“I am used to artists forcing their music on me – with Ryan, he was so humble, that eventually I had to ask him to play his album to me… as soon as he played a couple of tracks, I knew I wanted him to sign a distribution deal with Universal. He has already achieved so much, but it’s obvious to anyone that meets him that Ryan is destined for greatness.”

– Pj Dulay, UNIVERSAL MUSIC

Beyond writing countless sonnets and award-winning verse plays, making festival-winning films and podcasting, Ryan (‘Rogue Shakespeare’) is also a composer, music producer and recording artist, playing keyboards, lead guitar, singing lead vocals and rapping (trip-hop). His first two solo albums, ‘Deep in the Shallows‘ and ‘Samsara‘, were originally released with Universal Music in 2006

In January 2025, both albums were re-released worldwide via Virgin Music Group under Smith’s pseudonym, ‘Rogue Shakespeare®’.

In the same month, a brand new 3rd album was released, ‘Sidewalk Symphony‘ – a collaboration album featuring the long-established experimental artist, Conflux Coldwell – along with the release of Rogue Shakespeare’s debut EP single, ‘Open Your Eyes’. 

On February 20th, 2025, Smith released Rogue Shakespeare’s 4th album – ‘In Memoriam Meditation’ – an experimental album consisting of one continuous one-hour choral track, designed for mindfulness meditation practitioners. Released worldwide via Virgin Music Group for download only.

On March 7th, 2025, Smith released Rogue Shakespeare’s 5th album – ‘Slice of Life’ – a mostly instrumental album, reminiscent of the style of his first album, ‘Deep in the Shallows‘. Released worldwide via Virgin Music Group.

More releases coming soon!

SLICE OF LIFE

NEW 5th ALBUM RELEASE!

Rogue Shakespeare’s 5th album, ‘Slice of Life’ has just been released worldwide via Virgin Music Group. This album is a clear up-beat companion to Rogue Shakespeare’s first album, ‘Deep in the Shallows’.

IN MEMORIAM MEDITATION

NEW 4th ALBUM RELEASE!

Rogue Shakespeare’s 4th album, ‘In Memoriam Meditation’ has just released worldwide via Virgin Music Group – for download only.

An experimental album consisting of one continuous one-hour choral track, designed for mindfulness meditation practitioners of any level, especially when meditating on loved ones who may have passed on, or been injured.

OPEN YOUR EYES

NEW DEBUT SINGLE RELEASE!

Rogue Shakespeare’s debut EP single, ‘Open Your Eyes’ – released worldwide via Virgin Music Group. A shift from the previous 3 albums, this EP demonstrates Smith’s roots and prowess as a guitar-based singer/songwriter.

SIDEWALK SYMPHONY

NEW 3rd ALBUM RELEASE!

Rogue Shakespeare’s 3rd album, ‘Sidewalk Symphony’ – released worldwide via Virgin Music Group

Unlike Rogue Shakespeare’s first 2 solo albums from Smith, this album was a collaboration between Ryan J-W Smith and Michael ‘Conflux’ Coldfield.

DEEP IN THE SHALLOWS

1st ALBUM RE-RELEASE!

Rogue Shakespeare’s debut album, ‘Deep in the Shallows’ – re-released worldwide via Virgin Music Group

SAMSARA

2nd ALBUM RE-RELEASE!

Rogue Shakespeare’s second album, ‘Samsara’ – re-released worldwide via Virgin Music Group

Click the album cover images below to listen to them now on Apple Music