Ryan Cabrera

Guitarist, songwriter, and Texas native Ryan Cabrera never planned on a career in music. His hobby turned into a pion after hearing Dave Matthews, causing him to turn his back on the noisy punk rock of his high-school band, Caine, and pick up an acoustic guitar for the newly minted Rubic's Groove. The group found popularity in the Dallas area, sharing stages with Cheap Trick, Ben Harper, and Third Eye Blind, before Cabrera's departure. Making the most of a block of studio time -- a birthday present from his brother -- the high-school dropout cut three original songs that impressed the engineer enough to offer the opportunity to do a full-length -- for free. Elm Street was a self-released success, selling out locally and garnering favorable reviews and a deluge of Internet orders. In 2001, Cabrera signed to Atlantic, which scheduled the long-player Take It All Away for release in 2004. There are few artists that can truly connect with an audience they way Dallas, Texas singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera does. Atlantic Records agrees, as it just signed Ryan to a multi-record deal. So what does this 20-year-old on the verge of turning 21 have to say about it all? "So when do I tour?" Ryan asked manager Joe Simpson, who also manages Jessica Simpson. For those who don't know, for Ryan it's all about performing live. "I sometimes feel I can move mountains with my music. When people come up to me and say how something I wrote or a performance I gave changed them or moved them in a great way, it truly makes me feel alive. I now know I can put a positive message out there and people feel me."

Ryan began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age and gradually matured into an accomplished performer. While still in high school, he began performing at and eventually headlining elite Dallas venues such as Trees, the Gypsy Tea Room, and the Curtain Club. While performing at Dallas venues on a consistent basis, Ryan began to branch out into the Lone Star State and began performing in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and South Padre. While playing in the Texas area, Ryan was opened for several national touring bands, such as Sister Hazel, Nine Days, Wheatus, Dexter Freebish, the Pat McGee Band, the Old 97's, Monte Montgomery, Sugarbomb, and many more. Ryan has also performed on side stages for Third Eye Blind, Tonic, and Ben Harper.

At 19, Ryan continued to boast an impressive touring schedule spanning out to several cities across the U.S. Some of the clubs Ryan has performed at include the Village Underground in New York City; Schubas Tavern in Chicago; Juanitas and Sticky Fingerz in Little Rock, Arkansas; George's Majestic Lounge and JR's Lightbulb Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas; the Still in Towson, Maryland; the Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri; Flannigan's in Shreveport, Louisiana; the Grape St. Pub in Philadelphia; the Point in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; Antone's, La Zona Rosa, Lucy's, Mango's, and Momo's in Austin, Texas; the Laboratory in San Antonio; and Fitzgerald's in Houston.

In the summer of 2001, Ryan took a brief break from touring to record his independent debut CD entitled Elm St, which is currently sold-out. Ryan spent several long nights at Deep Ellum Studios recording Elm St in which he produced, arranged, played all guitars, keyboards, and drum beats, and even beatboxed. Saxophonist Raoul Shroff joined Ryan in the studio and performed on several tracks. "I was excited about the opportunity to join Ryan on the CD. He pushed me to try new things and really explore my own creativeness. I think we were able to capture something truly unique and something that stands on its own," says Raoul.

Soon after Elm St, manager Joe Simpson caught wind of Ryan and immediately signed him to his management company. A few months and several trips to L.A. and New York, Ryan signed a publishing deal with Evan Lamburg of EMI Publishing and a multi-record deal with Atlantic Records. Once he signed, the writing process began. When the album was written, producers were quick to try and sign on for Ryan's major-label debut. Ryan eventually chose to work with Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls to co-produce the record. Ryan will also share co-producing credits. "I think the chemistry between Johnny and I when we were writing songs together solidified my thoughts of having him produce. He brings such a unique quality to my songs and he's able to capture so much more than I thought was possible, not to mention the fact that I spilled his gl of red wine on his brand-new freakin' billion-dollar white Persian rug, and I figured I should throw him a bone." With his very personable attitude, mature songwriting, and catchy arrangements, many predict great things for this unique artist.

