NHL’s Ryan O’Reilly Discusses Side Gig as a Kids’ Music Artist (Excl)

Nashville Predators star Ryan O’Reilly is not just a talented hockey player but also a budding musician with a surprising off-ice passion project. Teaming up with his longtime friend Kelly James, also known as Mac N Cheeze, O’Reilly is set to release their first children’s music album titled “Pizza Party”. This unexpected venture stems from O’Reilly’s love for music, which he discovered at a young age when he received a guitar on his 16th birthday.

The inspiration for the album came from O’Reilly’s own children, who preferred silly, lighthearted songs over his rock favorites. With three sons and a daughter ages 1 to 8, O’Reilly and his wife Dayna Douros found joy in creating their own songs that resonated with their kids. Encouraged by Douros, O’Reilly and James decided to take their music more seriously and record their whimsical tunes for a wider audience.

Living in Music City, O’Reilly had access to top talent and enlisted the help of Canadian drummer Chris Kimmer, known for his work with Thomas Rhett, to produce the album. What started as a fun side project quickly gained momentum as more people expressed interest in being part of the creative process. O’Reilly’s goal was to leave behind a musical legacy for his children, even if it meant straying from his professional hockey career.

For James, the project was a chance to create music for his nieces and nephews while bonding with his friend. He praised O’Reilly and Douros for their dedication to their family and work, noting the special aura that surrounds them. The album, set to be released on April 10, features tracks like the title song “Pizza Party” and Mac N Cheeze’s “Coconut”, already available on streaming platforms and YouTube.

The collaboration between O’Reilly and James showcases their creative talents beyond the ice rink, offering a playful and entertaining musical experience for children and families alike. Stay tuned for more fun and catchy tunes from this dynamic duo.