Ryan Cassata is a community-rooted, award-winning singer-songwriter, performer, and LGBTQ+ activist whose music lives at the intersection of folk punk, indie, and protest songwriting. Signed to Kill Rock Stars, Ryan has spent over a decade building a career through touring, activism/mutual aid, and connection, with more than 800 shows played across the U.S. and internationally and eight critically acclaimed albums released.
Ryan’s songs center queer and trans lived experience, resistance, and chosen family, blending raw acoustic energy with emotionally direct lyrics meant to be sung together in crowded rooms. Ryan made history as the first openly transgender performer at the Vans Warped Tour and has performed everywhere from DIY spaces and punk clubs to festivals like SXSW, Camp Punksylvania, Punk Island NYC, Compost Heap Festival, and Global Pride.
His work has been recognized by outlets including Billboard, which called him “a true force in the industry,” along with The Advocate, Paper Magazine, and LOGO TV. His songwriting earned The ASCAP Foundation’s Sunlight of the Spirit Award for the song “Jupiter,” along with honors such as the first-ever Harvey Milk Memorial Award for his activism.
Ryan’s performances are intimate, cathartic, and story-driven, creating a space where vulnerability and collective release coexist. The songs carry raw energy and anthemic moments that emphasize solidarity, movement, and shared voice. Whether playing a basement show, punk club, or festival stage, Ryan’s performances are about building community, telling the truth, and leaving people feeling less alone than when they arrived.
