Father-and-son duo Nik Ryan makes its debut with “All In,” a hard-edged rock single shaped by a family story that began long before Mike and Nicholas McCray planned to make music together.
The song arrived Aug. 21 through NRT Music and introduces the pair’s modern pop-rock sound, developed with producer Coby James.
Behind the debut is a series of events that changed both their relationship and Mike’s faith.
Nik Ryan Began With a Son Trying to Reach His Father
Mike McCray suffered multiple seizures in 2022 and temporarily lost the ability to drive. That put his son Nicholas behind the wheel.
Nicholas had become increasingly serious about his Christian faith. So, whenever the two were in the car, he insisted on listening to Christian music.
“He made me listen to his playlists and K-LOVE, and I fought it every step of the way,” Mike said.
Eventually, Mike started singing along.
But Nicholas was interested in more than changing his father’s playlist.
“Dad, when I go to heaven one day, I want you to be with me,” Nicholas told him.
Mike said he accepted Christ a few days later.
For Nicholas, the persistence had a purpose.
“I was trying to plant a seed,” he said. “The seed was planted, and God watered it.”
Health Challenges Led to an Unexpected Season of Writing
Mike had previously undergone surgery for a brain tumor in 2011. After the seizures in 2022, doctors discovered another tumor, which they removed in 2023.
Later, another seizure became a significant moment in his developing faith. Mike said he remained conscious but could not control his body or organize his thoughts.
He recalls thinking the name of Jesus during the seizure and experiencing an immediate release from it.
Days later, Mike began hearing melodies and fragments of songs in his head.
The breakthrough accelerated after he heard Nicholas working on an original song in his bedroom.
“I walked out after he played it for me, then came back with four songs written in half an hour,” Mike said. “I kept writing as much as I could. I couldn’t stop.”
Those early ideas eventually brought Mike and Nicholas into Nashville Christian Songwriters and its Artist Development program.
There, the pair began developing their songwriting together and working with producer Coby James.
‘All In’ Introduces Nik Ryan’s Rock Direction
“All In” turns that history into a declaration of commitment rather than a detailed retelling of it.
The track leans into modern rock with influences the duo connects to artists such as Skillet, Stephen Stanley and Thousand Foot Krutch.
Mike said he hopes the heavier sound can reach listeners who may not naturally gravitate toward contemporary Christian music.
“I want to share the Word and gospel of Jesus Christ through the ministry of our music,” Mike said. “I also want to find a musical middle ground for people who don’t know Christ or are just beginning to learn about Him.”
Nicholas describes the goal more simply.
“We want to make music that is pleasing to the Lord.”
“All In” is the first release from Nik Ryan, with additional music planned through the end of 2026 and into 2027.
NRT Music launched with Syntax Creative handling digital distribution, combining the NewReleaseToday platform with label services for independent artists.
Listen to Nik Ryan’s “All In”.