Alt/hip hop artist Ryan Oakes enters 2023 blazing with his release of new single and video, the urgent and powerful “DOWN.” The track perfectly encapsulates Oakes’ knack for using rapid fire lyrics as a means of telling his story “Mental health has always been a serious topic in my music,” he shares. “Ever since I can remember I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety. ‘Down’ is a song that encapsulates the anxieties and fears of moving across the country alone to chase my dreams. I think a lot of people underestimate how hard that can be and how many sacrifices are necessary when you’re out there grinding to make your dreams come true. That’s the exact point I tried to get across in ‘Down.’”
Working with producer Zach Jones, “DOWN” follows a string of tracks that rapper-singer Oakes has been sharing ahead of his forthcoming debut album. Fans and press alike have latched onto the recent singles “HEAVYWEIGHT” with alt rock phenom Loveless, “WAKE UP,” and his most recent collab with Epitaph Records’ Magnolia Park, “WHITE FLAG,” a trap rap-meets-punk explosion.
“The track channels the familiarity of early 2000s rap-rock and …Oakes wastes no time spitting rapid-fire lyrics that document his rise to fame while taking shots at those who doubted him along the way with a healthy dose of braggadocio” — Alternative Press
“huge new single” Kerrang on “White Flag (feat. Magnolia Park)”
Oakes will be hitting the road this year and has confirmed a slot at the Welcome To Rockvillefestival in Daytona Beach, FL on Friday, May 19. Watch this space for more 2023 tour dates.
With over 300 million total streams, 1 million+ monthly Spotify listeners, and 20 million+ song impressions on TikTok to date, Ryan Oakes has cemented himself in the alternative and rap music zeitgeist through his distinct brand of left-of-center punk and biting alt/hip hop.
Oakes has been played on BBC Radio One and Sirius XM, and has been a mainstay on popular editorial playlists such as Spotify’s tear drop, All New Rock, All New Punk, Pop Punk’s Not Dead, The Scene, New Noise, and more. Throughout his prolific career, Oakes has collaborated with the likes of State Champs, Loveless, MOD SUN, Layto & more.
