Larry Ryckman

Larry Ryckman
Larry Ryckman
Born (1959-08-28) August 28, 1959 (age 65)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupation(s)Music industry executive
President and CEO of Aftermaster Audio Labs[1]
Known forMusic Mastering, Audio Technologies, Hollywood recording studios, Entertainment Executive
Notable workJanet Jackson, Lady Gaga, Sting, Empire, RayJ, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Nick Cannon, Emmy Awards

Lawrence G. Ryckman (born August 28, 1959) is a Canadian music industry executive known for his knowledge of audio production and mastering and the development of patented audio and video technologies used in the music and entertainment industries.[2] He is president and CEO of AfterMaster Audio Labs and Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, part of Scottsdale, Arizona-based Aftermaster, Inc.[3][4] In November 2014, recording artist Justin Timberlake joined Ryckman as a co-owner of AfterMaster.[5]

Early life and education

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Ryckman was born in Toronto, Canada, on August 28, 1959, to Claude and Magdeline (Gallo) Ryckman.[citation needed]

Career

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American Artists

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In 1982, Ryckman served as vice president, development, of the film and TV production company American Artists, Inc. He became president and CEO in 1984 and produced several feature films including The Virgin Queen of St. Francis High,[6] Snowballs, and Crime of the Century.[citation needed] At about this time Ryckman produced, hosted and narrated a one-hour documentary, The Aryan Nation,[7] an exposé of the Aryan Nations and the growing neo-Nazi movements in North America, filmed partly inside the Aryan Nations Hayden Lake Idaho compound.

Music

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In 1986, Ryckman co-founded Archer Communications, Inc./QSound Labs, Ltd., an audio technology company which developed proprietary audio technologies for the music, film, TV, computer and video game industries. QSound developed the first patented three-dimensional audio process for playback through traditional stereo.[8] Ryckman assembled a team of entertainment industry professionals to assist in building the company, including CAA co-founder Michael Ovitz, music industry veterans Jimmy Iovine, Shelly Yakus, music producer Bob Ezrin, film producer, George J. Folsey and Warner Bros. director Salah Hassanein. Todd-Ao/Glen Glenn Studios then the world's largest motion picture and television sound studios became a large stakeholder which led QSound to be utilized in various feature film productions including, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.

In 1990, Ryckman and music attorney Allen Grubman negotiated a deal in the music industry with Polygram NV, then the world's largest record company, for the payment of a mechanical royalty on all albums sold that were mixed with QSound. Ryckman oversaw the engineering of several albums using QSound including Madonna's "The Immaculate Collection", Michael Jackson's "Dangerous', Paula Abdul's "Spellbound", Sting's "The Soul Cages" and Julian Lennon's "Help Yourself". In addition, three music recordings engineered with QSound during Ryckman's tenure won GRAMMY awards including the motion picture soundtrack, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. The Company achieved a market capitalization approaching $500 million and was covered in Barron's, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter.[9]

After the company's first profitable quarter, Ryckman moved from CEO to co-chairman of QSound and teamed up with QSound VP of Music, Jimmy Iovine, to start a music label which was the impetus for Interscope Records. Shortly thereafter Ryckman was approached to purchase the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL and left the music industry to pursue the ownership of the team.[9]

Sports

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In 1991, Ryckman purchased and privatized the Calgary Stampeders Football Club[10][11] of the Canadian Football League (CFL). At the time the team was struggling financially and Ryckman was widely credited for saving the team.[12] Many changes took place under his ownership, including the signing of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Doug Flutie,[13] quarterback Jeff Garcia from San Jose State and future pro wrestling superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson[14] and in team management and player personnel. A new marketing campaign was built around "The New Calgary Stampeders". During his tenure the Stampeders broke a number of league and team records, participated in five Grey Cup Championship games, and won the Grey Cup in Toronto in 1992, for the first time in 21 years.[15] Part of the marketing campaign was one of extortion: at one point he demanded that Stampeders fans buy 16,000 season tickets or else he would move the team to San Antonio, Texas.[13]

