Mating Ritual: The Electro-Pop Architect

Mating Ritual is the dynamic solo-turned-duo electro-pop project spearheaded by Los Angeles-based musician Ryan Marshall Lawhon. Originally from Portland, Oregon, the project has evolved from a personal creative outlet into a critically acclaimed act known for its sharp, synth-driven sound and introspective lyricism, releasing a consistent stream of albums and EPs since its inception.

Early career

Mating Ritual began in 2014 as the solo endeavor of Ryan Marshall Lawhon following the hiatus of his previous indie-pop band, Pacific Air. Relocating from Portland to Los Angeles, Lawhon used the new project to explore darker, more electronic textures. The early singles "I Wear Glasses" and "Cold" quickly established the project's signature blend of moody atmospherics and infectious pop hooks, leading to the release of the debut EP, Mating Ritual, in 2015.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived with the 2017 debut album, How You Gonna Stop It?, which showcased a more refined and ambitious production style. This release, followed by extensive touring, solidified Mating Ritual's presence in the modern synth-pop landscape. The album's success was bolstered by Lawhon's brother, Taylor, joining the project full-time, transforming it into a potent collaborative duo and dynamic live act.

Key tracks

I Wear Glasses — This early single defined the project's initial aesthetic with its brooding bass lines and self-deprecating wit.

Cold — A standout from the debut EP, this track's expansive synthscapes and driving rhythm became a fan favorite and live staple.

You've Changed — Featured on the 2018 album Light Myself On Fire, this song exemplifies the duo's knack for pairing deeply personal lyrics with anthemic, danceable production.

Tell Me Tell Me — From the 2020 album Holding the Thunder, this track highlights the band's growth into more complex, guitar-inflected indie rock territory.

Love Is a War — A later single that captures the project's enduring commitment to crafting emotionally resonant, synth-pop epics.

The duo continued their prolific output with albums like 2020's Holding the Thunder and 2022's Afterglow, each record exploring new sonic dimensions while maintaining their core electronic foundation. Their work has garnered consistent praise from indie press outlets and has been featured on numerous influential playlists, building a dedicated following through relentless touring and a direct connection with their audience.

Fans of Mating Ritual's brand of introspective, synth-laden pop often appreciate the work of similar artists. Future Islands shares a similar passion for emotive, synth-driven performances and deeply personal songwriting. STRFKR operates in a comparable realm of danceable, psychedelic-tinged indie electronica. The Drums parallels the project's earlier work with catchy, melancholic pop melodies. Bleachers mirrors the anthemic, 80s-inspired production and heartfelt lyrical approach.

The music of Mating Ritual is a regular feature on modern alternative and indie radio stations, particularly those specializing in new wave revival and electronic pop. Their tracks frequently appear in the rotations of online radio streams and independent music stations that champion emerging artists with a polished, forward-thinking sound.

Listeners can discover the compelling electro-pop of Mating Ritual on a variety of radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their catalog of moody anthems and synth-driven hits as part of our curated alternative music programming.