Ryan Cabrera can change people in a great way

There are few artists that can truly connect with an audience they way Dallas, Texas singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera does. Atlantic Records agrees, as it just signed Ryan to a multi-record deal. So what does this 20-year-old on the verge of turning 21 have to say about it all?

"So when do I tour?" Ryan asked manager Joe Simpson, who also manages Jessica Simpson. For those who don't know, for Ryan it's all about performing live.

"I sometimes feel I can move mountains with my music. When people come up to me and say how something I wrote or a performance I gave changed them or moved them in a great way, it truly makes me feel alive. I now know I can put a positive message out there and people feel me."

"I was excited about the opportunity to join Ryan on the CD. He pushed me to try new things and really explore my own creativeness. I think we were able to capture something truly unique and something that stands on its own," says Raoul.

"I think the chemistry between Johnny and I when we were writing songs together solidified my thoughts of having him produce. He brings such a unique quality to my songs and he's able to capture so much more than I thought was possible, not to mention the fact that I spilled his gl of red wine on his brand-new freakin' billion-dollar white Persian rug, and I figured I should throw him a bone." With his very personable attitude, mature songwriting, and catchy arrangements, many predict great things for this unique artist.

Ryan Cabrera takes it all away

Who cares if Ryan Cabrera was once the boyfriend of new rock artist Ashlee Simpson? More so what is it to us if Ashlee’s dad, who of course, also happens to be Jessica Simpson’s father is his manager. While we do indulge our curious selves by keeping up with the foibles of those pop stars, there are still more important things to bother about.

I do care though that John Rzeznik co-produced Cabrera’s debut album titled Take It All Away. As vocalist and guitarist of the popular group Goo Goo Dolls, Rzeznik had ample experience doing pop music that rocks but is also accessible to lots of people and very radio-friendly. Remember A Boy Named Goo, or Iris, which was used in the big-selling soundtrack of the movie City of Angels or Slide from the Goo Goo’s last album Gutterflower and other hits. So I figured that if Rzeznik was interested enough to take newcomer Cabrera under his wing, then there must be more to this guy than being young and spiky blond and Ashlee’s ex.

Well, I just found out that there is indeed a lot more to Cabrera than what was initially presented to us. Only 20 years old, this guy from Texas has a good tenor voice and sings with lots of confidence. He is very adept with the guitar. In fact, he is good enough to have played all the guitars in the album. Then he also has quite a knack for nailing down his emotions in songs with clever lyrics and hook-filled music. The mix of all those ingredients plus Rzeznik’s influence has resulted in one slick package that makes for truly enjoyable listening.

Purists will howl that Cabrera does not rock enough or that his music is too smooth and lacks grit. He is too Goo Goo Dolls! So I say, let’s leave the rough stuff to the rockers and take this guy as he is. Truth to tell it is not everyday that you find a new talent who has a good idea of what music he does best and Cabrera is lucky to find his early enough in his career.

Cabrera co-wrote all of the songs in the album. True is the cut I like best but whatever else you prefer is OK as there is not really much to complain about his album. The other songs are Let’s Take Our Time, Exit to Exit, 40 Kinds of Sadness, Echo Park, Take It All Away, Shame on Me, She’s, Illusions, and On the Way Down, which comes with an extra acoustic version.

I used to tell friends that if they want rock tunes that are not too distracting on the car radio, then they should go for the Goo Goos. Now, I will be happy to tell them that they can also add Ryan Cabrera’s Take It All Away to their selections.

Ryan Cabrera Among Singers At Youth Concert In D.C.

You might say the Janet Jackson moment of President Bush's inaugural festivities came Tuesday at a youth concert with hundreds of preteen Hilary Duff fans in the audience.

No nudity was involved, but the Vince Neil-style profanity probably didn't win rock band Fuel any fans at the Federal Communications Commission, nor from the parents at the concert. Now the Pennsylvania band is just hoping the concert, "America's Future Rocks Today," wasn't aired live.

Borrowing a word from Motley Crue's Neil, the lead singer of Fuel proclaimed, "Welcome to the greatest ——ing country in the world." Brett Scallions followed with a quick apology of "excuse my language."

The FCC is investigating Neil's wish to band mate Tommy Lee for a "Happy ——ing New Year," which aired live on NBC on New Year's Eve.

