On Thursday, August 4, 2011, Suite101 chatted with multi-talented singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera. He opens up about his influences, upcoming album, future plans, tour, and proudest moments.
Cabrera Discusses his Musical Influences
“I listen to everybody. I love jazz and pop,” Cabrera says. “I started listening to punk-rock music and rap, but when I saw Dave Matthews play the guitar, he was a huge inspiration to me.”
Cabrera Talks Being a Part of the 2011 Bamboozle Festival
“Bamboozle was awesome!” he exclaims. “The year before, I tried to get tickets because one of my buddies was playing. It was really cool. I love those festivals, they are always fun!”
Cabrera Talks About his Forthcoming Album
“This album has taken a while. I’m really taking my time on it, and I’m letting it evolve into what it should be. I want it to be the right record! It’s a little bit more fun and more upbeat, with a couple of ballads. I was just trying to write some good acoustic songs that people can have fun with. The last record was kind of dark. I’m definitely most excited about this album,” he says.
Regarding his collaboration with some top-notch songwriters for this project, Cabrera remarks “it’s always been something that I love to do, especially people that I am a fan of. As a writer, I’ll write songs, and it’s good to get the opinions of people that I am a fan of. That way I could use some of their positive feedback, and make the record the best way I can! I love it.”
Cabrera Reveals Favorite Songs
“From the first album, ‘True’ is one of my favorites I’ve ever written. It’s such a simple acoustic song,” he says.
“I like ‘I Will Remember You’ too. That was a song that I never planned on releasing. I wrote it for a graduation and then somebody ended up hearing it and it ended up on Will and Grace and So You Think You Can Dance. I thought people would enjoy it, so I put it on a record, and did it a few different ways,” Cabrera adds.
Cabrera Talks About Playing Live
“Playing live is what I really enjoy the most due to the energy and the people there. You never know what’s going to happen. When I’m playing a song live I try to mix it up and have fun with it. It allows me to be spontaneous,” he says.
Cabrera’s Proudest Accomplishments
“Singing at the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame was one of my favorite things,” says Cabrera. “I sang with Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty, Richie Sambora, Layla Hathaway, and Bill Withers’ daughter, and all these amazing musicians.
Cabrera’s Future Plans
“Finishing the record hopefully by the end of the year, and going out and doing a full tour,” he says. “I haven’t focused on touring as much, since I want to finish this album first.”
Cabrera’s Dream Collaboration Choices
“I would like to sing with Dave Matthews, because he was my hero growing up, and Sting. My favorite female voice is Pink. I think she’s amazing,” Cabrera reveals.
Cabrera Talks “Rock the Schools”
“I'm doing a charity show with Tyler Hilton on November 18, 2011, at Gramercy Theater, NY. It’s about keeping music in schools and building programs. The only way we’re going to have future artists is if we give people the opportunity. If there’s no arena for people to learn, study and get better, then we’re going to miss out. I think it’s going to be really fun,” he remarks.
Cabrera Talks Alternate Careers
“One of my favorite things to do on the side, other than play music, is to paint,” he says.
Cabrera Talks Social Media
“The number one thing is Twitter. It’s quick and it’s direct, and you could actually see things. It’s easy and you could use it on your phone,” he admits.
Cabrera Defines the Word Success
“Playing music and enjoying it. Not doing it because it’s work. If I can continue to play music and spread through people that’s a success for me,” Cabrera concludes.
Many thanks to Ryan Cabrera for granting this interview!
For more information on Ryan, his new music and tour, please visit his Twitter and MySpace pages.
Source
- Telephone Communication. Ryan Cabrera. August 4, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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