Producer. Musician. Audio Engineer. Radio Host. Oh, and a proud native Long Islander. #516. The name’s Ryan, also known as “The Ryan King” or “Ryan King.” And every Saturday night from 8PM–11PM, I’m your host of the Mixtape Saturday Night Dance Party. A little bit about me? Well, my radio career began back in 2012 in the small town of Bristol, Rhode Island, at WQRI 88.3FM at Roger Williams University (RWU). What started as an extracurricular activity through the university’s radio club quickly turned into something much bigger. Before long, I had my very own show called “Yesterday & Today,” where every Tuesday from 2PM–4PM I played a mix of Top 40 hits and early 2000s pop. During my two years in Rhode Island, I was majoring in Science and Music, while spending my free time creating hip hop beats for my friends to rap and record over. Somewhere along the way, I realized something important. While I loved music, I was even more passionate about the recording and producing side of it. That realization led me back home to Long Island, where I transferred to Five Towns College (FTC) in Dix Hills, Suffolk County, NY, to study Audio Engineering and Production. Not all of my credits transferred, but the ones that did allowed me to focus fully on the craft and allowed me to complete a four year degree in just three years. Now while my studies were intense, radio still called my name. At FTC’s radio station WFTC 1570AM, a friend and I created a show dedicated entirely to hip hop and rap culture. We talked about the music, played tracks, and interviewed local artists from across Long Island, giving them and their music a platform and some well deserved exposure. We called the show “Innerweb Radio,” and it aired every Tuesday from 3PM–4PM between 2015 and 2018 (Although I graduated in 2017, I continued hosting the show until my friend graduated the following year). But Shortly after graduating in 2017, I applied to JVC Broadcasting and landed an internship in their promotions department, working as part of the street team at events. I put in the time, put in the work and eventually, the effort paid off. I was offered the position of Morning Show Producer for all of JVC’s stations. And that opportunity soon led to something even bigger! Becoming a fill in co host on Party 105.3FM’s morning show. Before long, I was appearing on air almost every other day and sometimes with one host, sometimes with both. And just like that! “Producer Ryan” was born. (But that’s a whole other story.) I rode that wave all the way into 2020 and well… we all know what happened then. And while still working as a producer (even till this day), the world slowed down, I took that time to explore something new. I dove deep into music again. But not music that just sticks in your head, but music that sticks in your heart. In your soul. Music you can relate to. Music that makes you feel. Music that helps you heal. And I found all of that in one genre. Country music. After countless hours of listening, playing, jamming, and studying the genre, I was given the opportunity to bringing a whole new energy to the airwaves here at MyCountry96.1FM. Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t know everything yet. I’m still learning, still discovering, and still diving deeper into the music every day. So tune in every Saturday night from 8PM–11PM for the Mixtape Saturday Night Dance Party, where we can explore and learn it all together! With your host, The Ryan King. Who’s always grateful for the opportunity to supply your Saturday night with some tunes!