The outburst was one of the most interesting moments of Tuesday's concert, hosted by Bush twins Jenna and Barbara. They remained out of sight, though event organizers said they were in the audience.

Duff was the headliner at the half-full, D.C. Armory concert, which paid tribute to youth volunteerism and community service.

Other performers included 2003 "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, pop singer JoJo and the band, 3 Doors Down. Also appearing were former football player Jason Sehorn, actor Stephen Baldwin, who rode a skateboard onto the stage, and "Access Hollywood's" Nancy O'Dell, who co-hosts the entertainment show with Billy Bush, whose father, Jonathan, is the brother of former President George H.W. Bush.

A crowd favorite, besides Duff, was singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera, a Dallas native who whipped up the audience with his jams on the guitar and the drums. Cabrera, 20, said his last trip to Washington was in the seventh grade on a field trip. "I lost my contact lens in the Capitol," he told the audience, urging them to keep an eye out for it.

Ryan Cabrera's "Take It All Away" Paradox

Having Joe Simpson as your manager is both a curse and a blessing. On the one hand, he’s turned his two daughters into huge recording stars and is likely to do the same for you. At the same time, while Simpson’s daughters are major celebrities, their music isn’t regarded as anything more than run-of-the-mill fluff. Ryan Cabrera’s “Take It All Away” epitomizes this paradox.

Unlike the Simpson girls, Cabrera actually has a shred of talent, but aside from his hit single, “On the Way Down”, his music is too lightweight and superficial to be taken seriously. So many of his songs are regrettably characteristic of the manipulative cookie cutter nature of the recycled music that pollutes much of mainstream radio. While his music may swoon a core audience of teenage girls, most everyone else will moan at the manufactured sound he presents. He sings about love and relationships in such a meaningless matter that he almost makes Justin Timberlake seem like a lyrical poet.

With his pitiful lyrics and annoyingly predictable instrumental formulas, Cabrera fails to provide listeners with any semblance of a unique artistic voice. Although “Take It All Away” is producing healthy sales for his label, it doesn’t change the fact that the disc is a musical train wreck.

Ryan Cabrera Sets Sights On Album, Sorority Tour

Not one to stay at home, nursing his wounds, newly single singer Ryan Cabrera — a.k.a. Ashlee Simpson's ex — has set his green eyes squarely on the future. At the moment, that includes his forthcoming second album and his burgeoning plans for a sorority -house tour.
Although the 21-year-old Cabrera and Simpson had involved each other in their careers (Ashlee stars in the video for Cabrera's "On the Way Down," and Cabrera is the subject of Ashlee's first single, "Pieces of Me"), they decided it was time to go solo. The two had broken up once before, and although Cabrera noted that they're still friends, it seems this split is more permanent.

"We're kind of going for good this time," Cabrera said. "We're going in our own directions: She's going to concentrate on her career and I'm going to concentrate on my career, 'cause it's just too hard to keep people together when you're both new artists and you're both trying to keep your careers going."

Take it All Away, the singer's debut album, was co-produced by Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik and hits shelves on August 17. Cabrera, currently on a mall tour, performed at college fraternities across the country last year and hopes to make the sorority rounds next. "It could be quite the time," he said.

The singer recalled promoting his fraternity-house tour by serenading neighboring sorority houses. "I sat, like, 40 or 50 girls down in the living room," he said, "and I would sing them one song, and they'd be like 'Sing another one!' I'd be like 'No, you gotta come to the show.' And then I would leave."

The Dallas native has been making girls swoon over his music for years, with his high-school punk band Caine, his later rock band Rubix Groove (which opened for Cheap Trick, Ben Harper and Third Eye Blind) and eventually, on his own when his self-released 2001 solo album, Elm Street, sold out in Dallas stores.

Cabrera dropped out of college to pursue his music career. Joe Simpson, father of Jessica and Ashlee, signed on to manage him and helped land a recording contract. But it was Cabrera's publisher who really got the ball rolling when he lined up songwriting sessions with Rzeznik and the young singer.

