The poignant song addresses the 23-year-old’s personal experiences of racism and discrimination while growing up in the town.
Ryan has the support of organisations, such as Show Racism the Red Card and Stand Up to Racism, with all proceeds and royalties going to charities.
He wrote the track in 2021 in response to Brexit and Ryan’s own experiences with bullying but he says it is relevant to today’s political landscape with extreme views on all sides.
Ryan said: “I wanted to write a song that reflected the current climate, but would also have a personal stake in it as well because I struggled with racism a lot growing up, despite being white British.”
“Migrating Birds” is released this month, available to stream and download.
Ryan says he hopes it will help support and educate those that need it most.
The North of England Refugee Services (NERS) and West End Refugee Services (WERS) are on board to support the project.
Ryan, who now lives in Newcastle, hopes the song will be played on school visits and at festivals, as well as several charities looking to share the track and animated video which will accompany it.
All proceeds and royalties from Migrating Birds will go to all charities associated with the project, something, Ryan says, is at the forefront of his mind when promoting the song.
Author: Ian
Reporter and author of Pop Life, covering all things news, music and local events.