Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Rye.
Hi Jake , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been working as a music producer, mixer, and songwriter for 22 years to date this year. I began my professional career in 2004 with my first studio in Michigan, and I have split time between Michigan and Nashville often since I began my work. I started off as a bassist as a kid and moved into songwriting, guitar, drums, keys, etc., and then learned production by doing it. I took my first paid client project in 2004 but didn’t really get into business until 2005.
I spent a lot of time working in the Michigan music scene, developing other artists, recording them, etc., and that eventually led to me working with people all over the U.S. and Nashville. I was blessed to have a lot of unique successes early on, including touring as a member of two-time Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling band Sanctus Real for almost four years. That led to me signing a publishing deal with Capitol Records and also doing A&R work as well as artist development in Nashville.
I chose to come off the road in 2016 when my son was born, and that decision brought me back to Michigan full time, where I had the privilege of helping contribute to our scene here. I was able to work extensively with well-known artist Michigander on a lot of songs as a producer and mixer, along with other bands like The Hacky Turtles (Grand Rapids), Brother Elsey (Detroit, Nashville), Leland Blue (Grand Rapids), Steppes (Flint), and Au Gres (Detroit), to name a few. All of these bands have gone on to have streaming success, touring success, some signed major deals, and others have even been placed in major advertising campaigns. Just recently, Michigander had a song used by Apple for the new iPhone product launch. That’s such a rare opportunity… only a handful of artists have had that chance.
I grew up in Michigan and have largely had my home in the same county my entire life. I currently reside in Adrian, MI, within Lenawee County. I’ve had many different studios here and have produced over 1,000 songs, largely from here in some shape or form. I work with artists from all over the U.S., Canada, and other countries as a mix engineer or remote music producer.
Recently, my large-format commercial studio in downtown Adrian burned down. It was about a year and a half ago, and I am pretty much recovered now. It has always been a dream of mine to have a commercial studio in my town, near all the things I love downtown, like coffee, food, etc. I got to enjoy that dream for just over a year.
My career has never been a straight path. It’s been full of flourishes and recoveries… I think most people in music can relate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road in music. I wish it was for everyone, but smooth roads don’t build character.
My first obstacle was choosing to start a studio in 2008, in the middle of the economic collapse and housing market collapse. That was major, but somehow I made it through…
Most recently, I already mentioned my studio fire. I lost everything, along with a couple hundred thousand dollars in assets and work…
Somehow, with a ton of hard work and prayer, I’m making it through that period of adjustment, and I honestly am so grateful to be where I am now.
The best thing anyone in this business can do to stay in it is to constantly be self-evaluating and making improvements to how they do business, serve others, and develop their craft. On top of that, managing their money well is major because there will be dry seasons… That’s just how it is.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most known as someone who helps people achieve their goals within their music. Ultimately, I am hired because I have been successful at helping others achieve their ideals of what they want their music to sound like and feel like as a recording, mix, or master. Outcomes matter so much because people work so hard to earn the money they use to hire me.
I make sure to honor that sacrifice and ensure that the outcomes are right. I have a knack for guiding people through the process and eliminating the friction points and unknowns of making recordings, and that allows the artists to have confidence in what they are making as they make it.
I’m also known as someone who can curate a sound to be exactly what it is supposed to be. I’d say I get it right 80–90% of the time. That’s actually a good rate of success in my world. Unfortunately, you can’t make everyone happy, no matter how hard you try.
What matters most to you?
Peoples experiences in the studio and their outcomes.
Making a record is a transformational experience for everyone in the room. Nobody leaves the room without being changed in some way or another… Thats the whole point. So its very important that they come away with a life changing, positive experience from beginning to end. That doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges, disagreements or friction points as we solve problems together but it does mean that we come to compromises we can agree on in a diplomatic way in order to achieve the outcome we are chasing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jakerye.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake_rye_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeryeproducerandmixer/
