The Giggs Podcast: #24 Ryan Smith & Rachel Hales - Live At Lititz | Mic Check, One Two

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At THE Conference: Live At Lititz, Giggs CEO Nikki Sanz sat down with Ryan Smith, the Regional Manager of Artist Relations at Shure. With over 32 years at the company, Ryan has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Elton John to The Who. In our conversation, he shared his journey, insights on artist relations, and why the right microphone matters.

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From Rush Orders to Artist Relations – A Career Built on Sound

Ryan’s career at Shure started in 1993 when he joined the company as a rush order expediter, making sure microphones were shipped out quickly to clients. Over time, he moved into customer service, learning the ins and outs of the products, and eventually found himself drawn to the world of artist relations.

“I got to know this really tall guy with a ponytail who was doing artist relations, and I thought, ‘That looks cool, I want to do that,’” Ryan recalled. “So I started helping out, and eventually, I became part of the team.”

Helping Artists Find Their Perfect Microphone

A big part of Ryan’s job is working directly with artists and their audio teams to find the right microphone for their needs. Whether it’s Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, or Chris Stapleton, every artist has unique preferences when it comes to their vocal sound.

“It starts with the audio crew—they listen to a few different microphones and find one that works best for the artist’s voice,” Ryan explained. “Then we make sure it sounds right for them in their in-ear monitors. The goal is for the artist to not have to think about the microphone at all—it just works.”

One memorable moment? When an artist who had been using a Shure capsule for years switched to a new model and immediately texted Ryan: ‘This completely changed my stage performance. I don’t hear as much drum wash in my ears anymore!’

Starstruck Moments and Stories from the Road

Over the years, Ryan has had plenty of incredible experiences. One of his early assignments? Representing Shure at an Elton John concert.

“My boss told me, ‘If you happen to meet Elton, just compliment him on his choice of microphones,’” Ryan laughed. “So I did. And he turned around, shook my hand, and said, ‘Thanks.’ That was my first starstruck moment.”

But one of his longest-running artist relationships is with The Who. Shure has been working with them for over 50 years, and Ryan fondly remembers a photo shoot where Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend ran through a full two-hour set just for soundcheck before posing for pictures.

What’s Next for Shure?

As Shure approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025, big things are coming. The company is preparing to launch new products and expand its presence in Nashville, including plans for a potential studio space at Rock Nashville.

With his decades of experience, Ryan’s passion for music and artist support remains strong. “I love creating positive relationships with artists and their teams,” he said. “That’s what artist relations is all about.”

From conference halls to stadium tours, Ryan and the team at Shure continue to shape the way live music sounds. And as the industry evolves, one thing is certain—great sound starts with the right mic.