Music, Sound Design and score composition

The Purple Principle Podcast Score ”The Purple Principle is an award-winning, non-partisan podcast for independent-minded Americans exploring the perils of polarization in U.S. politics, society, and daily life.” I acted as the score composer, I would create custom music using my home studio to record hundreds of episodes with original content weekly.

My Body Odyssey Podcast Score: Simultaneously, I lent my compositional artistry to 'My Body Odyssey,' another Fluent Knowledge production. Here, I ventured into a sonic realm, intertwining traditional and synthesized instrumentation, orchestrating an original score for every episode while forging an entrancing theme music. Through Fluent knowledge and teamed with Richard Pease again for this podcast of a slightly different flavor

Moradora Short Film Score: The cinematic canvas beckoned as I joined forces with director Vanessa Pla for 'Moradora.' This short film's enigmatic narrative demanded an immersive underscore, fusing experimental methods and traditional foley. Collaborating with 'Dallas Acid' and weaving my musical compositions into the tapestry, I embarked on a challenge that led to the film's resonance and subsequent acclaim, including the prestigious Austin Arthouse Film Festival's 'Best Occult Film' award.

As I Lay Dying Feature Film Score: In the realm of feature films, my musical journey found synergy with Timothy O'keefe. Our collaboration saw me contribute vintage instrumentals that transported audiences to the heart of Appalachia, enriching the cinematic experience. This partnership extended to diverse projects, including the enigmatic 'Daddy' with James Franco, Tim Okeefe and Andy O’Rourke.Watch The Trailer

Eyes of the Moon Feature Film: Here, I wore many hats—set and costume designer, field recordist, actor, composer, and more. Collaborating with the late Vanessa Bley, we embarked on crafting a unique underscore, merging musical landscapes with visual storytelling. here is the trailer.

Save Yourself by Kaleo Music Video: I was working with an Icelandic band called Kaleo as their foh, production manager, where we toured extensively. This video was recorded and shot in Iceland on an iceberg. I was involved as an audio engineer, I set up all of the audio and backline along side producer ARNAR GUÐJÓNSSON . We. “wrangled an iceberg in this massive glacier site and setup a drum riser/drums, bass and guitar amps as well as mics and monitors. there was a power generator on a nearby boat. I was also acting as a photographer on this journey. Here is a Wall Street Journal article on this. and the video

Marfa Sounding Audio Installation: Embracing the avant-garde, I delved into the realm of audio installation, crafting sonic wonders in collaboration with international sound artists. Innovating with double 18 subwoofers and a theremin-inspired controller, I breathed life into structures that interacted with performers, yielding unparalleled spatial audio experiences. I collaborated with Tarek Atoui in creating these interactive sound installations

Radio Plays in the Time of Covid: The challenges of the pandemic spurred ingenuity. In quarantine's confines, I orchestrated remote recordings, piecing together episodic radio plays for Marfa ISD. Each original score transformed isolation into auditory artistry.

Marfa Film Fest: My commitment to artistic expression found resonance in the Marfa Film Fest. Over the years, I've been the lead audio tech, performer, and production specialist, elevating the festival experience to new auditory heights.

This symphony of projects is a testament to my unwavering passion for pushing boundaries, crafting immersive experiences, and carving a niche in the ever-evolving landscape of sound and composition."

Personal music projects and collaborations

“Ryan Adair Rooney's musical journey began when he took over his stepfather's guitar lessons as a child, igniting a lifelong passion that would lead him through diverse genres and collaborations.

Starting with legendary influences like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, Ryan's musical foundation was shaped by his brother, friends, and bands such as the Dead Kennedys, The Ventures, and Dick Dale. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his affinity for rock and punk rock.

This journey evolved into the formation of "The Evicted," a punk band that transformed small-town house and basement shows into a thriving scene. As his musical scope broadened, Ryan co-founded "Petty Youth," a record label that embodied his passion, alongside fellow musician Eric Bastien.

Eager for musical exploration, Ryan sought lessons from accomplished guitarist Angelo Lanni, renowned for his role as a touring guitarist for The Ventures. These lessons delved into jazz, improvisation, rock, and country, enriching Ryan's musical palette.

Collaboration and experimentation remained driving forces. Co-founding "The Catatonics" with his brother Kyle Rooney and friend Josh Williams, they crafted psych surf melodies that graced stages alongside local and regional acts, garnering recognition beyond their origins.

High school marked a transition, leading Ryan to AS220, a nonprofit arts organization. What began with showcasing visual art evolved into a dynamic community of artists and musicians, fueling collaborations. Partnering with producer and electronic musician Tim O'keefe, <TFO> emerged, exploring avant jazz-based trance music and extending across genres, including partnerships with figures like Andy O'Rourke of The Smiths and actor James Franco.

In parallel, "Serotonin" emerged in 2001, a project with engineer and producer "Ba4." The duo performed alongside esteemed acts like TV on the Radio, Chrome, and Daughters. Ownership of a venue and gallery further anchored their presence in the music and arts realm.

Ryan's journey led him to Austin, Texas, where fresh avenues beckoned. "Kanko," a bilingual project with Brian Ramos of Grammy-winning band Grupo Fantasma, earned attention with its English and Spanish lyrics, gaining recognition on Univision and MTV Español. Concurrently, Ryan collaborated with Adam "Glasseye" Beckley for "The Insect Fable," a partnership that thrived alongside members of "The Dresden Dolls."

Throughout this journey, Ryan's performances – both solo and collaborative – remained a constant. Embracing aliases like "TomSselleck" and "Rycootermelontramp," Ryan continued to express his musical evolution. Collaborations with Autry Filtrate of "You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead" in "Midnight Masses" added further dimensions, until unforeseen circumstances intervened.

The Marfa, Texas chapter saw Ryan collaborating with Jimi Maglioza for "Jockimo," contributing to tours and projects like "The Grand Tourists" and "The Sepia Tones."

Today, Ryan stands as a solo artist under his birth name, "Ryan Adair Rooney." His steadfast passion for music endures as he continues to create, record, and produce his own compositions, sharing his artistic voice with the world.” - gbt