Changing His Tune

In a world where consumers are barraged with stimuli, it can be hard for a brand to break through the noise. That challenge is what drives Ryan Nach ’07 and lights his creative fires.

Since 2011, Nach has owned and operated his own audio production house, Knock It Out Music, creating short soundtracks for ad agencies and television and film production companies. His work has been used in campaigns by Audi, the NFL and V8, and even led to a collaboration with Snoop Dogg. Nach produced several tracks including “Wheels on the Bus” and “Head Shoulders Knees & Toes” for the rapper’s YouTube series for kids, Doggyland. It’s a niche profession far removed from the one Nach initially pursued with his Bucknell accounting degree. After working as a CPA for four years, he decided to make a musical leap.

In high school, I worked with a friend who was a rapper. He didn’t have any software or a way to record himself. So I bought a cheap computer program and taught myself music production. I didn’t have any formal music education. But I became obsessed with the art of production and arranging.

There was some part of me that had a pipe dream about a career in music, but it hadn’t really crystallized, and I didn’t see it clearly. Accounting was a solid technical skill, and I was good at math, so it seemed like a good fit.

I felt unfulfilled and wanted to give music a real shot. I think a lot of people feel like changing paths isn’t just a risk but also a waste of a degree, and maybe even a slap in the face to their parents, who may have paid for their education. I needed to overcome those feelings. In June 2011, I formed an LLC, opened a business bank account and launched what became Knock It Out Music. About six months later, I told my parents. At first they freaked out, but then they became supportive. They weren’t wrong in thinking that music was a hard career to break into. But I knew I was going to be able to make a career from it because I wasn’t going to stop until I did.

I don’t regret getting an accounting degree. It helps me manage my company’s finances. But more broadly, Bucknell provided me with a well-rounded education and a place to explore a number of disciplines. I developed strong relationships with other students who also had varied interests. I still tap into that network.

In April 2020, I collaborated with singers John Thomas and Kevin McCove to create a song called “Saving Us,” which honored the nurses, doctors and EMS workers who were tirelessly helping people during the COVID-19 pandemic. A few news outlets, including People magazine and 20/20, covered it. It was gratifying that it was so well received. I most enjoy making music when it’s a collaboration. Whether it’s for a big brand or to support an important cause, I get an equally satisfying feeling creating something impactful with others.