Thorny is the ambient music project of JD Ryan. His journey began as a bassist exploring jazz and progressive sounds before a chance encounter with ambient music—sparked by artists like Brian Eno, Steve Roach and Manuel Göttsching —led him to discover a new world of sonic textures and possibilities. By blending custom effects, synthesizers, and layered soundscapes, he creates compositions that echo a wide range of atmospheres, from the unsettled gray, hazy areas of consciousness and life, to the more reflective aspects of the natural world.

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In the last few years, he has built a consistent presence on New England stages, delivering performances that span intimate synth collaborations, immersive ambient soundbaths, and striking audio-visual shows. His live work, driven by heartfelt creative expression, naturally complements his recorded output. His discography—featuring albums such as Mostly Gray (2022), See No Sky (2023), the introspective solo longform A Long Dusk (2025), and collaborative ventures like Fragments of Distance, with ambient guitarist Matt Borghi —reflects an evolving approach to ambient sound that continues to resonate with audiences and peers alike.

Based in Vermont’s Green Mountains, he is actively seeking  local, regional and national performance opportunities, collaborations, and commission work.