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I am looking back over what has been and continues to be a wonderful career in an industry that I have loved since The Mama’s & The Papa’s harmonies found their way to my ears through speakers in my home growing up. My interest in music grew out of listening to what my parents listened to. Sammy Davis Jr., Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver, and so many more.  My parents also continue to have an incredible influence in my life as far as having a good work ethic.

As I grew up, REO Speedwagon, KISS, Gerry Rafferty, Boston and others found their way into my record collection.  My older brother started playing drums and I felt like I also had the rhythm in me to do that.  I joined band in 6^th grade and continued throughout High School.  I met friends who listened to Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Rush. I practiced to those bands for hours which became my drum lessons. I also found myself paying close attention to lyrics, harmonies, and the interplay between musicians.  I did have other interests in life – space, computers, and cars but music was a huge part of me.

When I started at Joliet Junior College (JJC), my first intent was to study to become an Aerospace Engineer.  I wanted to be a Mission Specialist as part of the Space Shuttle program. I ambitiously tried to tackle College Algebra and Trigonometry IN THE SAME SEMESTER.  The result of that silly attempt was a change to Music as my major. I had also met a pair of brothers at JJC, one of which went on to work for Shure. As I worked my way through the educational system, the more people I met, the wider the breadth of music I was exposed to.  Chick Corea & The Elektric Band, Tony MacAlpine, Tony Williams, Take 6…I was getting blasted from so many angles with inspiration.  I loved it!

Throughout High School and College, I was also part of group of musicians who got together to play for productions like Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly!, South Pacific, and a string of other musicals I had never heard off.  We also formed an AMAZING 16 piece Big Band and did a USO type show.  As a musician, these were some of the best times I’ve ever had. The group was a blast to hang with, the music was all of the best standards, and the singers were top notch.  I hope I get to do this again someday.

After completing my Associates degree at JJC, I found a Music Business program at Southern Illinois University.  I attended SIU for 2 years, during which I played in Symphonic Winds, the Jazz Band, and found my way into a Metal band, which was also a great time.  My double bass chops were pretty good as we played Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Rush, Anthrax, and so much more.  The guitarist in the group worked for the local newspaper, Carbondale Nightlife.  He was responsible for interviewing various artists that performed in town.  When Chick Corea & The Elektric band came across his desk, he called me and asked if I wanted to take the interview.  I had never interview anyone in my life and now I was about to interview Chick, an icon in Jazz. I could get used to this!  Little did I know that later in life, I would be! I still get excited before each interview.

One of the classes at SIU was called Music Business and the class would take a bus to Nashville about 6 times during the semester to meet with various industry people like singer/songwriters, lawyers, label execs, and studio engineers.  This peaked my interest in the Nashville area.

After graduating, I returned to the Chicago area and got an internship with an event planning company that had some major clients.  One of my jobs was to draft floor plans via computer so that the event planners could lay in elements for the events. I then updated my resume and sent it into Shure as well as any other music related jobs I could think of.  I received a call from Shure, interviewed for a Customer Service position and became the first Rush Order Expediter for that department.  After about a year and a half, I was promoted to Customer Service Rep and took calls from a variety of dealers in different states over the next year an a half. During that time, I made many friends within Shure, and when the time came that the Artist Relations Manager needed assistance, I was right there to apply for the position.  It has been 16 years since I joined the AR team and I have made so many friends in this industry and been blessed to a part of some amazing experiences.

All of those experiences have revealed to me the central core of how I feel I’ve lasted this long in this position.  My advice to others: Be a team player and represent your company to the highest of standards by doing a good job, going above and beyond.  Finally and most importantly, treat others with respect and it will come back to you in so many ways. My father always told me “Your attitude determines your altitude.”

Ryan

A couple of exciting aspects of this years’ show included the fact that PSM1000′s were relied upon as the only system for ear monitors and Shure’s new Axient wireless system made 2 appearances on the show.  The first was with artist Chris Young and then later in the show with Shure Artist Sara Evans.  Both artists used the SM58 capsule and the system sounded incredibly clean.

One emotional point during the show was when Shure Artists Little Big Town sang a song with a children’s choir written by newcomer Hunter Hayes entitled “Here’s Hope.” The group started and ended with verses from John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Another magic moment came in the form of an actual wedding ceremony, performed during the song “Marry Me” sung by Shure Artist Martina McBride who was accompanied by Pat Monahan of Train.

Rascal Flatts debuted their new hit single “Banjo”, joined by Steve Martin whose banjo was captured using a KSM137.  Toby Keith brought out his “Red Solo Cup” for Vegas and sang while wandering through the crowd, joined by the one and only Wayne Newton and comedian Carrot Top. The Band Perry debuted their new single “Postcard from Paris” singing on a trio of KSM9′s.

Another big highlight for me was when KISS walked by backstage, a couple of times.  They were there to present the award for Vocal Group of the Year.  I grew up listening to these Rock Icons and to see them that close was pretty awesome.

The crew for the show worked extra hard this year as they were rehearsing 2 shows at once.  The next day after the awards show was a special concert – Lionel Richie and Friends – to be broadcast later this month.  It’s always a pleasure hanging with this crew as they are so professional and offer great advice/commentary on current and future products.

Click on this link to see some highlights of the show and all the Shure products in action.