Ryan Wheless, leader of space travelers union, is a boundary-breaking saxophonist and clarinetist, drawing from a diverse palette of life experiences, both musical and personal. Beginning his journey in the vibrant city of Seattle, he was later drawn to the raw beauty of the Arizona desert, spending his formative years exploring the landscapes around Flagstaff. It was amidst these surroundings that his passion for music took root.
Despite his youth, Wheless sought out opportunities to perform and found himself amongst bands early on and his talents led him to Berklee College of Music in Boston, honing his skills under the guidance of mentors like Lauren Sevian and Harry Skoler. Helping to deepen his appreciation for jazz and improvisation he ventured to the bustling jazz scene of New York City to further expand his musical horizons, but the allure of the desert eventually called him back to Tucson, where he found renewed inspiration.
This journey culminated in the formation of the space travelers union, a collaborative project aimed at exploring the boundaries between acoustic and electronic music. Bringing together a diverse group of talented musicians he had encountered on his travels, the collective quickly gained recognition, catching the attention of UK-producer and visual artist Asta Hiroki who signed them to his Most Least label.
The debut single ‘hope’ contains a tranquil beauty, with slick grooves and seamless instrument interplay. Each instrument contributes a distinctive voice, culminating into a ridiculous solo section to see us out. New single ‘gears’ embodies a sense of openness, drawing you into an engaging and immersive experience. It transports you to a dreamlike journey with its natural atmosphere. Psychedelic guitar lines blend with experimental clarinet melodies sending you floating and soaring with the clouds. Amidst unexpected rhythms and improvised solos, Ryan Wheless crafts a refreshingly original sound, meticulously arranged and produced to perfection.