A Journey from Drums to Music Store
Ryan Camaioni has always had a passion for music. Since he was 9 years old, he was drawn to the rhythms and melodies that surrounded him. His early exposure to music came through a CD recorded by his stepfather’s band, which sparked a lifelong interest in creating his own music. “I started getting pots and pans and pencils out and drumming to the music,” he recalls. The experience opened his eyes to the idea that anyone could make music, no matter their background or resources.
Now 37, Camaioni has built a career as a musician, producer, and entrepreneur. Over the past decade, he has grown his own following through his band Gumbo and by establishing Certified Studios, a recording studio located in the basement of his home in New Milford. He is now taking another step forward by opening his own music shop, Strings ‘N Things, at 209 Kent Road in New Milford.
“I think it’s been around 20 years since a music store has been in New Milford,” Camaioni says. “I’m trying to harness in all the musicians that aren’t all aware of one another and have a place for supplies but also want to draw people together to form a culture.”
What to Expect at Strings ‘N Things
Scheduled to open on August 1, Strings ‘N Things will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and by appointment on Sundays. The shop will offer a wide range of products, including strings for various string instruments like basses, guitars, and mandolins. It will also carry vinyl records, sheet music, used guitars, guitar pedals, cables, snare heads, drum cymbals, and merchandise created by local artists.
Camaioni plans to continue running his recording studio alongside the new shop, with the studio open after 5 p.m. daily. He envisions the music shop becoming a central hub for local musicians, helping them connect and collaborate while providing essential supplies.
Community Support and Collaborations
Since announcing his plans to open the music shop, Camaioni has received overwhelming support from friends and fellow musicians. Many have reached out offering to help with equipment, supplies, and even product lines. “People have been reaching out saying how can they help me get pieces of equipment, friends who have reached out to say, ‘I can do this for you, I can help you with this, I can offer a good price,’” he says.
This kind of community support has been crucial in bringing his vision to life. He credits his friend and real estate agent, Larry Corrow, for guiding him through the process. Corrow, a former partial owner of the former Eastcoast Music Mall in Danbury, advised Camaioni to start with a recording studio before opening a music shop. When the opportunity for a physical space became available, Corrow encouraged him to take it.
A Dream Realized
Camaioni began thinking about opening a music shop around 2020, and the idea gained traction after he posted about it on Facebook. The timing finally aligned when the space at 209 Kent Road became available. “The opportunity couldn’t be better — it really was the perfect time,” he says. “It’s five years in the making.”
His journey into the music industry has been shaped by his early experiences, his dedication to learning, and his desire to create a space where musicians can thrive. Growing up in southern California in the late 1990s, he was exposed to a variety of musical styles, from hip-hop to reggae rock. While he didn’t single out any specific artist as an inspiration, he was driven by the emotional power of music.
“I wanted to learn the music and how to do it myself,” he explains. He describes his own music as straightforward, expressing exactly how he feels. This philosophy extends to his work with Gumbo, the band he formed in 2019. The group has released three albums and three extended plays, and continues to perform regularly.
As he prepares for the grand opening of Strings ‘N Things, Camaioni remains focused on building a community where musicians can come together, share ideas, and grow. He hopes to eventually combine his recording studio and music shop into one space, creating a true one-stop shop for local talent.
