For such a young musician, Ryan Schmidt is already on his way to making his presence known in the music industry. At 19-years-old, he has already played venues all over the East Coast, recorded and released two discs, has several sponsorships, garnered radio airplay, won several live contests, and has written countless songs. As Ryan likes to say, "Schmidt Happens," and he is positioned to make a lot more happen in the immediate future.

Ryan Schmidt began composing songs at age 12, when he taught himself to play guitar. This ultimately led to his self-recorded disc, the Nine Blue Castles EP, which caught the ear of the Boston music scene, largely through it's success at college radio. In fact, his most recent release, Burning Bitter Years, was recorded at Q Division in Somerville, MA. Ryan shares production with Kris Smith and Ed Valauskas. The new disc is available online at iTunes.

While Ryan Schmidt may be very young, his music appeals to a wide demographic. His musical output reminds some a bit of John Mayer and Damien Rice, but with a bit more of a raw, "indie" feel, reminiscent of Clem Snide. A natural live performer, he has triumphed as Act of the Night at Dover Soul along with many similar accolades including Starbucks Music Makers Critic's Choice. Scott Harris, producer of the New Hampshire Edge Music Series, says that Ryan Schmidt is "one of the best solo performers I have heard to date."

The music of Ryan Schmidt has also found success online, charting on the Number One Music Acoustic Charts and Myspace Top Acoustic Artists. In addition he has also been a top solo performer at Ourstage.

Ryan Schmidt will tell you that his music represents the determination and struggle of an independent musician, all of which is laid bare in his recordings and live performances. As he continues to gain attention from a rapidly expanding fan base, his fortunes within the music industry will no doubt grow as well. As promoters, A&R reps, and program directors increasingly take notice, "Schmidt Happens" indeed.