We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Schiedermayer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, why did you pursue a creative career?
This is perhaps a bit cliche, but it wasn’t as much a conscious choice but rather a calling that chose me. The music thread runs deep on my Mom’s side of the family, with a few of us pursuing music and music education as a career. My Dad’s side of the family has a strong entrepreneurial streak, so I knew from an early age that I wanted to carve out my own career in music, and do it my way.
While DNA was in my favor, my family situation was falling apart as I struggled with the aftermath of my parents divorce as a young teenager. After years of begging my parents for a drum kit, I finally got my first kit at 15. From then on, I found solace, confidence, and ultimately my identity through music.
I immediately started my own band in high school and eventually began performing original music in local clubs, often on school nights. I truly loved the creative side of writing original music, and the live performance experience of connecting with an audience. It gave me energy and purpose, and I knew it wasn’t a passing phase but rather my path in life.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have focused my career on being a multi-genre drummer and percussionist which has allowed me to perform with a wide range of musicians stylistically. From rock, folk, R&B, jazz, funk, Latin, Afro-Cuban, Burundi, I take a customized approach with each musician and band I work with to create original arrangements and use a variety of percussion instruments to best support their sound. I’ve had the pleasure of performing with many artists I grew up listening to and admiring from Grammy artists to Rock & Roll Hall of Famers including Richie Furay, Ignacio Berroa, Jeff Lorber, Rick Nielsen, Jim Peterik, and currently with Annabella Lwin of Annabella’s Bow Wow Wow.
I’m obsessed with details and love understanding the sound of each musician. It hasn’t been easy, which is why it’s important to stay inspired and curious, and to put in the time to master one’s craft. One of my Dad’s quotes that has always resonated with me is “anything worthwhile takes time”. It’s all about the long game for me and embracing the grit of the journey. When you get a little uncomfortable you grow.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Having been in LA for almost 7 years there’s so many great places I’ve been to and experiences I’ve had, but I’ve still only scratched the surface of what this amazing city has to offer! If given a week to explore, here’s some great places that stand out:
• Solstice Canyon – I’m a big nature-lover and enjoy exploring the diverse landscape of LA. One of my absolute
favorite places to hike is Solstice Canyon in Malibu where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific
Ocean. It’s breathtaking.
• Sunset Restaurant – After a hike at Solstice Canyon, head over to Sunset Restaurant in Malibu to enjoy cocktails
& food, just a few steps from Zuma Beach, and yes, stay for the sunset.
• Professional Drum Shop – Founded in 1959 and based in Hollywood, Professional Drum Shop is the
quintessential place for drum gear coupled with a heavy dose of history and inspiration. It’s literally a time
capsule, and has been the destination spot to the world’s most prolific beat masters.
• The Hotel Café – Showcasing singer-songwriters, The Hotel Café is an intimate live music venue in the heart of
Hollywood, and is the perfect place to listen to up and coming artists and well known icons.
• Mama Shelter – A funky spot for a post-show night cap and a beautiful view of LA on their rooftop bar. And
don’t forget to play a game or two on their vintage foosball table.
• Pura Vita – As a resident of South Bay, I’m fortunate to have Pura Vita, the first 100% plant-based
Italian Restaurant in the USA, just down the street from me in Redondo Beach. With locations in West Hollywood
too, you’ll find the food and ambience exceptional, whether you are vegan or not.
• A Place Called Home – For nearly 30 years, A Place Called Home has been providing South Central youth with a
safe, nurturing environment and after-school programs in the arts, education, and wellness to help develop
healthy, fulfilling, and purposeful lives. Take an inspiring tour of the campus and become a volunteer or mentor.
• LA Marathon – If you’re traveling to LA in late March, check out the LA Marathon. I ran the 2021 LA Marathon in
October and fell in love with the city and its landmarks all over again.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s hard to credit just one person. I’ve been very fortunate to have many supporters throughout my life and career. My Mom for always being my mom and loving and supporting me, and being patient with a teenager holding loud band practices in her basement. My Dad for understanding and encouraging my passion, getting me my first drum kit, and not killing me when I dropped out of college to pursue my career as a professional musician. He instilled in me dedication and commitment which is absolutely critical in a creative career.
My cousin Steve whose legendary holiday mixtapes exposed me to a broad range of music that I would have never been exposed to as a 12 yr old in Appleton, WI – from Ella Fitzgerald, John Zorn, James Brown, Frank Sinatra, Philip Glass and Mozart to name a few.
And last but not least my wife Ami for believing in me and accepting me unconditionally. We have always supported each other in our respective careers and pursuits, which is also vitally important when balancing life and a career, let alone a creative career.
Website: http://ryanschiedermayer.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanschiedermayer
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ryan-schiedermayer-53622011b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tweetermayer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanSchiedermayerOfficial
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ryan-schiedermayer-redondo-beach-2
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/RyanSchiedermayer
Image Credits
Sara Keefe Kurt Jupin FinisherPix SweetMusicChica