We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ryan Regan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ryan below.

Alright, Ryan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It was after years of working in the IT industry. I realized that all the creative positions in IT were design related. I made the decision to go back to school with the intention to learn 3D and digital design. I did that for a few years before I realized that music was my true calling. I then went to school for audio engineering at StudioWest in San Diego, CA.

The creative process is addictive for me. I love to create and collaborate with like minded artists. Those years learning design fundamentals allowed me to be a better engineer and producer. The creative process is universal. So whether it is music, design, or art; the cycle of creating moving and impactful work is the same.

Ryan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into the music industry by reaching out and trying to find a way in. I called numerous studios and did a lot of my own learning of what I wanted to do before I pursued the educational route. I was at a cross roads in life and wasnt sure of my place and where I wanted to go. It was a real low point for me in life. A lot of things were in disarray and I was looking to find that chance to get my foot in the door. I searched for studios in the San Diego area and the first on the list was StudioWest. I saw they had a school and they took veteran benefits. I felt this was a sign that this is where I needed to go.

I took the tour and was elated. This was exactly where I needed to be. I started the year long audio engineering program and was hooked. I excelled in the course by graduating at the top of my class and being asked to take the advanced music production course they were offering. Realizing this was what I was meant to do, I applied my same beliefs and values in this industry that I have in life. I believe character and integrity are some of the most important values a person can have. Especially in an industry where artists are showing their vulnerability and looking for someone to take their art and make it sound amazing.

I go the extra mile for my clients and I offer services that many engineers may not due to my previous experience in other areas. I offer design and video services to my clients as well. I also keep an always expanding rolodex of people that I know so that if I cant do the job or their is someone they need for a particular skill, the client is taken care of. I utilize the phrase “I know a guy”. Its always good to meet people and develop a good report with them. Looking out for your clients interests first is most important.

I am most proud of the work I have done with a local artist in San Diego, Joe Kane. Joe is an amazing songwriter and musician. I had the pleasure of being his engineer for a lot of his sessions recently and I felt I was able to get a great sound for his voice. Joe trusted me with his voice and I made him sound amazing. That is what it is all about really. The client gives you an opportunity to show what you can do. When you can make them sound better than they imagined, its a great feeling for everyone. That is why I pursued a career in audio. The magic that happens when everyone is in sync is what I live for.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I take a lot of cues from my improv and stand-up comedy work. In improv the main thing is to give to your scene partners. Dont hold back. Give all you have to them and they in turn will give all to you. You are not thinking of yourself, you are thinking of the other person(s). Its like what a good healthy relationship should be in any context. Give give give. And then from stand-up comedy it is all about preparation and that appropriate silence. Prepare for everything and expect nothing. Prepare for things to go wrong. They will. Its the person who can be resilient and take charge to fix the problem that is going to be remembered. And sometimes when performing or recording, you have to know that there are times when silence is needed. Not everything can be top speed go go go. Wait and breathe. Let things sink in to the listener. You say more with nothing than with everything.

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

Right near the home stretch of my year long audio engineering course at StudioWest, I got separated from my wife and served divorce papers. It was not a total shock but I figured time would wait till I am done. Well time waits for no one, including me. I had to regroup and rebuild my life while finishing capstone projects for the end of course requirements. It took a lot of resilience to keep going and pursue this while other parts of my life were falling apart. Now I am in a much better space due to the creative avenues that I am involved in. Therapy also helps, but I dont think I would have been as prepared for this change in my life if it wasnt for the creative avenues I am pursuing. Music and comedy have helped me in ways I never imagined possible. Now I know that no matter what happens in life, I will be okay. I will survive. Having a good support system is key too. Making sure you have solid friends and family who are there for you is key. All the emotional feelings that came about during my journey have been helpful in making some of my best music I have ever made as well as writing solid stand-up sets and helping produce music for local artists.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @californiasol_season5
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-regan