Ryan J

Ryan “Ryan J” Joseph formely known as “Daga Don” is a native of the US Virgin Islands, raised on the island of St. Croix; he was exposed to a wide array of music that ranged from Soca, Calypso, Reggae, Rockers, Hip-hop and Jazz. While in the 7th grade, Ryan began playing the trumpet at Arthur Richards Jr. High School and continued playing through college. His extensive studies of the instrument earned him Primary Chair (1st trumpeter) in the Drexel University Jazz Ensemble.

For many years, Ryan was always considered to be a young influential jazz musician on the rise; playing with prominent jazz legends and leader of his own jazz quartet. The artist that we now know as “Ryan J” didn’t come into existence until 2006.

Upon receiving his bachelors degree, he put music on the back burner to pursue an athletic career. While trying to attain his lifelong aspiration, he was inspired to write his first reggae track entitled Dreams. Even though at that time he wasn’t pursuing a musical career, Ryan wanted to record the tune for pleasure. He summoned his good friend Larry E to assist him with recording the track. Hearing his voice on the recording for the very first time took some getting used to. Although he had recorded several times in the past, they were all instrumental jazz songs. After sharing his production with friends and family, he got an overwhelming response. He too also accepted his voice and embraced his style as his very own.

The creative juices began to flow and his follow-up song was one that was written in honor of the Virgin Islands; the same islands that began his musical journey. Once again not taking his efforts seriously, he shared the song with several friends and family members. The response was at a greater magnitude the second time around. Everyone at home, in St. Croix, instantly fell in love with the song. Ryan received a call from his father saying that his song was being played on a local radio station. In a state of astonishment, it was decided right at that instant- he would produce an album… Soon thereafter, Larry E and Ryan set out to release his first mainstream album. On November 18th, 2008, Ryan released his debut LP titled “Daga” that was met with rave reviews!

Ryan is fully devoted to excelling in music and has begun initial stages of recording his sophomore album. Aside from recording, Ryan has performed alongside international stars such as: Sean Paul, Tarrus Riley, Demarco, Duane Stephenson and Dean Fraser to name a few.

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