Daily Inspiration: Meet Ryan Schoenmaker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Schoenmaker.

Hi Ryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has essentially always been the main anchor and focal point of my life. I was obsessed with music way before I began writing my own. My Mother was a professional pianist and piano instructor, so I became acclimated to classical music from an early age. I also began learning to play the piano myself in elementary school. I discovered EDM and Dubstep when I was about twelve or thirteen, and began experimenting with DJ software shortly after. After about a year I downloaded Ableton Live, and thus began my journey as an electronic music artist. I’m twenty-six now, and have been producing music, DJing, and audio engineering for about twelve years give-or-take. I started my pro-audio education in my last year of high-school at Warren Tech, and have been obsessed with the world of sound ever since. Although it’s already been a long journey, I feel as though I’m just getting started and still have so much to learn.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and I trust I’ll continue to face obstacles in the years to come. My mental health has always been the biggest struggle throughout my music career. I lost my mother when I was in high school due to a long string of health complications, and soon after began to experience the ramifications of trauma and grief. Ever since, I’ve been struggling with anxiety disorder, depression, and the other effects of trauma. I also struggle with ADHD, which has been another battle altogether. Even though music has been extremely therapeutic, it’s also been difficult over the years to stay positive, not procrastinate, and stay confident. There are good days and bad days, but continuing to express myself through sound has kept me alive and I will never stop making music even if no one’s listening.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been producing and DJing Dubstep and other electronic music under the name “BASSGALAXY” for about twelve years. I specialize in complex sound design, unique chord and melody structures, and fusing space aesthetics with electronic music in a way that feels fresh and new.

I don’t think I’m known for a specific body of work or song. When I talk to fans of my music, they each seem to have a different favorite track or project. I believe my music and brand are perceived in varied ways across the EDM scene, and I’m quite content with that.

Currently, I’m most proud of my recent EP, “Cosmic Ordnance.” While I might change a thousand things and redo the mixing on all the tracks if I could, I’m extremely proud of it. The EP’s visuals and sound design represent the direction I’ve been wanting to take my brand for a long time.

There are a few key aspects of my music and identity that set me apart. I’ve always been obsessed with audio engineering and sound design, spending countless hours researching lesser-known production techniques. I may know an excessive amount of seemingly useless information about music production, but it has given me a significant advantage. My philosophy is that the more you know, the easier it is to create exactly what you hear in your head. This is why I’ve always prioritized learning about music production and will continue to do so.

Another aspect that sets me apart is the intensity of the emotions music and art evoke in me. Music transports me to other worlds and often stirs emotions that nothing else can. It’s almost indescribable but has always been a powerful force in my life. While this isn’t uncommon for artists, I believe the emotions, visions, and unique ways my brain reacts to music are distinctive. I fully believe that if I continue to translate these abstract ideas into sound, my work will make a significant impact.

What’s next?
I plan to fully immerse myself in music, striving to explore every opportunity while staying true to what brings me creative fulfillment.

As I am still considered a “local” artist, I have been focused on reaching audiences beyond Colorado. I am eager to start performing outside of Denver and experiencing new venues. To achieve this, I am refining my songwriting skills and navigating the challenges of social media and platforms like TikTok and Reels. I’m still learning how to create content that maintains the integrity of my artistic vision without succumbing to a “gimmicky” approach. My goal is to experiment with short-form content in a way that aligns with my identity and desired perception.

Additionally, I am planning to develop a more structured approach to teaching aspiring producers. Teaching audio has always been a passion of mine, and while I occasionally offer lessons, I want to expand this effort. I am considering starting a Patreon to provide dubstep and EDM-focused resources, including tutorial videos and conceptual explanations.

I am excited about my growth as an artist and am dedicated to evolving my brand. The continuous discovery of new facets of my artistry is exhilarating, and I look forward to collaborating with other artists and making new connections in the scene.

My ultimate dream is to headline a show at Red Rocks. I am committed to this goal and will persist despite anyone saying it will never happen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bassgalaxy_official/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambassgalaxy
• Twitter: https://x.com/bassgalaxy_init
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bassgalaxy_official
• soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bassgalaxy
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ozZdvWHJzumd8CUOMqcGQ 

Image Credits
4thwallvisuals (watermarked), c2-h2 (photo with blue light shining down on left)