Michael S. Ryan

Hi, I'm Mike Ryan! Welcome to my studio, Hot Jupiter Sounds! It’s a small but mighty space in the woods of Tantallon, Nova Scotia. 

I’ve been a professional musician for over 20 years. With my band The Town Heroes —which I’m the singer, guitar player, song-writer, and producer/engineer/mixer for our studio work—I’ve toured the world, playing in 9 different countries. I’ve been lucky enough to win lots of awards in Eastern Canada, including 13 Music Nova Scotia Awards, and 5 East Coast Music Awards. Music is what I think about day and night. I went back to school in 2010 and received a Honours Diploma in Recording Arts from NSCC.

What began as a space to record and mix my own songs, has grown into a place where artists of all kinds come to bring their music to life. At Hot Jupiter Sounds, clients experience a laid back atmosphere, high-quality sounds and workmanship, along with an experienced and accomplished ear to bring the songs to fruition in whatever way they need to — lots of fizzy water and tea, too!

If you need a song from scratch, we can work together in the writing process all the way up to the mastering phase. I can play on your recording, track anything you need, mix, master and guide you along the way in your performance. I also have a great lineup of professional session musicians to call upon if you're looking for something specific: drums, cello, violin, bass... whatever it is, I can get one of the best in the business to be a part of it. 

I have an assortment of electric and acoustic guitars, pedals, keyboards, and an acoustic piano.  

SERVICES

Ultimately, I love bringing songs to life in any way possible. There’s something almost magical about hearing an idea that existed only in your head moments earlier become a living, breathing piece of music. I love working from scratch with a client to shape that idea into something that they can be proud to share to the world. But, if you want to get really specific, here’s what I can do:  

Cowriting and song support — I’ve written hundreds of songs and write every day. I can be an ear for you to bounce ideas off, or get into the nitty gritty with you.

Overdubs — if you just want to come out to track guitar, piano, banjo, vocals, or even you hitting a garbage can with a rare spoon from the Himalayan mountains, I’ve got your back!

Producing — I’ve produced 6 records by my band The Town Heroes, my own solo stuff for Michael S. Ryan and various other artists who’ve come to the studio. I can help you make your recording the best it can be.

Engineering — I can record anything from a full drum kit with 16 mics to a simple vocal. With high-quality mics, preamps and digital emulations, you’ll be sure to get the best recording you can.

Drum Tracking — Over the past few years I've created an ideal tracking space for drums. I have a Custom DW kit set up, tuned, and miked at all times. This creates an incredibly efficient scenario with world class sounds in an instant. 

Mixing — after everything has been tracked, mixing gets into the weeds of the song and lets it come to life. Whether I’ve worked on the recording, or you’ve tracked it elsewhere and just want to send it off for me to do the mix, I love getting into a song to make it really come alive.

Mastering — the final stage in the process of making a recording. I’m not Bob Ludwig (the best mastering engineer in the world), but I’m better than those shitty online robotic mastering services that never cross human eyes - or ears for that matter! I’ll give the song the attention it needs before it hits the airwaves and ears of your valued listeners.

Rates are very reasonable and trades are welcome. Danny MacNeil built me a woodshed for recording his tracks! Song/Project rates is my preferred approach, but always want to do what's best for the client. If you want to do hourly, $44 is the current rate for recording. $300 for a mix and master of a song. Let's figure out what is best for you!

Email michaelstephenryan2015@gmail.com with any questions.

"Working with Mike is like working with family. Not only does he work incredibly hard on making sure every single project detail is absolutely perfect, he makes sure you feel comfortable and at home. Tea, fizzy water, the occasional home cooked meal, kittens, or a drink on the back deck; recording could not be more fun. I am eternally grateful for the mentorship and producing I've received from Mike and I can't wait for more projects to come!" - Burry