Within a month, Cabrera and Rzeznik had put together the songs that would comprise Take It All Away, an emo-leaning album with pop hooks and a strong focus on Cabrera's voice. "We were like brothers at that point," Carbrera remembered, "to the point where we looked out for each other, we fought; we loved each other, we hated each other. We went through it all."

Cabrera's first single, "On the Way Down," which went to radio in May, is the song he credits with securing his record deal. Despite Simpson's starring role in the video, the track is not about Cabrera's former flame: It was written two years ago, before the two had met.

Cabrera is focused now on touring and getting his music out to as many people as possible and ensuring his staying power.

"I play guitar. I write my songs. I want to play longer," Cabrera said. "I don't want to be something that just comes in and goes out. I want people to see that I can actually play and I want to do this forever, not just have a couple records, you know?"

Looks like Ryan is picking up pieces with his ex, Ashlee Simpson

Now don't say we told you, but apparently America's sweethearts - lip-synching pop princess Ashlee Simpson and her spiky-haired ``All The Way Down'' boy Ryan Cabrera - are making beautiful music together again.

Ashlee and Ryan, who had a painful, public MTV split when their conflicting concert schedules tore them apart, were spotted in full-frontal canoodle mode at the KISS-108 Jingle Ball at the Tsongas Arena last week.

``They were standing together side-stage when Gwen Stefani was on,'' said our backstage spy. ``There was hand-holding, staring deeply into each other's eyes like no one was there, playful giddiness, smooching. Apparently, they are an item again.''

Apparently so!

As every 12-year-old is so painfully aware, Ryan was the subject of Ashlee's monster hit, ``Pieces of Me,'' and much of her MTV reality show was devoted to the then-budding romance between the two. (Ryan and Ashlee's sis, Jessica, had the same voice teacher and the sisters' dad, Joe, manages all three performers.)

But Ryan broke Ash's heart, even though the two have insisted that they remain ``best buds.''

Which brings us to the Jingle Ball. At first, we're told, Ryan's dressing room was adjacent to ``I Don't Want To Be'' singer Gavin DeGraw. But apparently, there is some bad blood between the two singer-songwriters.

Not to worry, Ashlee volunteered to trade dressing rooms with Gavin, which put her ever so much closer to Ryan.

``The sparks were flying,'' said our spy. ``Before you knew it, they were holding hands and smooching.'' In other words, their lips were in synch!

Ryan Cabrera happy to be back on friendly turf

During the past year, Ryan Cabrera has done almost every conceivable form of touring promotion to get the word out about his Texas-bred rock, pop 'n' roll.

He's opened high-profile concerts for Jewel. He completed his first-ever string of headlining performances. Now comes what he calls "the radio shows," station-embled multiact bills that essentially are pop music samplers.

In the case of tonight's Jingle Ball 2004, the singer responsible for radio-friendly hits On the Way Down and True can't wait. Such a gig puts Cabrera on friendlier ground than the alien territory he finds as an opening act. It also offers little of the pressure and responsibility of a headlining concert.

"I love doing these radio shows," Cabrera, 22, said Tuesday from Austin, Texas. "It's great for me because I get to check out some cool artists, do my own set and just have fun."

A Dallas native who now lives in Los Angeles, Cabrera used an important musical gift from what was essentially a non-musical family to ignite his career. For his birthday, the singer's brother bought him enough recording studio time to cut three original tunes.

"The engineer in the studio was like, 'Dude, I record crap all day long. But I really love your stuff. I'll record you for free.'"

The resulting session became an independent recording called Elm Street. After Internet interest and a devout Dallas fan base helped him sell 10,000 copies of the album, Cabrera dropped out of high school, hired a vocal coach and turned music from a hobby into a profession.

Fortune struck again while Cabrera was writing tunes for what is now his gold-selling, major-label album, Take It All Away. A music publisher hooked Cabrera up with Goo Goo Dolls chieftain Johnny Rzeznik as a co-writer. The two hit it off so well they wound up co-producing the entire project.

"It was surreal," Cabrera said. "I was such a Goo Goo Dolls fan. ... When we were done, I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, I just recorded an album with Johnny Rzeznik.' "

The record's hit status isn't getting the better of Cabrera. After a brief break, he will be back on the road to make sure as many prospective fans as possible hear Take It All Away.

