You might think that you know Ryan Cabrera.
Sure, the platinum-selling singer and songwriter is the architect behind ubiquitous smashes such as “On the Way Down,” “True” and “Shine On” as well as albums including 2004’s Take It All Away, which hit #8 on the Billboard Top 200, You Stand Watching [2005], and The Moon Underwater [2008]. However, get to know Ryan like never before on his newly released EP Wake Up Beautiful (Dynamite Music) and fifth full-length album due out later this year. Stardom aside, it’s never ever been about image, media, or pomp and circumstance for cabrera. It’s always come down to one thing: the music. It’s where everything starts…
In 2009, he began writing songs for what would eventually become record number five. However, the inspiration didn’t quite click right off the bat. So, he continued cataloging his thoughts and emotions over the next few years. He immersed himself in other artistic pursuits such as painting—actually decking out his home with all original work enjoying his own personal renaissance.
He also spent meaningful time at hospitals around the country, brightening up the day for countless sick children and young adults. Inspired from this, Cabrera also took the opportunity to launch a live music series entitled Live From Ryan’s Living Room. Utilizing VYRT, he broadcasts live performances from his living room and all proceeds for “online tickets” benefit different charities. Everybody from Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw to Billy Ray Cyrus and We The Kings has joined him in the Living Room for unique live jams.
Amidst this creative upswing, 2013 ushered in something of a new awakening for Cabrera. After penning “I See Love” in Nashville with Nathan Chapman [Taylor Swift], he experienced a revelation. “That sparked the mindset of the new album,” he affirms. “It was about writing songs that are real and honest. It was, ‘Write what you love and are passionate about.’ That ignited the entire record.”
He went back to Los Angeles reinvigorated and locked himself in the studio with producer Justin Gray [Mariah Carey, John Legend, Amy Winehouse]. Together, the duo wrote and performed the bulk of the album, playing all of the instruments themselves.
“It’s organic pop music,” Cabrera declares. “Justin and I hit it off immediately. We were in a room together, jamming on everything. We weren’t trying to be anything or fit any kind of mold. It was just music we dug. I started writing all of these fun, positive, and uplifting songs. My whole perception had changed. Every song tells its own story.”
The first single released, “House On Fire,” shimmies from a percussive tribal intro into an incendiary refrain. He smiles, “It’s about burning everything down and being crazy while you can. You’re living in the moment and enjoying everything you do. A lot of people are afraid to let themselves go, be passionate, and express their feelings. You’ve got to burn it all down—even if just for one night. Let loose and go nutty! It feels great.” Fans and media have raved about “House On Fire;” People Magazine wrote “Cabrera delivers his catchiest hooks” since “On The Way Down” and Perez Hilton proclaimed it “the best song Cabrera has ever released.” House on Fire was also a #1 Billboard Dance Chart song and regular on numerous Spotify playlists during the summer of 2015.
At the same time, Cabrera still knows how to write a touching love song. “All We Have” captures a distinct moment that’s both heartbreaking and hypnotic. “That’s one of the love songs,” he sighs. “It’s about that relationship that got away. Maybe you made a mistake. Now, you’re making your plea about why you should be together. You admit you’re wrong, but you still want to be together.”
Ultimately, this is the real Ryan Cabrera. He doesn’t hold anything back, and he’s created his most uplifting and powerful music to date.
“I want the music to speak for itself,” he leaves off. “My career has been about a lot of things from the outside. The focus unfortunately shifted to what my hair was like or who I was dating. That’s not why I started playing music. It’s always been about the music. That’s it. It’s not about being a pop singer. It’s about being an artist. I want people to think of the songs before they think of me. It starts now. This is going to be a fun ride.”
In 2016 Cabrera became part of the highly successful My2K Tour alongside 98 Degrees, O-Town and Dream. The 38 date Amphitheater Tour covered the entire North America. Cabrera received rave reviews playing all the hits as well as his new single “Whatever Whenever”.
Cabrera most recently has been writing for and with numerous other artists and has been amassing a catalogue of new songs which feature collaborations with Nash Overstreet, TyDi and more. The song of this new music, “Whatever Whenever” was released on August 19th, 2016.
In 2017-18 Cabrera went on a US and Canada tour, as well as a being a SKAM ARTIST DJ who did over 20 shows including the pre-party for the National Championship Game in Atlanta – Kendrick Lamar was halftime act. CABRERA has also been co-writing songs for numerous A lists artists which will be released in 2018/19.
In 2019 Cabrera has been hard at work. He is currently on a 30+ date Tour as a part of POP2K and wrote the single for Avril Lavigne “Tell Me Its Over” on her top debuting Album, Head Above Water. He also wrote songs for Caroline Kraddick, Olivia Holt and more. When not on the road, he is working on new music as well as developing an app that will come out in the fall of 2019.
Since the pandemic, Ryan has been keeping very busy. While the world was on lockdown, Ryan was able to do what he does best and bring people together — this time virtually, by utilizing live streaming to bring back Live From Ryan’s Living Room to help raise money for various charities. Each show featured performances and special appearances by stars including Josh Kelley, Blake Lewis, Travis Clark of “We the Kings”, Michael Strahan, Zane Carney and numerous others. On top of that, Ryan went back to the studio and began working on a new body of music which is set to begin rolling out the 26th of August, 2022 and then into 2023. The first single release will be “Worth It”, a song he wrote to and for his now wife, WWE star, Alexa Bliss, as it was the song she walked down the isle to. This is going to be the new go to wedding song for years and years to come.
Ryan is currently on tour with POP2K along with O-Town and LFO, as well as being a part of the Mimosa / Taco Festival and this winter he will be joining the “Boy Band Xmas” tour along with 98 Degrees, Jamie Jones from All-4-One and more. He is also a recurring guest on the current season of “Miz and Mrs.” on USA Network.