Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Ryan.
Hi Brandon , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I picked up the saxophone at 13 in middle school and was hooked from day one. I went on to play all through high school in jazz band and marching band, and by 17/18 I was sneaking into a speakeasy-style club in Tampa called The Fox for my first real professional gigs. That’s where I really cut my teeth as a jazz saxophonist and met an older sax player, Rob Kesing, who took me under his wing and gave me my first corporate gig.
I kept studying music through college and also earned my MBA, because I’ve always believed that music is not just an art form—it’s a business. In college, I played in jazz ensembles and fell in love with smooth jazz. My main influences are David Sanborn, Dave Koz, Boney James, Richard Elliot, and Euge Groove, and you can hear that blend of tone and feel in the way I play. After college I performed with various R&B bands and did a lot of solo saxophone shows, which helped me develop as both a performer and an entertainer.
In 2008, I moved to Charleston, SC, for a marketing job and stepped into one of the top wedding destinations in the country. There, I became one of the founding members of Coastrunner, a band focused on weddings and private events. In 2013, I moved to Charlotte, NC, where I live now. I plugged into the wedding band scene, worked with several EastCoast Entertainment bands, and really learned the ins and outs of the Southeast event market.
After years of gigging 50–60 weekends a year as a sideman and co-founding one of Charlotte’s top event bands, I decided it was time to build something of my own. In 2024, I launched The Sound—a premier Southeast live band with 7 to 11 high-energy members, powerhouse vocalists, and a horn section built to light up a dance floor. We blend Top 40, classic R&B, Motown, and soulful party anthems for weddings, corporate events, and private parties in Charlotte, Charleston, and beyond.
At this point in my career, I’m focused on bringing a polished, high-energy live experience to every event, combining years of stage experience, an ear for detail, and a business mindset that understands what clients expect at the highest level.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest current challenges is building a new brand. Even with over 20 years of experience in the corporate and wedding market, I’m essentially starting over. It’s both exciting and demanding, because I know our product is as strong as—if not stronger than—our competitors, but they have the advantage of longevity and a large volume of online reviews that immediately signal trust to potential clients.
Even with more than 20 years of experience in the corporate and wedding market, there are moments where I feel like I’m starting from scratch. When I look at competing bands with years of reviews and brand recognition, it’s easy to downplay my own track record and focus on what I haven’t built yet under this new name. Intellectually, I know my product and my experience are on par with, or better than, many of the bands in my space—but emotionally, I still catch myself feeling like I have to prove I belong, over and over again.
As a musician, I’m very much a perfectionist, which is both a strength and a weakness. I always want to deliver the absolute best product possible, down to the smallest detail. But the downside is that my perfectionism can slow me down, and sometimes things don’t get finished as quickly as they should because I’m so focused on making everything just right.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Sound?
The Sound is a premier Southeast live band featuring 7 to 11 exceptional musicians, including dynamic vocalists and a powerhouse horn section. Known for their high-energy performances and versatility, the band delivers an electrifying mix of Top 40 hits, classic R&B, Motown favorites, and soulful anthems—creating an unforgettable experience for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across Charlotte, Charleston, and beyond.
Why Book The Sound
High-Energy Talent, Elevated Experience
The Sound has quickly earned a reputation as one of Charlotte’s top live bands, bringing a vibrant, polished presence to every stage. Whether it’s an elegant wedding reception, a black-tie corporate gala, or a high-end private party, the band delivers a seamless blend of musical excellence and engaging performance. Their diverse repertoire and ability to read the room ensure a packed dance floor and an energized crowd from start to finish.
Seamless, Professional, and Customized
From initial planning to the final encore, The Sound provides a refined and stress-free client experience. Their team handles every detail—from production and sound to tailored song selections and special requests—with precision and care. Each performance is thoughtfully curated to match the tone, style, and flow of your event.
A Trusted Name in Charlotte and Beyond
Event planners, couples, and corporate clients consistently turn to The Sound for their professionalism, reliability, and standout performances. Whether performing in an intimate venue or a grand ballroom, the band delivers a concert-level experience that leaves a lasting impression.
For those seeking elevated live entertainment in Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, and throughout the Southeast, The Sound sets the standard for unforgettable weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are always looking to grow our network of people who can connect The Sound with exceptional events.
As an independent band, we manage all of our own bookings, and we know firsthand how impactful the right introduction can be. If you have a friend, family member, or colleague planning a wedding, or if you are connected to a venue, festival, city office, or event organization, we would truly value an introduction.
To show our appreciation, we offer a referral percentage for any lead that turns into a confirmed booking. It is our way of saying thank you for helping us grow.
If you know someone searching for a high-energy, professional live band experience, we would love to connect.
Follow us at @thesoundnc on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming performances and content.
We are also always excited to connect with fellow musicians. If you are a professional musician interested in collaborating or joining us for future performances, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesoundmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoundnc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoundnc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesoundmusicnc
