Ryan Adams is an alternative country performer, who has released about 10 solo albums since his 2000 debut “Heartbreaker.” Beginning in 2005, Adams began performing and recording with backing band The Cardinals, though the group is not consistently billed on the albums on which they perform. With the band, Adams has mainly performed at larger club and theater venues across the U.S., Canada and UK. Early in 2009, Adams announced he was quitting as frontman of The Cardinals after completing the band’s tour in March. Since then, Adams has pursued several side-projects, though he has not announced any major releases or touring plans. Adams cited his struggle with hearing loss as a result of an inner ear disorder as part of his decision to take a hiatus.