Meet Ryan Smith

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

Ryan, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I grew up outside of Chicago, went to college in Iowa City, and graduate school in Kansas City, so lots of time in the Midwest cutting my teeth as a musician.

I remember noticing that all of the teachers and musicians I looked up to always had something going on, they were always learning something new, booking gigs, or staying busy with something as professionals. Especially in Iowa, all of my teachers and other professionals on the scene had like 5 or 6 different things going on as part of making a living. I think spending time in that environment really rubbed off on me, and kind of set the stage for how I try to navigate my own career.

Just being in that environment where everyone is always out working every weekend, teaching lessons and building their studio, learning to record themselves and build their digital profile, whatever, that really set the standard for me as far as what a working musician does. I’m still figuring out how to put it all together, but I’m really thankful for the time I spent learning from those people and the scenes in those cities. I really feel like I was supported and have been set up to have a good career so far.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m currently playing and teaching music in Austin, TX, as well as touring around the country. I’m currently on the road most frequently with Texas CMA Americana Artist of the Year Annie Davis and her band, Trashy Annie, and I also do some administrative/tour management work for her as well.

When I’m in Austin, I manage my private studio of 10-12 weekly drum set students, play around town with whoever needs me (or can at least tolerate my dad jokes), and work with Lake Hills Church and Trinity Church playing drums as well.

As far as things I’m excited about, I’d say everything! The TA band is growing and we’re getting busier every month which has been awesome to be a part of. I’m super proud of all of my students and love working with them every week. And it’s always a privilege to get to play with the great musicians at LHC and Trinity when I’m there.

I moved to Austin about 2.5 years ago with very few connections to the scene, and I feel so lucky to be working in such a great music city with great people.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’m still pretty early in my journey myself, so let’s just establish that right off the bat! If I had to list the three things that have brought me “success” so far, I think I’d start here:

– Do the best you can at the thing you’re trying to do, and be open to feedback that will help you grow.
– Make friends with people outside of your field, they’ll bring depth and joy to your life that can help you avoid burnout in your chosen career path.
– If you’re a musician, be early to your gig and show up having learned the music.

Advice for people early in their journey? Just keep showing up for yourself and remember that everyone that is “successful” or is doing something you want to be doing has years and years of growth behind them.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’m so fortunate to have had great music teachers and mentors as I’ve grown as a drummer. I’m listing just those who I’ve studied drum set with, but all the musicians who I’ve studied music with or even just spent time around have had a massive influence on me so far.

Mike Tooles – Mike was my drum teacher through middle and high school. He set me up to be successful by introducing me to styles of music from all over the world and giving me a strong musical foundation. I was able to start working as a musician immediately after high school because of him.

James Dreier – I studied with Jim during my time at the University of Iowa, and all I can say is that I wouldn’t be working without him. Jim taught me to navigate the drums and music through melody, taught me to play assorted Cuban and Brazillian percussion instruments, and perhaps most importantly, was a positive mentor to me as I navigated the very early parts of my career.

John Kizilarmut – John was my teacher in graduate school, and above all, he impressed upon me the importance of making decisions that benefit “the music” at large. That’s kind of a conceptual/intangible idea, but it’s given me a North star of sorts for me to follow as I continue to develop as a player.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ryanjsmithmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_smith_drums/

Image Credits

Taylor Carter, Eric Booth