About
Ryan Summers is a talented electronic musician hailing from Marshfield, Wisconsin. With a lifelong passion for music and technology, Ryan began experimenting with electronic soundscapes at a young age. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres and styles, he has developed a unique sound that blends ambient textures, glitchy beats, and haunting melodies.
Over the years, Ryan has honed his skills as both a producer and performer, earning a reputation for his captivating live shows and intricate studio productions. He has released numerous albums showcasing his versatility and creativity as an artist. From dreamy, atmospheric tracks to driving, high-energy bangers, Ryan's music is always evolving and pushing boundaries.
Despite his success, Ryan remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to push himself to new heights, constantly experimenting with new sounds and techniques. With his dynamic sound and unwavering passion, Ryan Summers is a rising star in the world of electronic music.
“An electronic artist to watch”
“Summers’ record feels like an alchemical mix of warped electronics and surreal ambiance that delivers a complex, subtle kick.”
“No, it’s not really progressive rock, but it is progressive music. It’s also very cool.”
Story
Ryan's musical roots go back to his high school garage rock days in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin where he got his first taste of music writing and performance. Being in the Chippewa Valley, he took part in the same musical milieu that fostered such artists as Phil Cook and Justin Vernon.
During the early 00's Ryan began producing and DJing rave-style trance and hardcore under the moniker Plastic Portal. During this time he helped co-found the now defunct record label Madness & Mayhem Recordings with collaborator Ryan Hagelstrom (DJ Tilzs). The duo showcased their work through a number of "tag-team" performances across the US and Canada.
After a long hiatus, Ryan again began producing and performing a unique blend of electro rock in 2013 under the name Cellophane Superstars, a project he co-founded along with Wisconsin-based guitarist, Aaron Kaplan. The project remained active for a couple years and then was disbanded.
In 2015 he released his first folk rock album under the name Midwest Soul Xchange, a long-distance music collaboration project with long-time friend Nate Cherrier. The duo have since released two albums to some critical acclaim. They have toured throughout the upper Midwest.
Ryan began releasing synth-based ambient music in 2017 under his own name. With compositions that could be described as dark, brooding, cinematic, with an occasional glimmer of light, this work served as a therapy in addition to an artistic outlet. Suffering for several years with debilitating insomnia, he crafted his ambient music around what he helped him forge a path back to dreamland - Ever-evolving motifs surrounded by an morphing landscape of sometimes acrid and sometimes peaceful sounds. He released his initial debut F51.01 followed by ii to critical acclaim. He has been called "an electronic artist to watch" by the online publication Sputnik Music.
In addition to his own work, Ryan works as a freelance audio production artist offering a variety of music industry services through his company Studio811 Productions.
“Song of the Soul” is a nationally syndicated community radio program hosted by Mark Helpsmeet of Northern Spirit Radio.
