Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Lill-Washington.
Hi Ryan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and for as long as I can remember, creating music has been my passion. It’s always been a source of comfort, a way to express the things I wasn’t ready to say out loud. My career began to take off when a few of my singles were picked up by radio, suddenly thrusting me into a world I wasn’t fully prepared for. There were tours, radio interviews, live performances, hate mail, and even people who despised me for being queer without knowing anything about me. Despite all of that, performing became second nature—it was a space where I could shed all my doubts and be myself. I kept singing, and the audience kept showing up.
Over the years, I realized that writing music alone no longer felt like enough. I thought back to all the books I’d read as a child—while they were beautiful, none of them told a story from my perspective, that of a queer man raised in the South. So, I decided to write the kind of story I would have loved to read growing up, stories that would have reassured me that it was okay to be myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve always heard that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions,” and I’m certain there’s truth in that. Growing up in the South is a journey in its own right, but add being a young queer teen into the mix, and it feels like a whole new challenge. I wasn’t the quiet type, nor was I one to hide who I was, so fitting in wasn’t easy. Writing music and launching my career in performance truly expanded my perspective, revealing that the world was so much bigger than South Carolina. Knowing that there were people out there who respected and appreciated my art opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities beyond what I’d always known.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a touring musician with three albums and countless singles to my name. I’ve shared the stage with chart-topping artists and opened for musicians who’ve broken records and sold out stadium tours. But none of that is what I’m most proud of. What truly matters to me is that I’ve never let anyone—whether they were industry professionals or just internet trolls—stop me from doing what I love. I’ve learned to create art that makes me proud, without the fear of needing everyone to love it or want it. The only thing that sets me apart is that I’m doing this for me – just me.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m not sure I believe in luck, exactly, but I do believe in timing. It really is everything. I’ve always disliked when people say, “If something’s meant for you, it will happen,” but in a way, it is that simple. Sometimes, you just happen to be in the right place, at the right time, in front of the right people, doing exactly what they’re looking for. It doesn’t happen often, and I guess some might call that luck—but I don’t. I believe that hard work, dedication, and a genuine desire to pursue what makes you happy, despite what others think, are what truly lead to success. For me, success means doing it on my terms and for myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanlillwashington
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanlillmusic
