Ryan Hudson’s journey in music began in Texas and took shape in Oklahoma, where he picked up his first guitar at the age of 13. By 16, he was already performing in local clubs every weekend, developing the stage presence and work ethic that would define his career. After years of recording and touring throughout the region, he made the move every ambitious rock musician dreams about—packing everything he owned and heading to Los Angeles at just 21 years old.
The gamble paid off almost immediately. Within four months of arriving in Southern California, Ryan found himself performing overseas as the lead vocalist for the rock band Lokomotiv, playing before crowds of more than 50,000 people. Returning to Los Angeles, he immersed himself in the city’s thriving rock scene before finding his creative home with Love and a .38.
Formed in 2009, Love and a .38 quickly became one of Los Angeles’ standout hard rock acts. The band recorded its self-titled debut EP at the legendary Infrasonic Studios before releasing a series of acclaimed singles, the full-length album Nomads (2016), and the EP 7th Street Shuffle (2018). As the band’s sound evolved, so did Ryan’s role. Beyond serving as vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter, he stepped behind the console to produce, record, and mix the band’s later releases, establishing himself as an accomplished producer and recording engineer.
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the live music industry to a halt, Ryan used the unexpected downtime to write and record his first solo album, Halfsteps and Harmonies. The deeply personal project earned airplay on Los Angeles rock station 95.5 KLOS and showcased a more introspective side of his songwriting. During the same period, he also served as lead guitarist and producer for his side project, The Pride.
Today, Ryan continues to write, record, produce, and perform with Love and a .38 while expanding both his solo work and collaborations with other artists. Whether commanding the stage with a full band or delivering an intimate acoustic performance, his music remains grounded in authentic storytelling, powerful melodies, and a lifelong belief that rock and roll still has something meaningful to say.