During his five years in the CFL, Ryckman co-chaired the CFL expansion committee with late actor John Candy and served on the Executive Committee of the CFL Board of Governors. In 1993, he purchased the rights to host the 1993 Grey Cup game for the City of Calgary. That year, he declined the playoff bye the Stampeders had earned in order to get another playoff home game and the ticket sales that resulted from it. The 1993 Grey Cup festival drew a capacity crowd of over 50,000 spectators. Ryckman constructed and donated new private luxury boxes at the Stampeders home field, McMahon Stadium in Calgary. Ryckman was subsequently awarded the CFL's Outstanding Contribution Award for his contributions to both the league and as a Governor.[citation needed] Ryckman was a major advocate of the CFL's American expansion, with part of the rationale being that the expansion fees could serve as a source of revenue for the existing franchises.[16]

In 1995, the Alberta Securities Commission levied costs of its investigation on Ryckman after he was found guilty of stock manipulation in a regulatory hearing, that despite Ryckman's objections, was conducted outside of Alberta civil and criminal courts.[17] Ryckman chose to place the team into receivership to eliminate over $5 million in government debt that he had assumed in his purchase of the team, in order to sell it to Sig Gutsche of Calgary, which was announced and arranged a year before the sale. The final sale of the team was made on April 3, 1996, to Sig Gutsche.[18] Whereas Ryckman had restored interest in the Stampeders and made it a Championship team after 21 years, Gutsche was able to rectify the team's debts and make it profitable again.[19]

MyStudio

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In 2004, Ryckman founded MyStudio, Inc., a private company established to develop MyStudio[20][21] interactive recording studios, Mystudio.net and related technologies. MyStudio was the world's first self-contained, interactive audio and video recording studio available for consumer use. In 2007, Ryckman sold his interest in MyStudio to public company, Studio One Media, Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at $30 million and became the largest shareholder of Studio One.[citation needed] As CEO of MyStudio, Ryckman negotiated multi-year deals with Simon Cowell's "The X Factor," Mark Burnett Productions, The GRAMMY Foundation, EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music, Sony/ATV, Hard Rock International, Warner Music Nashville[22]and the Queen Latifah Show.[citation needed] Multiple patents have been issued and filed relating to MyStudio and its underlying processes and technologies.[23]

In 2008, Ryckman negotiated a music license with publishing giant EMI which allowed consumers for the first time to legally create music videos in a publicly accessible venue using popular music for unlimited online posting.[24] The EMI license was followed up with multi-year licenses with Universal Music, Sony ATV and BMG.[25]

In April, 2011, Ryckman finalized a multi-year agreement involving stakeholders Fox, Freemantle, Sony and Simco for the use of MyStudio's for Simon Cowell's "The X Factor."[26] The 2012 MyStudio auditions resulted in the discovery of top four X Factor finalists "Emblem3" and "Carly Rose Sonenclar". In September, 2013 a MyStudio was installed at SONY Pictures Studios for use on The Queen Latifah show. In September 2014, MyStudio merged with bBooth, Inc.[citation needed]


AfterMaster Audio

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In 2006, Ryckman and audio engineer Shelly Yakus embarked on a multimillion-dollar, multi-year development effort to create AfterMaster HD Audio through AfterMaster Audio Labs. Inc. The award-winning and proprietary [27] AfterMaster hardware and software process creates an audio process and master recording with a loudness, fullness and clarity which AfterMaster claims is unachievable through traditional mastering techniques.[2] The first major music releases using MyStudio AfterMaster HD Audio process were Janet Jackson's "Make Me" produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Lady Gaga's multi-platinum "Telephone."[citation needed]

AfterMaster's music mastering process for independent artists, "ProMaster", became the first online independent music mastering service. with marketing partners Guitar Center and later Tunecore. AfterMaster also entered into an agreement wherein its ProMaster division remastered 6,000,000 songs for independent artists for the online independent music website, ReverbNation.

