At the age of 20, Powell River musician Ryan Schmeister is already a prolific artist. He will be releasing Tranquility, a second album of songs written, performed and recorded entirely on his own, while celebrating his birthday on July 7.
Schmeister said his new music was inspired by the natural surroundings of Powell River and he dedicates the album to the region’s forests, mountains and lakes.
“We are so fortunate to live in a place with paradise in our backyards,” he said.
Schmeister began performing on his guitar in and around Powell River eight years ago. He built his musical skill by taking lessons with voice teacher Megan Skidmore at Powell River Academy of Music and learning musical theory and production with Tom Dowding at the Music Room.
Schmeister’s first album, which he describes at hardcore heavy metal, was released last summer under the name Vorean. His musical style has evolved since that time and Tranquility takes its musical influences from diverse genres.
“Fans of Metallica, U2 and Enya will hear hints of their musical characteristics,” said Schmeister.
When he is not busy making music, Schmeister is working to obtain a nursing degree at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. He will begin his second year in the program in September.
Tranquility is a project four years in the making, he said, and the most gratifying aspect is that he was able to accomplish it independently.
“While I’m really happy with the end result,” he said, “I’m most proud of the fact that I can call this work entirely my own.”