"It's an honest record that I'm really, really proud of," he said. "We've gone gold already, but I'm looking at it like I haven't sold a single copy. Every day I'm not working is a day wasted where I could have been making more people aware of what I do."

Ryan Cabrera isn't just Ashlee Simpson's ex-boyfriend

Ryan Cabrera may be better known as Ashlee Simpson’s ex-boyfriend, but now he’s making a name for himself. His major label debut album, “Take It All Away,” has sold more than 320,000 copies so far, and its first single, “On the Way Down,” hit No. 8 on the Billboard chart. After opening for Jewel and Jessica Simpson and performing on college campuses, Cabrera just kicked off his first headlining tour.

But it was hard work — not connections — that brought the 22-year-old singer this far. He first picked up a guitar at age 15 and spent the next few years teaching himself to play chords and simple tunes. He formed a band with some buddies — Cabrera got roped into singing — and played gigs around the Dallas area for a few years. He went to college but dropped out after a year to devote himself to music, knowing his voice needed work. His coach turned out to be Jessica Simpson’s instructor, and she recommended to Simpson’s manager-father that he check out Cabrera. After signing with Joe Simpson, Cabrera landed a recording contract and went to Los Angeles, where he lived with the Simpsons for eight months. And then...

AP: I have to ask about your relationship with Ashlee Simpson.

Cabrera: We were best buds. It became like a brother-sister relationship. We were dating other people when I moved in, but that didn’t work out. Then we got together during my video, and then after that, it was ON.

AP: And now?

Cabrera: Just like we were before — we’re best friends. It sucks because we’re both doing so many things right now that it’s impossible to be together right now. We’ll see what happens in the future.

AP: Was it weird watching your relationship on her reality TV show and knowing other people were, too?

Cabrera: The only weird part is how they show it. I’m used to being around cameras because of (“Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica”). What’s weird is when they edit it and try to put a month’s period into one show.

AP: Did her show help your career?

Cabrera: Sure. Whenever people get to see you, it’s a great thing. Once people see an image and see the character, they can get into the music a lot more.

AP: How did you get into singing? Was it something you always wanted to do?

Cabrera: Absolutely not. The guys in my band said “There’s three of us and one of you so you’re singing.” I was horrible, I was absolutely awful. That’s why I put myself through that insane program.

AP: What did it entail?

Cabrera: I sang every day by myself for six hours. I was holding up chairs while singing scales to work out my diaphragm. I heard Michael Jackson did it, but everybody said not to, it’s not good for your voice.

AP: A lot of your songs deal with breaking up or thanking a girl for her love. Did you draw on personal experiences?

Cabrera: I would say so. I went through losing my first love while I was writing the album. I also wrote a song about the new girl in my life. “On the Way Down” is about searching for happiness in things that weren’t real, searching for happiness in material possessions. For me, it’s a spiritual song. But I left song open to interpretation. It could be about a girl, or it could be about a pet parakeet.

AP: How did you guys get into “Rock, Vote & Win”?

Cabrera: I wanted to be involved with Rock the Vote, but Joe suggested we do our own thing. Then we got Clear Channel on board and came up with the idea. I wanted to get involved with something, I didn’t care exactly what. “Rock, Vote & Win” is really educational, and it’s fun for schools. We’re not trying to tell them who to vote for, we’re just telling them to vote.

AP: Did you vote in the last presidential election?

Cabrera: I did NOT vote last time. When I was 18, I was a punk kid just trying to play guitar, not really trying to know what’s going on. That’s why we’re trying to get people aware.

AP: Anything else I need to know about you?

Cabrera: I really like chocolate chip cookies.

Ryan Cabrera starts tour to promote his debut album ''Take It All Away''

Ryan Cabrera kicks off his headlining tour in Columbus, Ohio. He's on the road to promote his debut release, "Take It All Away." Cabrera will be on the road until November 26, when he plays the Gypsy Tea Room in Dallas, Texas. Skye Sweetnam will open the shows.

During December, Cabrera will take part in several radio station concerts to ring in the holidays including New York City radio station Z100's annual Jingle Ball.

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