Ryan Allen, a multi-faceted musician from Detroit, Michigan, has been an active and influential figure in the music scene since the early 1990s. Allen has been a part of too many groups to mention, but here is a sampling: Destroy This Place, Friendly Foes, Red Shirt Brigade, Ryan + Jono, and Thunderbirds Are Now! Far from an exhaustive list, each of these bands showcased different facets of Allen's musical prowess and interests, ranging from indie and punk to hardcore and alternative rock​
​In 2011, Allen launched "Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms." What began as a solo project has evolved into a full-fledged band, now simply known as Extra Arms. This project allowed Allen to explore a more personal and memoir-esque musical style, reminiscent of post-hardcore troubadours like Ted Leo, and Bob Mould​
Allen's music often reflects his personal life and experience, featuring songs about his family, friends, and his journey through music over the years. Allen has also been involved in the band BIG LIFE, a group of seasoned local musicians creating Melodic Hardcore music inspired by Dischord Records' "Revolution Summer" era. BIG LIFE's sound draws influence from bands like Dag Nasty, and Fugazi​.
Ryan Allen's career illustrates a dedication to evolving and experimenting within the realm of music, making him a distinctive and respected figure in Detroit's rich musical landscape.
Well, we can now add writer to the list of things Ryan Allen excels at. In the Fall/Winter Edition of Remember the Lightning: A Guitar Pop Journal, Volume 2, Allen penned the piece “The Ties That Bind Hardcore Punk & Power Pop.”
Ryan stopped by Thunderlove Studio recently to chat with Keith about the article and the whole of his music career.
LINKS
Extra Arms
Big Life (band)
Speed Circuit (band)
Remember the Lightning: A Guitar Pop Journal Vol. 2
Thunderbirds Are Now
Bracken