Laura Ryder is a songwriter from Co. Mayo, who is now making music with full band under the title Laura Ryder Ampersand. Ampersand consists of Lauren Geary on bass, Shay Sweeney on drums, Josh Meakin on guitar, Conor Cunningham on clarinet/flute and Matilda O'Mahony & Hannah McKenna on backing vocals. The ensuing music is a mix of everything they get their ears on, taking influence from sources like alternative pop, folk, blues, and jazz.