Rylan Knaggs began playing the guitar at the age of 11.
He was living in Alonsa at the time and started playing in a band program run by Brad Dupasquier for students in grades seven and eight. This allowed Rylan to perform around the province on Canada Day and at plenty of divisional performances.
In grade 10, he moved to Winnipeg and got into the band program at Elmwood High School. He joined the Winnipeg School Division's Honour Band and provincial honour jazz band.
That led him to the jazz program within the Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba. He completed his four-year degree and then pursued a two-year education degree. At this point, Rylan had already made a name for himself as an elite guitarist, and he started getting calls.
Rylan has played with some of Manitoba's top talent, including Desiree Dorion, Nelson Little, and, most recently, Quinton Blair. Knaggs also performed with Emma Peterson at the Red River EX MCMA Showcase.
"There are so many musicians who have allowed me to play in their projects," said Knaggs. "It's an honour to have played with all of them. I am so grateful for the opportunities I've had over the years."
The guitar was something Rylan always gravitated to. His mom got him into the Rolling Stones and Stevie Ray Vaughan early on. Ray Vaughan, who was a highly acclaimed blues guitarist recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, was one of Rylan's heroes.
"The sounds that you can get out of the instrument are incredible," continued Knaggs. "The thing that blew me away was playing into a tube-amp, turned up loud, and distorted. That heavy growl that you get out of the guitar. There's nothing like standing in front of a cranked-up amp, hitting the A chord and feeling it through your whole body. There's something addictive about that to me."
Rylan says there's no feeling like being in front of a crowd. He's always considered himself an introverted person. But when he gets on the stage and the adrenaline starts pumping, he feeds off the energy and is right at home.
The Alonsa star never knew what would come from picking up and playing a guitar for the first time. It very easily could have just turned into a hobby. For Rylan, however, it's become a lifelong passion. He has risen in the ranks over the years and is now an all-star guitarist.
Put a guitar in his hand, tell him to give you his best, and you're in for one of the best shows you will ever witness.
"At 11 years old, I could have never imagined that any of this would have happened," commented Knaggs. "Being offered opportunities to play with artists that I've looked up to and musicians over the years, a dream is the best way to describe it."
On November 8, Rylan and his closest family and friends were in Winnipeg for the Manitoba Country Music Awards.
Rylan is still trying to process what happened. As the top musicians in the province won awards, Knaggs was one of them.
The star who grew up playing in Alonsa was named an MCMA all-star guitarist of the year. Rylan says his hands were shaking when he got on the stage, and he felt like he couldn't get words out.
"I was sitting backstage because I was in the house band for the awards show, so we were getting ready to play, which is where my mind was," said Knaggs. "It truly hasn't sunk in. All these musicians who are a part of the association are people I have looked up to my entire life. To be recognized alongside them is very special for me. It was a moment that I'll never forget."
While it's no longer a dream because Rylan is living it and has become one of the top guitarists in the province, he is looking forward to what's next.
He's currently rocking with Quinton Blair, and they're currently working on some dates in the United States in 2027. There is also a possibility for the band to head to Australia. Their goal is to expand internationally.
Among the perks of playing for the band is touring all over the country. They've played everywhere from the Canadian Shield to the Rocky Mountains. Rylan has put everything he has into music. At the MCMA's, Quinton was named male artist of the year.
"He's a great musician and songwriter. He's so supportive of all of us in the band and our family life," added Knaggs. "He works really hard to create a strong family environment within the band. It really does feel like a family with this group. I've never felt so at home in a community as I do right now."
Rylan now lives in Winnipeg full-time and has for many years. But he will never forget where he came from. If he hadn't started playing guitar as a curious 11-year-old, who knows what would have happened. Every step of the way, his family and friends here in the Parkland have been by his side.
They celebrated Knaggs' big win at the MCMA Awards earlier this month, and there will be plenty more to celebrate moving forward.
"Being able to see some familiar faces and spend some time with people I grew up with was amazing," ended Knaggs. "My heart will always be in the Parkland. That's where my family is, and it's where I got my start. I am very sure that I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support from my family and friends in the Parkland."
Rylan Knaggs, your 2025 Manitoba Country Music Awards Guitarist of the Year.
