At Just 20, Brett Ryder Named 2026 Entertainer of the Year

Rising Atlanta-area alternative rock artist receives the International Singer-Songwriters Association’s highest individual honor.

JOHNS CREEK, GA — August 23, 2026 — At just 20 years old, Johns Creek singer, songwriter and performer Brett Ryder has been named the 2026 Entertainer of the Year by the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA), earning the organization’s highest individual honor among independent artists from around the world.

The highly anticipated annual ISSA Awards brought together independent artists from across the globe for an evening celebrating exceptional talent, songwriting and performance. Ryder’s recognition places him among the year’s most accomplished independent artists and marks another major milestone in the rapidly rising career of the young alternative rock artist.

Ryder has been making a name for himself throughout the Atlanta music scene with a distinctive blend of alternative rock and pop punk, combining raw energy, memorable melodies and sharp, often provocative songwriting. His music doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable subjects or unexpected perspectives, while his dynamic live performances and magnetic personality have helped him build a growing audience both on and off the stage.

The Entertainer of the Year honor adds to an impressive list of achievements for the 20-year-old artist. Ryder was the 2025 Josie Music Awards Song of the Year winner and the 2025 ISSA Music Video of the Year winner, in addition to receiving recognition from music and film festivals in the United States and internationally. He is also currently a finalist in the 2026 Hard Rock Rising Worldwide Competition.

His latest single, “Safe Sex,” released June 19, 2026, is also currently under consideration by the Recording Academy for the Grammy® Awards in the Best Rock Song category. The provocative alternative rock track continues Ryder’s reputation for tackling bold subjects with an unapologetic approach.

With more than 15,000 monthly Spotify listeners and nearly one million monthly Instagram views, Ryder is building momentum well beyond his hometown. His combination of songwriting, high-energy performances, captivating social media presence and unmistakable stage presence has helped him connect with an increasingly international audience.

“I honestly don’t know how to put this into words,” said Ryder. “To have my name called as the Entertainer of the Year at just 20 years old is something I never imagined when I first started writing songs and playing shows. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me, believed in me and helped me get to this point. This means more than I can say—and I’m just getting started.”

ABOUT BRETT RYDER

Brett Ryder is a 20-year-old independent singer, songwriter and performer from the Atlanta area whose music blends alternative rock and pop punk with sharp lyrics, memorable melodies and an unmistakable edge. A prolific songwriter and dynamic live performer, Ryder has built a growing audience through his original music, high-energy shows and magnetic social media presence.

With more than 15,000 monthly Spotify listeners and nearly one million monthly Instagram views, Ryder is rapidly expanding his reach throughout the United States and internationally. His accomplishments include winning 2025 Josie Music Awards Song of the Year and 2025 ISSA Music Video of the Year, along with recognition from music and film festivals in the U.S. and abroad.

Ryder’s original music is available on all major streaming platforms.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SINGER SONGWRITER ASSOCIATION

The International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) is a global organization dedicated to supporting and recognizing independent singers, songwriters and musicians. With more than 30,000 members worldwide, ISSA provides artists with opportunities for networking, education, industry exposure and international recognition.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, ISSA hosts its annual awards celebrating outstanding independent artists from around the world across a wide range of musical genres.

MEDIA CONTACT

Laura Kronen

BrettRyderMusic@gmail.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/brettrydermusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brettrydermusic
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@BrettRyder
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@brettrydermusic
Website: www.brettryder.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/54HrKRkFO41QcQvr7ONNon

Interviews, high-resolution award show photos, music, video and additional information available upon request.