Mit seiner kraftvollen Mischung aus Hip-Hop, Rock und Pop hat Ryan Oakes weltweit Millionen Streams gesammelt – 2026 bringt der US-Künstler diese explosive Energie erstmals als Headliner nach Deutschland. Dabei ist die Verbindung zum Land für ihn persönlicher, als viele wissen: Oakes’ familiäre Wurzeln reichen bis nach Frankfurt, und genau diese Nähe möchte er nun live mit den deutschen Fans teilen. Im Interview sprechen wir mit Ryan über seine emotionale Bühnenpräsenz, den Einfluss seines „Hybrid-Sounds“ auf die Liveshows, mentale Gesundheit – und warum die kommenden Konzerte für ihn etwas ganz Besonderes werden.
Frontstage Magazine: Your 2026 Germany tour marks your first headline run in the country. What does it mean to you to finally bring your music to German stages, and what kind of connection do you hope to create with the audience here?
Ryan Oakes: It means so much! A fun fact is that my father was adopted from Germany near Frankfurt. So the german runs deep in my family tree. The support here has always been incredible from the messages I receive so to be able to meet every fan face to face at every show is incredibly exciting. I will be doing free meet and greets at every single show and meeting everyone to personally thank them for their support over the years. So the connection with the fans will be very strong and intimate at these shows.
Frontstage Magazine: Your live shows are known for their raw energy and emotional intensity. How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for concerts that demand so much from both you and the crowd?
Ryan Oakes: I’ve been addicted to working out since I was 12. So nearly two decades in the gym have me in the shape i need to be to crush these shows. Mentally you never feel like you’re ready, but once you touch the stage and see the fans who connect with who you are and the music, it feels like you’re stepping foot into your own home. That’s when I become comfortable and I feed off of the energy the crowd brings.
Frontstage Magazine: You blend hip-hop, rock, and pop in a way that feels completely natural. How does this genre mix influence the live arrangements you’re planning for your European tour?
Ryan Oakes: Since its such a hybrid blend of sounds, I will be bringing a drummer along with me to really kick the energy in the small rooms up. Once I grow and expand more, I fully intend to bring a full band. For now, you can expect an extremely explosive show by me and have that energy matched from my drummer as well who is also incredible.
Frontstage Magazine: Many of your songs deal with mental health, self-doubt, and personal struggles. What is it like to revisit these vulnerable moments on stage night after night?
Ryan Oakes: It’s something I’ll cherish forever. To see my fans singing the words back sometimes crying / super emotional really just makes me proud of the music I’ve made. I was never the “coolest artist” but I’m definitely one of the realist and that’s what matters the most to me. It’s therapeutic to see in real time that im not alone and it also feels like night after night I’m slowly getting those feelings off of my chest with the fans. It’s cathartic.
Frontstage Magazine: Your album Wake Up was a major milestone internationally. How has that success shaped your artistic journey — and how will fans experience that growth during your 2026 shows?
Ryan Oakes: Wake up felt like the first time we really nailed the “Hybrid sound” and it’s only grown from there. Once we saw there was a way to do all the genres mixed into one project we became obsessed with getting it right. From wake up until current releases they will hear the evolution in real time. Especially with the singles I’ll be dropping right before tour and playing on the road. They are TRULY next level.
Frontstage Magazine: You’ve collaborated with artists like MOD SUN, NEFFEX, AViVA, and Magnolia Park. Are there any new collaborations you’re hoping to pursue — especially with European artists — while touring overseas?
Ryan Oakes: I would absolutely love that! I’ve recently done a song with “COMASTATIC” who I’m bringing on the road with me. While I’m out here I’m definitely hoping to find some European acts to collaborate with. I think it would be a really sick combo and then doing a tour together in both Europe and America. Collaboration wise I have a few coming soon that I’m very excited about!
25.03.2026: Hamburg, HEADCRASH (BETTY)
29.03.2026: Berlin, Cassiopeia Großer Floor
01.04.2026: München, Backstage Halle
04.04.2026: Stuttgart, Im Wizemann – Studio
05.04.2026: Köln, MTC – Live Music Club
Fotocredit: echelonartists
