Ryan Machnica - vocalsI’ve been performing on stage my whole life. Raised in a theatrical family, my father, aside from recreational acting, spent much of his time designing and building sets for shows and musicals. My mother was a professional actress and there were several productions that my whole family was involved in whether onstage or behind the curtains, including my 2 sisters Eryn & Shannan. The theatre was a second home for all of us.I got my first big break in the 1st Grade. Somehow I ended up with the lead role in “Achoo the Christmas Mouse” at Blackwell Elementary School in Schaumburg, IL. Throughout the years I continued my interest in acting/singing in many stage shows and musicals, as well as sitting in as an extra in the John Hughes film “Uncle Buck” where I got to meet Macaulay Culkin before the world knew who he was. However, my biggest childhood brag would probably be the commercial I got to star in along side my mom and sister Eryn. It was an ad for a family board game. A 1995 Schaumburg High School graduate, I was never too big into sports, so that had me heavily involved in the arts. If I wasn’t rehearsing or entertaining, I was drawing, painting or sculpting…and overflowing w/creativity. After graduation, I took a 4-week acting study workshop resulting in a final showcase where I got to perform live on stage at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre, which was a very proud moment. Funny Steppenwolf story: One day during the workshop I decided to take a rest and lay down on the couch in the green room. John Mahoney from the television show “Frasier” was sitting in the chair next to me reading a script…I had no idea who he was and I never said hello. Okay, this story isn’t very funny, but it amuses me. People always come to me after Funky Monks shows asking, “How do you sound exactly like Anthony Kiedis?” I wouldn’t necessarily put myself at the same level as Michael Winslow (Police Academy), but I have always had a knack for doing vocal impressions, character impersonations and sound effects. (Some other singers I do well are: Hendrix, Bowie, Morrison, Petty, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Ric Ocasek to name a few). Do I sound exactly like Anthony? I don’t think so, but it’s all in the way I interpret his style, accent and tone. Focusing and practicing on those things is my method. I’m playing a part, and the audience expects the best. My Previous Bands: Japan Drive, HeadCase, Missing Since High School, Crosstown Traffic (Hendrix tribute) My Gear: Custom Machnica vocal chords and one mean tambourine Some Influences (in no particular order): Chris Robinson, Warren Haynes, Bradley Nowell, Bob Marley, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, Robert Plant, Jack White, Outkast, Anthony, Flea, John, Chad. I got married to my wife Kerry in July 2004 and we have a beautiful son named Aidan who has brought us so much joy. Nothing is more amazing than making your child laugh and having them look up at you with big bright eyes. It’s beautiful. I don’t exactly know how to tell you this, but I’m kind of a big deal…my apartment has many leather-bound books and smells of rich mahogany.
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