R Scully

Biography

Ryan Scully, known professionally as R. Scully, is a prominent figure in the New Orleans music scene, best recognized as a founding member of the party band Morning 40 Federation and as the creative force behind R. Scully’s Rough Seven. Raised in New Orleans, Scully developed a reputation for his gritty, soulful songwriting and energetic performances that blend elements of rock, gospel, and psychedelic influences. His early years were marked by a deep immersion in the city’s musical culture, where he honed his craft both as a solo artist and in collaborative projects.

Scully's career gained momentum with Morning 40 Federation, a band celebrated for their raucous live shows and distinctive sound that captured the spirit of New Orleans nightlife. After the Morning 40s, Scully formed R. Scully’s Rough Seven, a group that further explored his eclectic tastes, combining noise, gospel, and rock with a rotating cast of local musicians. The band’s albums, including 'Codebreaker,' showcase Scully’s narrative lyricism and his ability to assemble diverse talents into a cohesive, electrifying unit. In addition to his musical pursuits, Scully is a dedicated family man and a full-time teacher, balancing his artistic ambitions with a commitment to his community and family life.

Scully’s legacy is rooted in his contributions to the New Orleans underground music scene, where his collaborative spirit and genre-blending approach have inspired both peers and younger musicians. His work with Rough Seven and Morning 40 Federation remains influential, characterized by a raw honesty and a celebration of the city’s unique musical heritage.

Fun Facts

• Scully is also a full-time teacher, balancing music with education and family life.
• He once recorded an album with three different producers, including Grammy-winner Trina Shoemaker.
• The formation of R. Scully’s Rough Seven was sparked by the simultaneous breakup of his and Ratty Scurvics’ previous bands during Mardi Gras.
• Scully’s search for backup singers led him to discover two of his future collaborators singing Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' on a New Orleans street.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• New Orleans music community - Scully cites the broader New Orleans scene as a formative influence, shaping his eclectic style and collaborative ethos. (Morning 40 Federation, R. Scully’s Rough Seven) [1990s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Mike Andrepont - Longtime drummer and musical partner, worked together in multiple bands. (Morning 40 Federation, R. Scully’s Rough Seven) [1990s–present]
• Ratty Scurvics - Keyboardist and friend, collaborated in Rough Seven and other projects. (R. Scully’s Rough Seven) [2000s–present]
• Rob Cambre - Guitarist brought in for Rough Seven, contributed to the band's unique sound. (R. Scully’s Rough Seven) [2009–present]
• Meschiya Lake, Erica Lewis, Mush - Backup singers who contributed to the signature harmonies in Rough Seven. (R. Scully’s Rough Seven) [2009–present]

Artists Influenced

• Local New Orleans musicians - Scully’s genre-mixing and collaborative approach have inspired a generation of New Orleans artists to experiment and collaborate. (Various local projects) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. St. Anthony (Give Up Your Dreams)
2. Give Up Your Dreams (Give Up Your Dreams)
3. Had a Home (Give Up Your Dreams)
4. Sugardaddy (Give Up Your Dreams)
5. Meltdown (Give Up Your Dreams)
6. Love is the Main Thing (Give Up Your Dreams)
7. Red Hot Coal (Give Up Your Dreams)
8. Not Insane (Give Up Your Dreams)
9. Golden Parachute (Give Up Your Dreams)
10. The Good Outweighs the Bad (Give Up Your Dreams)

External Links

• Spotify