Behind every chart-top album and show-stopping live performance is a team of talented professionals that make sure everything sounds just right. And if you have followed the emergence of the music of the gospel lately, chances are you have already heard Ryan Yang’s work.
Born Lei-en Yang in Taiwan makes Ryan Yang serious sound (best) as a recording engineer, mixing engineer and playback engineer. And with two Grammy nominations in his resume, it is safe to say that he no longer flies under the radar.
Ryan’s journey to the top of music production did not occur overnight. Known for his laser -focused attention to detail and adaptability, he has worked with some of the most acclaimed gospel projects in recent years. His credits include collaborations with heavy hitters such as Melvin Crispell III, Ricky Dillard, Jason Nelson, Maranda Curtis, Brian Courtney Wilson and Deon Kipping. If that was not enough, his technical work helped to earn two Grammy nomination for best gospel albums.
Ryan grew up in Taiwan and always had an ear for music. But it wasn’t until he immersed himself in the world of gospel and living playback technology that his career really began to take shape.
“Around August 2024 I went to South Jersey to help at a song writing camp held by Dana Sorey,” says Ryan. “That’s where I met Hank Byerly, a well -known playback engineer looking for new talent. It was the beginning of my trip in Playback Engineering.”
The “trip” has been more like a rocket launch. Within a few months, Ryan was to work with Adam Blackstone on “A John Legend Christmas” opener, an experience he still remembers alive.
“After we finished soundcheck, Adam and I created a repetition for the last song,” Ryan recalls. “I had to run up to take another session, bounce out a guitar solo and import it back. Then Adam asked me to add a” baby explosion “at the end. I was like,” What is a baby explosion? “Then he said,” Give me just a 50 -year -old vibe. “I figured it out with the keyboard player and added the explosion.
As someone who moves easily between recording, mixing and playback technology, Ryan offers a rare combination of skills. Each role requires a slightly different way of thinking and he has learned how to balance them.
“Recording and mixing are connected, but Playback Engineering really combines both skills sets,” he explains. “During the rehearsals we record songs and instruments. Shortly thereafter, we mix these recordings so that the artists can review them or practice with them. You must be quick, exactly and be able to read the room.”
This ability to work under pressure is one of the reasons why Ryan is in such high demand. His latest discography includes “Choirmaster II” by Ricky Dillard, “You Belong (Live)” by Jason Nelson, “Covered Vol. 1” by Melvin Crispell III and “Victory Sounds” by Sinch. On the living side, he has also worked with Legends of the Song 2025 US Tours.
Despite its growing CV, Ryan remains grounded. Ask him about his success, then he will point back to teamwork, mentors and simply love the work.
“It’s a collaborative environment. Everyone’s ideas gather to create something bigger,” he says. “And frankly, I just love being behind the board, whether in a studio or backstage before a big show. That’s where I feel most at home.”
And he always gives the same passion and precision, no matter what he does.
