Ryan Kearney

The late and great Ryan Kearney was a seasoned entrepreneur and music industry innovator, co-founding UNKWN Music Group LLC with Donn Robb in Los Angeles, CA. As the Head of the Producer Division, Kearney brought over a decade of experience in music production, management, and publishing. His expertise laid in identifying and developing talent, as well as leveraging industry networks to secure record contracts and publishing deals for artists and producers.

Kearney’s career was marked by a successful track record in nurturing and promoting young talent, having played a pivotal role in the commercial success of several producers on the UNKWN roster, such as Haze and IAMTASH. His strategic vision focused on creating an all-inclusive platform for record creation, enabling artists to achieve their creative and commercial potential.

Under Kearney’s leadership, UNKWN set ambitious goals, including expanding its roster of artists, establishing a publishing branch, and achieving profitability. His approach combined a deep understanding of the digital landscape of the music industry with a hands-on involvement in the record creation process, from production to publishing.

Kearney’s contribution to the music industry extends beyond business management to actively shaping the creative output of UNKWN’s artists and producers. His work emphasizes artistic freedom, quality production, and strategic marketing to navigate the challenges of the digital music era. Through UNKWN, Kearney aspires to redefine the music industry by providing a nurturing environment for artists to thrive and leave a lasting impact on the global music scene.

Ryan's Legacy 1995-2023

Ryan’s legacy is far-reaching, extending well beyond the music he helped bring into the world. It lives in the countless moments of kindness, mentorship, and inspiration he provided to those lucky enough to cross his path. Ryan believed in the power of music to change lives, but perhaps his greatest contribution was the way he changed lives through his character and spirit.

Ryan Kearney was one of those people who genuinely made the world a brighter place. To know him was to know laughter, warmth, and an unwavering sense of support. In both his personal life and through his work with UNKWN Music Group LLC, Ryan had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. He listened with his whole heart, and his advice often felt like it was coming from a wise old friend, rather than a colleague or acquaintance.

His big heart wasn’t just a metaphor; it was evident in everything he did. From mentoring young artists and ensuring they felt valued and heard, to the countless small acts of kindness that defined his daily interactions. 

The music industry can be tough, but Ryan navigated it with a blend of earnestness and optimism that was truly rare. He believed in people, often before they believed in themselves, and was known for going the extra mile to see someone else’s dream come to fruition. His belief in the transformative power of music was only matched by his commitment to those around him.

Ryan Kearney was a beloved figure in the music industry and beyond, known not just for his visionary work with UNKWN Music Group LLC but also for the immense warmth and generosity he radiated. Those who knew Ryan speak of his incredible ability to make everyone feel valued, his ever-present smile, and the genuine enthusiasm with which he approached every interaction. His heart was as vast as his ambitions, touching the lives of countless artists, colleagues, and friends who found in him a steadfast supporter and a source of unwavering positivity.

Ryan’s legacy is multi-faceted. It lies in the music that was created under his guidance, the careers he helped launch, and the community he built at UNKWN. But perhaps more profoundly, it lives in the hearts of those he touched with his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering positive spirit. Ryan’s absence is deeply felt, yet his influence endures, encouraging us all to live a little more kindly, listen a little more intently, and cherish the moments we have with each other.

2024 © UNKWN Music Group, LLC.