Bio

Ryan Mitchell-Smith is a singer/songwriter based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire in the UK. His work thus far includes a varied catalogue of original songs, all recorded and produced in his home studio. Apart from his solo work, Ryan features in many other guises as a multi-instrumentalist. His first love is Blues harmonica, which Ryan learned from his father, the late great Pete Mitchell-Smith. He also plays a mean acoustic guitar, likened in style to John Mayer, and an extremely funky bass. Playing drums on the side and a dash of piano, there's not much that Ryan doesn't turn his hand to. Other projects and bands include:

Dr. Blue - An acclaimed and well established Blues band based in the North of England, where Ryan features as a guest blues Harmonica player. Claims to fame include several CD albums, regular gigs around the UK and Blues festival headline spots at such esteemed venues as The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, Colne, The Burnley International Blues Festival and support slots for acts such as Slade, Darius and Calvin Jones. Dr. Blue gig regularly and feature Ryan as a guest as often as possible.

shrood - A funk blues band featuring Ryan as the lead singer, harmonica player, and guitarist. This is Ryan's first independent and original band, playing completely original material and featuring Ryan's Blues and Funk edge.

The Heat - Duo in which Ryan supports the legend that is Antonio Lulić. The Heat have been together for 7 years and have played at a diverse range of venues, such as the 100 club on Oxford Street, BBC RAW Talents "live" radio show, The Fenny Bentley Beer and Blues Festival, Clarence Park Festival (main stage) and Allan McKenzie's back garden. The duo have been likened to a 4 piece combo due to their immense sound and musical gymnastics.

Ryan's solo material has been performed in many venues across the country. His style has an edge of blues, jazz and funk which is mixed with his musical influences, being likened to John Mayer, Ben Folds and Dave Matthews. Despite all his ventures Ryan is now an established singer and songwriter across the North of England and his work has won vigilant compliments from BBC RAW Talent's Alan Raw, Sia, and Incognito's Jean-Paul "bluey" Maunick. Ryan has just released his latest album which is getting a great deal of attention both in the UK and across the pond...

Open-Mic Monday - This is an Open-Mic night which Ryan runs at The Hop on Bank Street in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. It runs, rather unsurprisingly, every monday night at 8:30pm. Acts show up around 8pm to get their names on the rather sought after list! This is a well-established night, having run to a great response for the past 2 and a half years.

Ryan’s session work can be found on the following albums:
Antonio Lulić – Never Or Tonight: Bass Guitar & Harmonica
Scott Wainwright – Every Man Has His Critics: Harmonica & Vocals
Peculiar Blue – How Could You Leave: Bass & Guitar
Steve Hopton – The Ladies, The River, The Rocket & The Fool