Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Delcher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ryan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

The most critical factor that has allowed me to sustain a full-time living through creative work is diversity—in my skill set, the types of projects I take on, and the variety of clients I serve. For the past seven years, this multifaceted approach has enabled me to maintain a career as a full-time creative professional.

My foundation lies in audio engineering and event production. These core disciplines have allowed me to build multiple streams of income and evolve into a dynamic, adaptable creative. I work as a recording engineer with local rappers and bands, offer production services including audio systems, LED video walls, lighting, and stage design, and manage large-scale operations for festivals. I also produce and perform music as a DJ at clubs and festivals. In parallel, I’ve expanded my expertise into designing audio/visual-based emergency communication systems—a unique fusion of my technical and creative skills.

This level of diversification didn’t happen overnight. It began with a music production course in Los Angeles, followed by formal training in audio engineering, which established the technical foundation for my career. While studying, I secured an internship at Lineup Room, a professional recording studio. This experience not only sharpened my recording skills but also helped me network with other creatives in the local scene.

At the same time, I held a day job at a ticketing agency, where I gained first-hand insight into the logistics of large-scale event management. Balancing both roles for nearly 18 months expanded my network significantly—especially with event producers and local artists, connections that continue to pay dividends today.

The next phase of my career brought me into production management and sales. Working with a regional A/V company, I learned the full scope of production services across a wide range of events. This role allowed me to manage high-profile projects with organizations like Baltimore Pride, DC Funk Parade, Ramble Festival, the National Park Service, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and Nationals Stadium. I also learned to use CAD software, giving me the ability to visualize and communicate complex production layouts with precision.

Throughout all of this, I never stopped building my personal brand as a music producer and performing artist. Between gigs and client work, I’ve remained active as a DJ, performing at clubs and festivals whenever opportunities align.

For anyone aspiring to follow a similar path, here are a few guiding principles that have made a difference in my journey:

Diversify your skill set to stay relevant and resilient in a changing industry.

Volunteer or intern where you want to work—if you show up professionally and contribute meaningfully, unpaid opportunities often lead to paid roles.

Invest in your education—formal or informal, technical or creative. The right knowledge can open unexpected doors.

This career path requires hustle, adaptability, and passion—but for those willing to put in the work, it offers a fulfilling and sustainable way to live creatively.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey began with a deep love for live music. From the moment I attended my first concert at age 12, I knew I had found something powerful—something I needed more of. As a kid, I spent countless hours crafting mixtapes on CDs, collecting my favorite tracks, and immersing myself in the sounds of hip-hop, punk, and alternative rock. In my teens and early twenties, my passion expanded into electronic music and the jam band scene, heavily influenced by the underground rave culture in Baltimore and DC.

During my time at University of Maryland, College Park, I dove headfirst into the nightlife and club scene—experiencing iconic venues like U Street Music Hall, 9:30 Club, Tropicalia, and DC Eagle. Those dance floors and concert halls didn’t just host music—they shaped my creative identity.

At the heart of everything I do is passion. Passion drives my performance as a DJ, fuels my creativity as a music producer, and motivates my work behind the scenes as a production professional. Whether I’m building a stage or commanding one, it brings me real joy to create immersive musical experiences—not just for myself, but for others.

Now more than ever, I believe we need these spaces. In a world that can often feel overwhelming or disconnected, music provides a unique kind of healing. It creates shared moments of joy, release, and clarity. When we lose ourselves in the music—together—we nourish something essential in the human spirit. Live music isn’t just entertainment. It’s medicine. It’s connection. It’s necessary

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic I was working full time as a live event Production Manager. When events went away, I had to quickly pivot to ensure I could still make a living. What did I do? I took my planning skills and my audio knowledge to work and started doing A/V System installs. This did two things: One, I learned a new avenue of the A/V industry and sharpened my PA Design Skills; Two, it allowed me to still work in the A/V Production world even when no events were occuring.

This is why a diversified skillset is so important!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve faced and overcome significant challenges with addiction and alcoholism that began in my late teens and early twenties. The road to recovery was neither easy nor linear, but beginning that journey was essential to becoming the person I am today.

I’m proud to share that I’ve been free from opiates since 2015—a decade of continued sobriety. This milestone is more than just a personal victory; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and inner transformation.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of speaking publicly at schools and correctional facilities, sharing my story with honesty and hope in the belief that it might inspire others facing similar battles. I’m incredibly proud of the life I’ve built and deeply respect all those who are walking their own path in recovery. It takes courage to fight—and even more to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/cata_pilla
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catapilla.music/reels/?api=postMessage
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cata-Pilla/61572390500680/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-delcher/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cata-pilla