AfterMaster took over the former production offices of Alfred Hitchcock at the Crossroads of the World complex, establishing six recording and mastering studios.[28]

Ryckman serves as Chairman of the AfterMaster Advisory Board which includes music producer, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, songwriter, Diane Warren, music producer, Richard Perry, media investor, Ted Field, former Atlantic, Capitol and Virgin music CEO, Jason Flom, casting director, Sheila Jaffe, former Lucasfilm CEO, Charles Weber, music producer and engineer, Jack Douglas, former Interscope CEO of Urban Music, Ron Gillyard, film producer, Gary Goldstein[29]and former Virgin and Warner music CEO, Phil Quartararo.[citation needed]

On April 1, 2014, ON Semiconductor, a multinational developer and manufacturer of semiconductors partnered with AfterMaster Audio Labs to incorporate AfterMaster Audio in semiconductor chips for use in consumer electronic products.[30] In November 2014, superstar Justin Timberlake joined AfterMaster Audio Labs as a co-owner.[2] In 2016, mastering engineer Pete Doell joined as head of Aftermaster's music mastering.

In 2017, Ryckman and his partner Shelly Yakus took over and renovated the 40-year-old Graham Nash recording studio in Hollywood, at which many well-known artists had recorded. The studio was upgraded to include an 80 track SSL 4000 G+ console and up-to-date gear and instruments.[31]

Honors and awards

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Aftermaster was awarded the Technical Achievement Award at the 2010 Hollywood Music and Media Awards[32] for its MyStudio and AfterMaster HD Audio technologies developed by Ryckman and his engineering team. Aftermaster's patented technology and products were recognized with three awards at the 2016 CES show in Las Vegas.[33]

Ryckman received Canada's Vanier Award for Outstanding Young Canadian in 1993 for his business and community accomplishments.[34]

Discography

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Mastering (partial list):[35]

  • Aerosmith - We All Fall Down
  • Akon - One In The Chamber (Single release on 2014 GRAMMY nominated album)
  • Alice Cooper - Madhouse Rock Tour
  • Diddy - I Hate That You Love Me (Platinum)
  • Donna Summer - To Paris With Love (Billboard #1 Dance)
  • Emmy Awards - Born To Run - Jimmy Fallon
  • Janet Jackson - Make Me (Billboard #1 Hot Dance Club Songs Platinum)
  • Jill Scott - From The Vault
  • Jordin Sparks - It Ain't You.
  • Kerli - Army Of Love - (Billboard #1 Hot Dance Club Songs)
  • Lady Gaga - Telephone (Multi-platinum, Billboard #1 Pop)
  • Nick Cannon - White People Party Music
  • Mack Wilds - Own It (Single release on 2014 GRAMMY nominated album)
  • Ray J - 1 Thing Leads To Another

QSound mixing credits:

Patents

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Patents issued: Audio Process, Live Broadcast Interview, Low/High Resolution, Studio Booth - United States Patents: 8,508,572, 8,169,548, 8,144,257, 8,089,564, 9,390,698.[36]

Personal life

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He married Elaine (Howes) Ryckman and together they have three children, Lauren, Aaron and Kiera.[37]

Charity

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Ryckman has been active with several charitable organizations including the Easter Seals, Uncles at Large, Cystic Fibrosis and Cancer Society. Ryckman currently serves on the advisory board of the Felix Organization whose principals include Sheila Jaffe, Darryl McDaniels and Mark Wahlberg.[38] Ryckman was the Executive Producer of the Felix PSA video "Walk This Way" which was directed by Penny Marshall and featured Aerosmith and 25 celebrities. The Felix Organization sends hundreds of underprivileged inner-city foster kids to summer camp every year.

