Ryan Coleman, a Bucks County native and Penn State Class of 2020 alum, stunned during his blind audition and TV debut on “The Voice” on March 11. Coleman’s country-rock rendition of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” was powerful enough to make pop-country duo Dan+Shay turn their chair.

While learning to play the guitar in second grade, Coleman instantaneously developed a love for music. Growing up on a farm, Coleman mostly listened to country music yet felt a connection to the R&B and soul singer Bill Withers. Although they have different styles of singing, Coleman said he can relate to Withers’ path in the music industry.

“We both worked multiple jobs while pursuing our passions, and ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ is one of my all-time favorite songs, so it was an easy choice,” Coleman said. “I feel like I can relate to him even though he didn’t sing country music, but I can relate to him as I’m working my way through the industry in a similar way that he did.”

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After leaving home to attend Penn State, Coleman’s love for music blossomed.

“I realized I was good at it and found it easier to jam with my frat brothers on the weekends or with new people I met,” Coleman said.

He often played fundraising events for his fraternity, Delta Theta Sigma, and a few bars in the State College area but shined during his THON performance in 2020.

As a senior and a dancer, Coleman knew it was his last opportunity to play one final show at the school he loved. Slated for the 4:30 a.m. slot on Sunday morning, Coleman grabbed his guitar and played his farewell song to the Penn State community.

“It was honestly a surreal experience being able to play an event like that,” Coleman recalled. “I was nervous because it’s a big place, but once the adrenaline kicked in, I was ready to go… Whether it’s a 20-person or 20,000-person crowd, I always feel the nerves kick in.”

Nerves weren’t enough to stop Coleman from following his music career dreams and moving to Florida after graduation in 2020. Initially moving for a job opportunity in agriculture, he continued to pursue his dream, often playing three or four nights a week.

“I was just trying to play anywhere,” Coleman said. “I did shows at different gigs, bars, and a few in Disney World. I also was able to get a few recording sessions and put out my first two singles.”

He continued building and maintaining connections within the music industry when he moved back to the greater Philadelphia area for a new job opportunity.

After running into former high school classmates, Coleman started creating his band. Mostly based in the Philadelphia area, Coleman curated a bassist, drummer, and guitarist, who travel and play shows together.

“Venues typically like to have a fuller sound, so I’m always looking for new people to add to the band,” Coleman said. “Hopefully, we can add a fiddle player and keyboardist and work toward making a fuller sound.”

“The Voice,” though, wasn’t Coleman’s first audition. He originally auditioned for “American Idol” a few years prior but was unable to make it to Hollywood. However, that didn’t stop Coleman from continuing to work on his music any chance he was given.

After playing shows in Philadelphia and a few in Nashville, Coleman was given a second chance to come back and audition for a different show.

“It was kind of like ‘why not?'” Coleman explained. “I didn’t want to do it at first, but I’ve honestly met some of my best friends through this experience so far. I now have friends all over the country, and it’s just helping me build connections in this industry because it’s more so who you know.”

Coleman discussed the hardships of breaking into the music industry, especially with country music.

“I think now it’s more about your image instead of just your voice,” he said. “I honestly don’t like social media, but there are some things we have to post to gain a following and attract an audience.”

Although Coleman is thankful for his opportunity to work on the show in California, he said he prefers his life in Pennsylvania.

“I don’t think I could ever move to California, as it’s just not my scene,” Coleman said. “I think I would more lean toward going to Nashville since that’s the country music version of Los Angeles.”

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As for his coaches, Coleman couldn’t be happier with Dan+Shay.

“They’re honestly just a couple of guys. Not only are they nice, but they know more about the newer country music scene, which is helpful,” Coleman said.

When it comes to choosing songs to sing for his upcoming weeks, Coleman is leaning toward more country songs but isn’t limiting himself.

“I think I lean more towards country music, but it’s all about choosing songs that showcase my vocal ability and range,” he said.

Throughout his journey in the music industry, Coleman remembers his time at Penn State and how it helped him practice diligence. From juggling being a student, working at a bee farm, and being actively involved in his frat, Coleman had to learn how to focus and work hard.

“I had to learn how to be a diligent student just because of how much I was involved in. It’s helped me now with balancing music and a job,” Coleman said, who works in commercial construction at Hilti.

As for what’s next, Coleman said he’s focused on “building his armory” as he is continuously working on writing and producing new music and building his band.

“I want to expand past only just performing in the Philadelphia area, and I’m excited to see what’s next,” Coleman said.

Folks can catch Coleman on “The Voice” on Monday and Tuesday nights on team Dan+Shay.