He started creating music when he was a freshman.

Currently, Nicholas “Nick” Shymanksy ’17 generates music on his computer through programs like FL Studio. FL Studio loads instruments electronically but also manually records external sounds to add onto tracks. Shymansky prefers to make music in his basement or bedroom because those places provide an enclosed, quiet, comfortable environment that allows him to focus.

“Sometimes I make music with some of my friends which usually ends up being pretty hype,” Shymansky said.

Shymansky’s music making process starts with him choosing a melody or beat, and he continually builds on the tempo until he is happy with the track. He generally works with FL studio to make electronic music but on occasion he will record other instruments or vocals to add to tracks.

“One time I recorded myself playing guitar to add and that was pretty cool,” Shymansky said.

Typically, Shymansky does not put recordings in because he does not have a microphone of his own. He only has about 100 followers on SoundCloud, which is where he posts his completed songs. SoundCloud is a website for amateur artists to post their music for the public to hear. You can make playlists or different albums to group tracks together. His username on SoundCloud is Shaman, and all his original tracks and reposted songs can be found here. Shymansky also reposts tracks of other artists he likes on his SoundCloud, which is in the same electronic genre as the music he creates.

“My music is obviously electronic, but I would rather not confine myself to one genre,” Shymansky said.

Shymansky finds inspiration from electronic and classic rock musicians on Soundcloud including Sam Gellaitry, Josh Pan, and Oshea. His favorite bands include The Grateful Dead and The Beatles.  

“[One of my favorite songs I have recorded is] like a bunch of songs in one, kind of like how a classical piece has movements. It was about thirteen minutes long,” Shymansky said. “It was really cool how [the melody] changed throughout the song.”

Shymansky has recorded over 100 songs but has only uploaded 30 to 40. When focused, he can create a song in three hours. Most times, however, it takes him ten hours collectively over the span of a few days.

“I like playing instruments a lot because you can feel the music in your body while you play and get into it more,” Shymansky said.

Shymansky plays guitar, piano, and occasionally sings or raps. He first started to learn piano and guitar when he was in eighth grade, but continues to build his knowledge and skills. He wants to continue making his music but is not interested in pursuing it as a single career.

“I don’t know why I chose to make music,” Shymansky said. “I guess it was just my selected medium of art.”