After spending decades crafting melodies without ever completing a full song, Ryan Bissell is making his long-awaited debut with “Get Up Get Ready.” Produced by Paul Gigliotti, the uplifting alt-rock single introduces the Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario musician through a deeply personal story of resilience, transformation, and creative renewal.
Released independently through Bissell’s own label, “Get Up Get Ready” marks the beginning of a new chapter that emerged from an unexpected turning point. What started as years of unfinished musical ideas evolved into a growing catalog of original songs following a life-altering experience that reignited his passion for songwriting.
Music had always been woven into Bissell’s life. He grew up singing and playing guitar, effortlessly creating memorable melodies and improvised lyrics, but rarely felt compelled to develop those ideas into complete compositions. That changed dramatically in February 2023.
While vacationing in Costa Rica, Bissell suffered a severe stingray injury that left him with a six-inch wound requiring six months to heal. The lengthy recovery, combined with stomach complications caused by extended antibiotic treatment and persistent insomnia, brought months of sleepless nights that took a significant toll on his mental well-being.
Searching for an outlet during those restless evenings, Bissell returned to his guitar with a simple goal: finish one song. It was something he had never accomplished before. That single achievement quickly became another, and then another, as complete songs seemed to emerge almost effortlessly whenever inspiration struck.
What began as a way to cope with recovery soon blossomed into a creative awakening, reviving a songwriting passion that had remained dormant for nearly a decade.
As his catalog expanded, Bissell partnered with producer and musician Paul Gigliotti, best known as one half of the Canadian pop-rock duo Wave, to bring those intimate late-night compositions to life in the studio. Together, they crafted a polished yet emotionally honest sound that preserves the urgency and authenticity at the heart of Bissell’s songwriting.
Built around driving guitars, dynamic instrumentation, and an anthemic alt-rock energy, “Get Up Get Ready” captures the emotional weight of standing at life’s crossroads. The song balances moments of uncertainty with an uplifting sense of momentum, reflecting the courage it takes to embrace change and move forward.
Opening with the line:
“Five more minutes ’til the van’s here, how can you just stand there,”
the track steadily builds toward its soaring chorus:
“Get up, come on get ready, for anything.”
Those lyrics echo Bissell’s own journey, transforming years of unrealized musical ideas into a defining artistic breakthrough. The song’s message of perseverance and readiness resonates far beyond his personal story, offering listeners an empowering reminder to embrace life’s unexpected opportunities.
With “Get Up Get Ready,” Ryan Bissell introduces himself as more than a debut artist—he arrives as a songwriter whose work is shaped by perseverance, vulnerability, and personal growth. Drawing from one of the most challenging periods of his life, Bissell has transformed hardship into creative purpose, delivering a debut that feels both authentic and inspiring.
As he continues to share the songs born from those sleepless nights, “Get Up Get Ready” serves as a powerful first statement, showcasing an emerging artist whose compelling story is matched by a heartfelt and memorable musical voice.
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