Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Schumann.
Hi Bryan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember. I grew up singing in choir, playing piano and trumpet in school bands, and later picked up guitar so I could write my own songs and rock out with my friends. Music was how I connected with people — it helped me come out of my shell and find confidence.
I went on to study music and composition in college, and ever since, I’ve been creating and performing in just about every style you can imagine — from classical concert halls to indie rock shows, film scores, and ambient soundscapes. Over the years, I’ve written hours of instrumental music for film, video games, and ensembles, and released nine instrumental albums, seven EPs, and dozens of singles under my name, and am now releasing music as a singer-songwriter as well.
In 2024 I released “Bombshell Tree of Life,” my debut singer-songwriter album, and my second album, “Heart & Horizon,” comes out on October 24th, 2025. These records are part of my project called Bryan Schumann & The Sunshapes — a worldwide collaboration featuring musicians from more than ten countries. It’s been such an amazing experience blending all those influences into something that feels deeply personal yet universal.
Beyond performing my own music, my works have also been performed by groups like the Saint Paul Civic Symphony, the Augsburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Zeitgeist New Music Ensemble. And whether I’m writing for an orchestra, an indie band, or my instrumental project Ambient Embrace, I’m always chasing that same spark — music that connects, heals, and inspires people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an artist is never a perfectly smooth road. The highlights you see in a bio represent years of practice, writing, and refining—not to mention countless hours of self-promotion and rejection that far outweigh the wins. It takes a thick skin and a lot of persistence to keep putting yourself out there.
For me, one of the biggest challenges has been balancing the creative side with everything else that comes with being a modern musician—marketing, funding, logistics, and trying to make a living while staying true to the art.
There have been plenty of times I’ve questioned whether it was all worth it. But every time I connect with an audience, collaborate with incredible musicians, or finish a piece I’m proud of, it reminds me exactly why I do it. The good moments make all the work—and all the setbacks—feel worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work spans two worlds — I write lyric-driven songs and instrumental works that blend classical composition with modern production and sound design. I’ve always loved blurring the lines between genres, whether that means featuring electric guitar in an orchestra piece or bringing a string quartet into an indie rock song.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not trying to fit neatly into one lane. My goal is to make music that feels cinematic, emotional, and human — whether it’s a song with lyrics or a purely instrumental piece.
I’m especially proud of my upcoming album Heart & Horizon, because it feels like the culmination of everything I’ve been working toward. It brings together musicians from all over the world and really captures that blend of classical, folk, and indie rock that defines my sound. Hearing it all come to life with my band and the Havana Quartet has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as following through on your ideas — taking something that starts as a spark in your imagination and bringing it to life. For me, it’s less about numbers or recognition and more about staying creative, finishing what I start, and making something that feels honest. The act of realizing a vision feels like success — and if a project connects with people along the way, that’s the bonus, whether it reaches one person or a million.
Contact Info:
- Website: bryanschumann.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bryanschumannmusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/bryanschumannmusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/bschumannmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/bryanschumann
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bryanschumannmusic
