Engineer, Producer, and Guitar Player: Ryan J. Lewis
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These days it’s rare that I get to meet a new producer, let alone one that is out on tour for the first time of his career. When I went to see Chandler earlier this month, I was in writing mode. I took any chance to talk to musicians, get some information, and network. I ended up striking up a conversation with Ryan, a producer and engineer.
Ryan J. Lewis is a recent college graduate from Chicago who already has multiple production credits to his name. Honestly, I was shocked. Being from a small town in Maine, I usually don’t come across many producers at shows, let alone, recent college graduates who are out on tour. I picked his brain and found out he was producing for Billy Marchiafava, the headliner of the night.
His ability to DJ on the fly blew away me, and his beats weren’t bad either. I decided after the show that I would try to interview Ryan once the tour was over. I recently contacted Ryan after Maine’s recent heatwave and he had a lot to say.
Atonal Asides: Thanks for taking some time out of your day for me to pick your brain.
Ryan: No problem man.
Atonal Asides: I met you in Cambridge earlier this month when I went to see Chandler at The Middle East. You were working with Billy Marchiafava. We started talking and you mentioned recently graduating college. How did you score an opportunity like that so soon out of school?
Ryan: While I was still in school, I started reaching out to people I was a fan of to see if they needed an engineer. I’ve been listening to Billy since high school, I was shocked when he responded, and we started working together. I’ve been engineering for him for a year and we’ve become close… a few months ago he was planning the tour [and] floated the idea of coming with him. I [hadn’t] DJ’d [previous to this] so I bought a beginner board and taught myself.
It was funny, I had to miss the first two shows because of graduation. I didn’t want to go… I knew my parents would’ve been pissed if I skipped it.
Atonal Asides: Outside of Hip-hop, producers usually don’t go on the road. What was that experience like? Were there any aspects that surprised you, and what did you enjoy most during the tour?
Ryan: When I’m home I do a lot of live sound and play in a band, so I was pretty familiar with the logistics of putting on a show…
I had a great time on tour. There were moments where I was homesick, missed my girlfriend, and friends; but getting to see as much of the country… was huge. What surprised me the most, and… this sounds obvious, was how… different every city is. We went to… places I hadn’t been before… every city had its own distinct vibe that I thought was fascinating.
I loved being on stage and meeting a bunch of cool people, but what I enjoyed most was the time we spent together… after the show. Getting your first meal of the day that isn’t at a gas station… sitting there trying to make each other laugh was the perfect way to end the night.
Atonal Asides: With plenty of credits on your resume already, are there any artists that you hope to work with in the future?
Ryan: Anyone in my top Spotify artist who isn’t dead. Zack Fox, The Garden, Mac Demarco. One day I’d really love to record a full orchestra, either for a film score, or maybe a musical. I’m also working with a few artists right now other than Billy, and my band that I’m really excited for too.
Atonal Asides: That actually leads into my last question. You’re pulling double duty, playing guitar in The Sea Ghouls. How does being behind the console translate into playing guitar?
Ryan: Shout out Vince from The Sea Ghouls. He just got his real estate license.
Our frontman Sean Carroll and I do all the engineering work for the band… it’s great that we can keep everything in house, but being engineers, and… perfectionists, can slow us down at times. It took… weeks to figure out the best way to record guitars at home for the first singles we released. We had to throw out multiple sessions because we hated how it sounded. Luckily we have it figured out, so it’s become a lot easier for the EP we’re recording now.
I’d say personally, my experience as an engineer has taught me [that] when playing it’s important for a guitar to fit into the mix rather than stand out in front of everything else. Unless it’s your solo, lock in with everyone and maintain the balance.
Atonal Asides: Thank you again for your time and I can’t wait to hear the EP when it comes out.
It’s clear from this conversation, Ryan sets himself apart from other young producers. He’s humble and doesn’t take opportunities for granted; and well, he also attended graduation, so he definitely understands responsibility. If you would like to learn more about Ryan, I have linked his as well as The Sea Ghouls Instagram below.
All images of artist used are for free use under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976
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