trans Pride Underwear line and modeled in The Style Section of The New York Times.
Ryan is passionate about spreading joy and empowering others, and is committed to educating the global community through his music and message. Ryan continues to share his inspiring message of hope and acceptance via his social media platforms and at nationwide venues.
If you would like Ryan to speak and perform at your school or venue (acoustically or with his band), please email mgmt@ryancassata.com with a proposed date.
AFFILIATIONS:
KILL ROCK STARS, RECORD LABEL
ASCAP SONGWRITER & PUBLISHER
RECORDING ACADEMY VOTING MEMBER
ZEPHYR TALENT AGENCY - COMMERCIAL, PRINT, FILM/TV
SYMPHONIC DISTRIBUTION (NON-EXCLUSIVE)
MOOSECAT RECORDINGS PUBLISHING (NON-EXCLUSIVE)
THANK YOU TO MY SPONSORS:
OVATION GUITARS (OFFICIAL ARTIST)
MARVIN GUITARS (OFFICIAL ARTIST)
BREEDLOVE GUITARS (OFFICIAL ARTIST)
GROVER ALLMAN GUITAR PICKS (OFFICIAL ARTIST)
DAREDEVIL PEDALS
FIGUREHEAD GUITARS
QUEER FOLK INC
photo by Asher Phoenix