Eight years ago, Santa Clarita resident Ryan Arklin was in a dirt bike accident that changed the path of his life. Three different doctors told him he would never walk again. But after 14 hours of neck surgery for a broken C3, 4 and 5 and spinal chord injury, Ryan was transferred to a hospital in Northridge where he was to be a patient for the next six months. But after two weeks, Ryan stood up, and shortly after, he was doing what the doctors said he couldn’t accomplish…He was walking.
A once right-handed Ryan, now a lefty, was sitting in his room one day and grabbed his brother’s guitar. “I thought I’d give it a whirl.” His dad eventually bought him his own guitar and Ryan spent the next year learning how to play watching videos on YouTube. Having graduated Canyon High School and enrolling in College of the Canyons, Ryan thought he’d make the switch after a few semesters and attend California Institute of the Arts. “I heard it was one of the nicest music schools in the nation, so after a few intense lessons, I auditioned.” Ryan was accepted into the Cal Arts program and majored in Guitar Performance with a Minor in Science and Math. He graduated with his Bachelor’s degree just a few months ago.
During his time at Cal Arts, Ryan developed a love for performing. Taking his passion to the next level, he created The Ryan Arklin Band. Together with Jo Cuseo on lead guitar, and colleagues Blake Baldwin on bass and Evan Jiroudek on drums, the band creates music that leaves its audience wanting more. The Ryan Arklin Band performs regularly throughout Santa Clarita and Los Angeles areas including The House of Blues on Sunset and Howl at the Moon in Hollywood. Playing folk/rock with a little bit of country, the band only performs their original songs. “The songs are based on what has happened in our life or what is happening,” states Ryan. “It’s about connecting with your audience, and I believe we are good at that.” The first album, Modern Day Hippy was released last year with the most recent album, Freedom Don’t Come Free released in 2014 as well. Songs include Country Backwards, Corporal T.J. Barnett, a song written for a friend, and We’ll Be OK to name a few. The band is as diverse as their songs, but one thing is certain, there is no shortage of talent amongst the musicians.
For more information about The Ryan Arklin Band, like them on Facebook or follow on Instagram.