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RYAN MARTIN JOHN’s
Debut Album
‘Goodness Gracious Graceless’
delivers personal musings drenched
in a golden 70s sound

Out April 28

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Previous Support for RYAN MARTIN JOHN

‘INFJ’ added to rotation on ABC Country

“Winding guitar riffs and rich country vocals, INFJ is a folk tune that finds gratitude in the cards dealt. An intimately sweet, raw song bursting with instrumental.” (Countrytown)

“Shiny, laid back and soulful. This one has a nice glow to it.” (On ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ by Steph Hughes – Triple J Unearthed)

“INFJ carries an uplifting toe-tapping vibe from start to finish, featuring a classic 70’s folk-rock flare, it’s one of those tracks that is filled with the full musical spectrum, twangy guitar moments, soft melodies and warm vocal delivery.” (AAA Backstage)

“There’s also that cool country-folk sound that reminds me of some of my favourite artists like Tom Petty and Jackson Browne.” (Sounds of Oz)

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Following the release of ‘INFJ’, Ryan Martin John unveils his self-recorded debut album ‘Goodness Gracious Graceless’ released April 28. An alt-country LP standing 10 songs strong, ‘Goodness Gracious Graceless’ is a highway drive that weaves late 60’s twangy guitar riffage with swelling, introspective moments of pondering.

Exploring the modern world through the eyes of an introvert, the ‘INFJ’ singer-songwriter finds sentiments that are often intangible and manifests them into infectious tracks that hang in the air. Stepping into the world of Ryan Martin John, ‘Bourbon St’ opens the LP.

The warming sip from this first track creates a feeling of longing. Delicate vocals awash with swelling country guitar textures, the push and pull of instrumentals linger. Based on RMJ’s recollections of an overseas trip to New Orleans, ‘Bourbon St’ is a romanticized walk through a hazy, distant memory that easily could be a neighbouring curious moment to Willie Nelson’s much beloved version of ‘Stardust’.

Flowing into ‘INFJ’ released on March 24, a track of triumph for introverts everywhere bottles the moment of acceptance for oneself. Rooted as a traditional country track, subtle influences of Flying Burrito Brothers and The Byrds follow suit throughout. 

Throughout the album, RMJ wears his heart on his sleeve whilst dousing his music with relatable experiences. ‘Sunburn’ is simply a track about sunburn, bouncing with upbeat drums and pedal steel-esque guitar work by Thomas Kneebone. A subtle nod to other sun-themed songs ‘Here Comes The Sun’ (The Beatles) and ‘Distant Sun’ (Crowded House), the tune warms the chill of winter.

Navigating forgiveness and the prevalence of cancel culture, title track ‘Goodness Gracious Graceless’ is social commentary hidden as a ballad gem. Layered harmonies, twanged guitars and raw lyricism drench the waltzing lament.

 ‘Gridlock’ is the result of late-night musings during (but not limited to) the pandemic. This sentiment is highlighted in the aching chorus line “I’m trying to shake the thought; of something someone said 10 years ago” RMJ conveys the feeling of the world on his shoulders through soft, floating piano and the twang of folk-inspired guitar. Paired with a delicately steady beat, ‘Gridlock’ holds the slow ticking of late-night pondering. 

A celebration of aging, ‘Concorde’ romanticises the grace of getting old rather than grief. Featuring Alana Jagt, RMJ stays true to his country roots, made up of hearty, intentionally crafted instrumentation lined with silky vocals and graceful lyricism. 

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Drawing into the feeling of the childlike innocence of falling for someone, ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ is a feel-good track. Groove-based instrumentals and moving falsettos make ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ the perfect sing-along song. Playful in nature, the track highlights Kyrie Anderson and Tom Kneebone for its backing vocals. Stripped back to the bare bones of love, the song is nothing more and nothing less than a welcoming love song. 

An RMJ confessed ‘anti-banger’ for the ages, ‘Party Song’ is the introvert’s track of solidarity. A steady militant beat, dazey guitars, and consoling lyrics recognize the disjointed feeling of needing to leave a party after having a terrible time. The chorus lulls, “When you go home, don’t change nothing at all.”, as a willful reminder that there is nothing wrong with leaving early and there is beauty in being an introvert. As Ryan puts it “Everyone else’s ‘Party Song’ is usually a dancefloor banger that feels like a walloping extraverted call to arms. What if you just want to leave? My Party Song champions that instead”.

Embracing tasteful minimalism for a down-to-the-bone moment of folk writing, RMJ and Barkindji songwriter Nancy Bates, ‘Long Dark Night’ is the cowritten reprise of two old friends. Playing out like a conversation, the songwriters ponder the future together, all the while being driven forward by acoustic guitar interplay that’s sparse and reminiscent of Gillian Welch’s ‘Harrow and the Harvest’ LP.

Closing the album, ‘Adie’ is a lullaby for anyone who ever wished to stay in bed instead of getting up to go work a soul-destroying job. The winding guitar creates a dreamscape of 70s twang glimmering with barbershop melodies.

Warm and familiar, ‘Goodness Gracious Graceless’ is a series of modern-day perspectives lovingly baked into the hallmark textures of a much romanticized era of songwriting. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Ryan Martin John himself, the album is (on many levels) a country music time capsule of curiosities and triumphs that often begs the question “does anyone else wonder the same thing?” and poses it to the world.

Making an impact in the Australian music landscape, the solo artist has already seen his single ‘INFJ’ was added to rotation on ABC Country and saw support from Countrytown, Country Wardrobe, AAA Backstage, Aus Music Scene and much more. Alongside this, ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ maintained in the Top 10 in the AMRAP Metro Charts for three weeks upon release last year.

No stranger to the music industry, the singer-songwriter and engrained producer has seen industry shortlist nominations for best studio and producer in the Music SA Awards. Ryan Martin John’s artistry does not go unnoticed. ‘In This Together’, a track that was co-written with Nancy Bates, saw over 100k streams upon its preview for Reconciliation Week in 2020.

‘INFJ’ was the catalyst for what comes in ‘Goodness Gracious Graceless’. Filled with mastery, colourful wisdom and grounding country roots, ‘Goodness Gracious Graceless’ by Ryan Martin John is out Friday, 28 April. To celebrate, the country artist is touring across Victoria and South Australia.

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‘GOODNESS GRACIOUS GRACELESS’
Tour Dates 2023

May 13 – Stone Pony (Willunga SA) w/ Isobel Caldwell
May 18 – Wesley Anne (Melbourne VIC) w/ Wybie & FJ Steele
May 19 – Shedshaker Brewing Taproom (Castlemaine VIC)
May 26 – Sound City (Pt Lincoln, SA) w/ Alana Jagt
June 3 – Wheatsheaf Hotel (Adelaide, SA) w/ Mark Curtis & The Flannelettes

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Follow RYAN MARTIN JOHN
Youtube – Facebook – Instagram
Bandcamp – Spotify – Apple Music
Soundcloud – Triple J Unearthed

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AMNPLIFY – DB