References

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  1. ^ "Lawrence G. Ryckman". Businessweek.com. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c ABC News. "Entertainment News, Celebrity and Pop Culture - ABC News". ABC News. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  3. ^ "Justin Timberlake Becomes Co-Owner of Audio Company AfterMaster". Billboard. November 19, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  4. ^ "AfterMaster Blends Tradition And Tech From Hollywood Studio". Forbes, November 19/2014. Melissa Daniels.
  5. ^ "Timberlake becomes co-owner of audio tech company". The Big Story. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  6. ^ [1] [permanent dead link]
  7. ^ [2] [dead link]
  8. ^ "Recording Process Puts the Listener Amid the Music". The New York Times, December 24, 1990, Stephen Holden
  9. ^ a b "Larry Ryckman - LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  10. ^ "What Happened on October 24". OnThisDay.com. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  11. ^ "Today in History" Red Deer Advocate, October 24, 2016
  12. ^ "Calgary Stampeders". Archived from the original on March 25, 2005. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Not-so-friendly persuasion selling tickets in Canada". The Baltimore Sun. July 23, 1995. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  14. ^ "Dwayne Johnson reflects on the CFL's impact on his life". CFL.ca. March 11, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  15. ^ "Official site of the Calgary Stampeders as powered by SLAM! Sports". October 14, 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2002. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  16. ^ "New book by Willes explores the CFL's American era". Regina, Saskatchewan: Leader Post. November 23, 2013. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  17. ^ "Arizona Court of Appeals: Alberta Securities Commission v. Ryckman". Caselaw.findlaw.com. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  18. ^ Cosentino, Frank (December 17, 2014). Home Again. Lulu.com. ISBN 9781312745476.
  19. ^ "Former Stamps owner Sig Gutsche dies at 64". Archived from the original on September 18, 2013.
  20. ^ "Mall Mini-Studios Offer New Route to Auditions". Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 5, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
  21. ^ "Studio One Media to install recording booths at malls nationwide" Phoenix Business Journal, By Lynn Ducey, Dec 3, 2010
  22. ^ "WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE PARTNERS WITH MYSTUDIO HD RECORDING STUDIOS - Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 20, 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  23. ^ "STUDIO ONE MEDIA RECEIVES APPROVAL FOR SECOND PATENT MYSTUDIO HD RECORDING STUDIOS - Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 5, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  24. ^ "STUDIO ONE MEDIA FINALIZES GROUNDBREAKING AGREEMENT WITH EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING - WayBack Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 5, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  25. ^ "STUDIO ONE MEDIA INKS MUSIC LICENSING DEAL WITH SONY/ATV - WayBack Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 5, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  26. ^ [3] [permanent dead link]
  27. ^ "United States Patent: 10483934 - Audio leveling and enhancement device". Patft.uspto.gov.
  28. ^ "Studio Profile: Aftermaster Studios Hollywood". Audiomaster International. Colby Ramsey Jul 24, 2017
  29. ^ "Board | Aftermaster | Audio Labs". August 31, 2018. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  30. ^ "Justin Timberlake part owner in Scottsdale audio firm". Azcentral.com. December 2, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  31. ^ "Aftermaster Renovates Legendary Hollywood Studio". Musicconnection.com. April 12, 2017.
  32. ^ "Home Page". Hollywood Music In Media Awards. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  33. ^ Hayley Ringle (January 13, 2016). "Justin Timberlake-backed Scottsdale audio company wins 3 awards at CES". Memphis Business Journal. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  34. ^ "List of Vanier Award winners" Archived 2011-07-13 at the Wayback Machine. JCI Canada
  35. ^ "Larry Ryckman Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  36. ^ "United States Patent: 9390698". United States Patent and Trademark Office.
  37. ^ "Obituary of Magda Ryckman | McInnis & Holloway, Fish Creek". mhfh.com. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  38. ^ "Who We Are". Archived from the original on February 19, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
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