Behind every chart-topping album and show-stopping live performance is a team of talented professionals making sure everything sounds just right. And if you’ve been following the rise of gospel music lately, chances are you’ve already heard the work of Ryan Yang.
Born Lei-En Yang in Taiwan, Ryan Yang is making serious noise (in the best way possible) as a Recording Engineer, Mixing Engineer, and Playback Engineer. And with two Grammy nominations in his CV, it’s safe to say he’s no longer flying under the radar.
Ryan’s journey into the top of music production didn’t happen overnight. Known for his laser-focused attention to detail and adaptability, he’s worked on some of the most acclaimed gospel projects in recent years. His credits include collaborations with heavy hitters like Melvin Crispell III, Ricky Dillard, Jason Nelson, Maranda Curtis, Brian Courtney Wilson, and Deon Kipping. If that wasn’t enough, his engineering work helped earn two Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album.
Growing up in Taiwan, Ryan always had an ear for music. But it wasn’t until he immersed himself in the world of gospel and live playback engineering that his career really began to take shape.
“Around August 2024, I went to South Jersey to help out at a songwriting camp held by Dana Sorey,” Ryan says. “That’s where I met Hank Byerly, a renowned playback engineer who was looking for new talent. That was the start of my journey in playback engineering.”
That “journey” has been more like a rocket launch. Within months, Ryan found himself working with Adam Blackstone on the “A John Legend Christmas” opener, an experience he still remembers vividly.
“After we finished soundcheck, Adam and I were creating a reprise for the last song,” Ryan recalls. “I had to run upstairs to grab a different session, bounce out a guitar solo, and import it back in. Then Adam asked me to add a ‘baby explosion’ at the end. I was like, ‘What’s a baby explosion?’ Then he said, ‘Just give me a 50 Cent vibe.’ I figured it out with the keyboard player and added the explosion. It was one of those moments that stick with you.”
As someone who moves effortlessly between recording, mixing, and playback engineering, Ryan offers a rare combination of skills. Each role requires a slightly different mindset, and he’s learned how to balance them.
“Recording and mixing are connected, but playback engineering really combines both skill sets,” he explains. “During rehearsals, we’re recording vocals and instruments. Right after that, we’re mixing those recordings so the artists can review them or rehearse with them. You’ve got to be fast, precise, and able to read the room.”
That ability to work under pressure is one of the reasons Ryan is in such high demand. His recent discography includes “Choirmaster II” by Ricky Dillard, “You Belong (Live)” by Jason Nelson, “Covered Vol. 1” by Melvin Crispell III, and “Victory Sounds” by SINACH. On the live side, he’s also worked with Legends of the Song 2025 U.S. tours.
Despite his growing résumé, Ryan stays grounded. Ask him about his success, and he’ll point back to teamwork, mentors, and simply loving the work.
“It’s a collaborative environment. Everyone’s ideas come together to create something bigger,” he says. “And honestly, I just love being behind the board, whether it’s at a studio or backstage before a big show. It’s where I feel most at home.”
And he always brings the same passion and precision, no matter what he’s doing.