If you have been a part of Salem’s music or trivia scene, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Ronan Baker.
Ronan landed in Salem in 2004 as a sophomore in high school. After detours to New Zealand and Eugene for school, he settled back here in 2010. The following year, he started his audio company, Humannequin Studios and Sound, out of his parents' garage. The name Humannequin was born after a startled customer at Nordstrom (where Ronan was working) mistook him for a mannequin. His quick reply, ‘Nah man, I’m a humannequin,’ stuck. “It is a terrible name for people to spell online, but I have stuck with it,” said Ronan.
One might think that alone should keep Ronan busy, but you would be wrong.
He’s the force behind TriviaNaught Trivia, and has been hosting events all around Salem for more than a decade. He’s been a part of many local bands, including Allies From Nowhere; Sleep Millennium; Heroes and Rebels Tribute to David Bowie; and, now, Light Treason. Beyond that, he teamed up with Taproot for their Halloween Celebrity Resurrections, run sound for the Grand Theatre, and even stepped up on their stage himself in the two-person play Dear Elizabeth in 2023. These days, he’s also pouring his energy into a new concept album, Ghost Light: Aperitif Mort, set for release on October 16.
If you think you’ve seen Ronan elsewhere, you probably have — teaching at RiverCity Rockstar Academy, running sound as the house engineer at Venti’s downtown, or even helping launch the Salem Spartans Rugby Club.
If you haven’t met him yet, now’s the time. Head downtown, find one of the many ventures he is supporting and join him for a fun night of trivia or music.
But before you do, let’s stop and figure out what’s going on in this humannequin’s head.
Ben Mah
Ronan Baker
What is your favorite thing about Salem?
Minto Island is truly unique. It is so vast, and one can truly experience nature among other things! I saw what looked to be a fox person prowling about and perfecting its gait on all fours the other day. True Story. Minto also connects two distinctly different parts of Salem together, which is rad. Plus, Minto Island Growers is a great little gem.
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem?
Probably have some gluten-free pizza (by my partner's request) at STOMP trivia and then cap the night with an A24 film at Salem Cinema.
Top three movies of all time?
The Big Short, Memento, What's Up Doc? (I was raised by a music pastor and was limited on what I could watch. I chose to watch this with my mom most weekends, or A New Hope when I went solo. They were one of the few movies we had recorded on VHS.)
There are two types of people in this world. What are the two types?
People who enjoy being silly and pompous gasbags.
What is something that your friends would consider “so you”?
Hopefully, my rapier wit and laughing WAY too loudly. I actually want to know what my friends would say. Can people write in?
What was one of the most interesting concerts you’ve been to? Most interesting?
Probably David Klinkenberg performing solo violin at Keizer Rapids Park during the 2017 eclipse. He took my request to play "The Killing Moon." I took a time-lapse of it, and it was wild. My favorite concert is still Sufjan Stevens at the Crystal Ballroom in 2007. I consider it my one true religious experience.
What is your greatest achievement?
Learning to read and write good.
Which color or pattern best describes your personality?
Paisley. It is my favorite tie pattern and is very embryonic. Like it is making and rebirthing itself.
What topic could you spend hours talking about?
Myself... I kid! Rugby Union. Especially New Zealand... Anything New Zealand, in fact.
What elements of pop culture will be forever tied in your mind to your childhood?
VeggieTales, OJ Simpson, and Tickle Me Elmo. I never got an Elmo.
Be able to talk to animals OR speak all foreign languages?
Does this include languages like Elvish or Na'vi? I'll take that.
Trivia or Karaoke?
I feel targeted here!... Hmmm, trivia because it is collaborative and one must travel together to walk far.
Live theater or a live concert?
Combine the two and then come back and talk to me. *insert shameless plug here*
David Bowie or Queen?
Heresy!... Bowie is much more diverse and interesting, albeit he had much more time to do so. He also had more opportunities to fail. Coincidentally, 1987's "Never Let Me Down" comes to mind. But I think the failures build a better three-dimensional artist and smooth the rough edges of a strong person. At least I hope so for my own sake... I am also not trying to dispirit Freddie. This question is a rough one!
Coffee or tea?
Tea. Earl Grey. Hot... I wish! Actually, my order on the TriviaNaught Starship Venture would be: Java. Black. Hot.
Learn more about Humannequin Studios at humannequinmusic.com
Ben Mah
Ronan Baker
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 25 (Fall 2025)