Paul Ferrise, known as The Rhythmpriest, is a seasoned music producer, synthesist, songwriter, and retired drummer whose creative journey spans decades of rhythm, innovation, and emotional storytelling. With a deep foundation in percussion and a passion for sound, he brings a unique blend of analog soul and digital precision to every project.
A dual Italian-American citizen, Paul draws strength from his Italian heritage where tradition, craftsmanship, and relentless work ethic shaped his artistic and personal values. His commitment to excellence and integrity is evident not only in his music but in every collaboration and mentorship he undertakes.
Despite the challenges of being on the spectrum and an amputee, Paul has never let it define or limit him. Instead, he’s turned adversity into fuel for his creativity and drive. Whether in the studio, or mentoring others, he approaches every goal with unwavering focus and a deep sense of purpose
Beyond the studio, Paul is a devoted husband to Janette, whose partnership fuels his creativity and grounded perspective. His strong ethical compass and unwavering dedication make him not just a respected artist, but a trusted leader and collaborator in the music community.
Ronan Barr comes from Scottish roots—his grandparents made the journey to the U.S., bringing their traditions with them. He first got into music through the bagpipes, but over time, singing became his real passion. Some of his favorite memories are singing around a campfire with friends. When they encouraged him to take it more seriously, he decided to get some vocal training and see where it could lead.
For his day job, Ronan chose a steady path as a medical lab technician. It gave him security, but music was always close to his heart.
One day during a healthcare visit, Ronan met Paul. They got to talking about music, and Paul invited him to record a track in his studio just for fun. That session turned out to be something special. Paul was struck by Ronan’s raw emotion, vocal control, and the way he connected with the lyrics.
They clicked right away, and that first recording kicked off a creative journey together. What started as a casual chat turned into a genuine musical partnership.
Vala (Valarie) Barr, like Ronan, comes from Scottish heritage. The two met through their shared vocal coach, and after a few sessions and plenty of conversations, their connection grew into something more. They started dating, and eventually got married—bonded not just by love, but by a shared passion for singing.
Music became a meaningful part of their spiritual journey, and they often sang together, blending their voices in harmony. Vala joined Ronan at his early recording sessions with Paul and decided to lay down a few tracks just for fun.
Recognizing Vala’s expressive range and emotional depth, Paul invited her to lend her voice to the female interpretations of his songs. Her performances brought a fresh perspective—sometimes tender, sometimes fierce, always honest—that added new layers of meaning to his compositions. Her voice didn’t just echo the original melodies; it transformed them, offering a mirror to the soul of each piece.
Vala works in the medical field as an X-ray technician, balancing her career with her creative side
Moved by the energy and authenticity of both Ronan and Vala, Paul felt a surge of inspiration unlike anything he’d experienced before. Their voices—distinct yet beautifully complementary—ignited a new wave of creative vision. It wasn’t just their vocal talent that stirred him, but the palpable connection they shared, both as partners and as artists.
Paul saw the potential for something even more powerful: duets between Ronan and Vala, blending their harmonies with his music. These collaborations became more than recordings—they were musical dialogues, capturing the nuances of diversity, resilience, and spiritual growth.
This marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in Paul’s journey as a producer. No longer just crafting songs—he was now curating stories, channeling the emotional resonance of real lives into sound. With Ronan and Vala by his side, the studio became a powerhouse for creativity, connection, and transformation.