In this episode, we meet Emmy and BAFTA award-winning sound artist, composer, and designer Nick Ryan, whose remarkable career explores the edges of sound, technology, and storytelling. From DJing Alexander McQueen’s first fashion show to designing sound for Apple TV’s The Enfield Poltergeist and creating public installations that reimagine how we engage with the world around us, Nick’s work stretches across disciplines and defies convention.
Nick’s creative journey has taken him from experimental sound art and radio drama to museum commissions and scoring high-profile television documentaries, including My Life as a Rolling Stone. A true innovator, he continues to push boundaries in how we experience sound—whether through interactive storytelling, large-scale public art, or conceptual explorations of space debris and sensory perception.
In this conversation, Nick reflects on how his personal experiences growing up shaped his understanding of the world and his desire to create immersive sound experiences that evoke empathy and understanding. He speaks candidly about his love of collaboration and the importance of working with people who not only bring skill but kindness and trust to the table. As he says, even if someone is ‘nice’, if you don’t feel right working together, the creative outcome can suffer.
Nick also shares his thoughts on the power of sound to transform public spaces and support mental wellbeing, touching on the emotional resonance of carefully crafted audio environments. His passion for designing experiences that help people connect with both abstract concepts and each other is inspiring—and a reminder of how sound can be a tool for empathy, clarity, and community.
What’s particularly striking is Nick’s humility and his openness about the realities of working in the creative industries. He reflects on winning a BAFTA for technical innovation—a momentous achievement—but also notes that accolades alone don’t guarantee more work. This leads to an important insight: the creative process must be driven by your own curiosity and joy, not by external validation.
Whether he’s crafting an audio experience for a major brand, designing a sound installation on the streets of London, or mentoring younger creatives, Nick brings depth, warmth, and intelligence to everything he does. His reflections on confidence, collaboration, and staying true to your own instincts will resonate with anyone navigating a creative path.
What We Learned from Nick Ryan
Listen to the full episode and discover how Nick Ryan’s sonic storytelling invites us to hear the world differently—and more deeply.
