Amy Ryan Music
A Rising Voice with Roots in the Outback
Amy is a young artist with big dreams, unwavering determination, and a voice that carries the soul of country and folk traditions. Since the age of nine, she has had the rare privilege of collaborating with both Australian and American folk, bluegrass, and country music icons—an experience that has shaped her into a performer well beyond her years.
For Amy, music is more than a passion; it’s a journey. Her family has traveled far and wide, weaving together a tapestry of memories, friendships, and influences. Each place they’ve visited and every person they’ve met has left its mark, guiding her growth as a musician and as a storyteller.
In 2019, a family holiday to Tamworth—Australia’s Country Music Capital—proved to be a turning point in Amy’s journey. It was there that her passion for performing, songwriting, and storytelling truly took flight. Busking along Peel Street, she quickly developed both confidence and a strong work ethic that would set her apart. By 2021, at just eleven years old, Amy graduated from the prestigious Country Music Academy, marking a milestone few her age achieve. With her fire for music burning brightly, Tamworth has become a cherished annual destination each January. Today, audiences can find Amy performing not only there, but also at festivals across the country—showcasing talent, dedication, and a maturity far beyond her years.
A Connection to Country
Of all the places she has journeyed, Amy holds a deep connection to Birdsville and the Diamantina region, located in the far southwestern corner of Queensland. Birdsville, a place synonymous with outback resilience and community spirit, has become a cornerstone of her story.
It was here, at just two years old, that Amy’s natural musical ability first revealed itself. As her family strolled down Adelaide Street in Birdsville, Amy picked up two smooth gibber stones. With the innocence and instinct of a child, she began to tap them together in rhythm, creating music out of the landscape itself. Those simple beats were more than play; they were the first notes of a journey that would take her across Australia and beyond.
A Journey Still Unfolding
Now, years later, Amy’s path continues to reflect the essence of those early days: making music wherever she goes, drawing inspiration from the land, the people, and the stories she encounters. Birdsville, with its red sands and endless skies, remains a touchstone—reminding her where her rhythm began.
From the outback streets to international collaborations, Amy’s journey is proof that great music is born not just from talent, but from connection—connection to people, to place, and to the unshakable belief in chasing a dream.
A Rising Star on the National Stage
Amy’s career began to take shape in 2022 with the release of her first single, Sitting Pretty, quickly followed by her debut album Our Land. Among its standout tracks was As I Ride, co-written with Peter “Smokie” Dawson, which climbed all the way to number one on the Tasmanian Australian Independent Country Chart.
The momentum continued into January 2023, when Amy received the Brumby Award for Under-18 Female Vocalist of the Year for her heartfelt track Diamantina Dreaming. The song, adapted from a poem penned by her father about the family’s deep love for the Diamantina region, showcased Amy’s gift for turning stories into music.
That same year, with support from a RADF grant from Logan City Council, Amy released her second EP to a full house at Butter Box Beats. Soon after, her second album My Escape was launched on 21 July 2023—an achievement she is especially proud of, and one that has been warmly received by audiences and the music community alike.
Festival Highlights and National Recognition
Amy’s songwriting and stage presence quickly captured the attention of industry figures and festival organisers. In July 2024, she was invited to perform at The Big Red Bash in Birdsville, one of Australia’s most iconic outback music events. Rehearsing with the Big Red Bash House Band in Sydney before the festival, Amy returned to Birdsville to open the main day with Diamantina Dreaming. She later performed alongside Elder Don Rowlands, uniting thousands in song while raising funds for diabetes research. The event’s finale saw festival-goers form the shape of Australia in the desert—an unforgettable moment.
Her performance secured an invitation to the Mundi Mundi Bash in Broken Hill. There, she once again took the stage with her father, performing original songs and raising funds for Beyond Blue, all while helping set a new record for the largest human formation of Australia. Greg Donovan, founder of the Big Red Bash, offered Amy a coveted opening spot on the Saturday lineup—sharing the bill with some of Australia’s most celebrated female artists, including Vanessa Amorosi, Suze DeMarchi, Sarah McLeod, and the Baby Animals. Performing in front of 14,000 fans, Amy more than held her own.
International Opportunities
2024 was also the year Amy’s career stretched beyond Australian shores. After receiving a scholarship in 2020 but being delayed by the pandemic, she finally travelled to the United States to attend The Kruger Brothers Academy. Accompanied by her father, Andrew, she immersed herself in intensive claw-hammer banjo training, while also taking time to explore and connect with musicians abroad.
Later that September, Amy returned to the U.S. after being accepted into the prestigious IBMA Kids on Bluegrass program in Nashville. This four-week trip allowed her to hone her craft, network with accomplished artists, and perform at the heart of the international bluegrass scene.
Looking Ahead
With so much already achieved before the age of 15, Amy’s future promises even more milestones. From chart-topping singles and acclaimed albums to international training and unforgettable festival stages, she continues to impress audiences with her talent, drive, and authenticity. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes are on Amy—an artist on the rise, with her next adventure just around the corner.
