Ryan Curtis has built a career by moving quickly and trusting the moment before it disappears.
A multi-platinum, award-winning songwriter from Scotland now based in Los Angeles, Curtis has quietly become a connective thread across global pop. His work has sold over 15 million records worldwide, spanning K-pop, pop, dance, and international markets. Along the way, he’s collaborated with artists including Tate McRae, Bryce Vine, Louis Tomlinson, Paul Russell, Nicky Youre, Bazzi, ENHYPEN, Jordin Sparks, TXT (YEONJUN), IVE, and NCT DREAM, bridging cultures and charts with a melodic instinct that travels easily across borders.
“There’s a song I wrote with Rob Grimaldi called HOME by ENHYPEN that I’m especially proud of,” Curtis says. “It was the main theme song for their documentary, and it was just Rob and I creatively. I’m singing so much on the finished version, too.”
The song came together quickly, something Curtis has learned to trust over time. “The melody just came without overthinking it,” he says. “It’s a very Ryan song melodically and vibe-wise, so it meant a lot that the ENHYPEN boys loved it and had zero notes for us.”
That confidence wasn’t always there. Early in his career, Curtis describes himself as a heavy overthinker. Experience changed that.
“I trust my gut way more now,” he explains. “I hop on the mic immediately and lay melodies as fast as possible. That’s the biggest workflow shift for me.”
Speed is central to how he works. Curtis thrives in sessions that move with momentum, often finishing songs within a few hours. “I have a short attention span, so I need to go, go, go,” he says. “Most of my sessions are three to five hours max from start to finish. When it clicks, it clicks fast.”
Outside the studio, Curtis finds clarity somewhere unexpected: behind the wheel.
“I’m a huge car guy,” he says. “Driving around LA with friends is kind of my therapy. I’ll listen to albums, new music, and just absorb everything subconsciously while I’m driving. The car community here is incredible.”
That balance between intensity and release shows up in how he structures his days. An ideal morning starts early with connection.
“I wake up, check emails, walk my dog Harry, and listen to music or demos on the walk,” he says. “I’ll also catch up with my family in the UK. They’re eight hours ahead, so it’s perfect timing.”
From there, it’s music until the evening, followed by another outlet entirely. “I’m a huge gamer,” Curtis laughs. “In another life, I’d be a YouTuber or streamer.”
Despite the accolades and global reach, Curtis remains grounded in the idea that progress is built quietly. When asked what advice he’d put on a billboard for young creatives, his answer is precise and hard-earned.
“The work stacks quietly before it pays loudly,” he says. “Stay consistent long enough for it to compound.”
Looking ahead, Curtis isn’t focused on legacy in terms of credits or numbers. He hopes the experience of working together leaves the strongest impression.
“That sessions moved fast, egos stayed out of the way, and the songs spoke for themselves,” he says.
And if there were a Grammy category for everyday habits?
“Outstanding Achievement in Short-Term Melody Loss,” he jokes. “Ask anyone I write with.”
It’s a self-aware nod to the pace he lives by — trusting the first instinct, capturing it quickly, and letting the song do the talking.