Q: You signed a multi-record deal with Atlantic Records. How difficult was it for you to get inked to that deal?

Ryan: It was definitely a huge dream that I had been working my mutt off for. I had to pull the old walking into a president's office and singing for just him! Its not that easy to play your guitar and sing to a man, let alone the president of a record label! After, months and months of singing in every office I could, I finally made an impression after writing the song "On the Way Down" -- after that, we started to get attention from the labels and I got the call from my manager that we got a deal with Atlantic.

Q: Your Atlantic Records debut album "Take It All Away" is scheduled for release this summer. What are your thoughts on the album?

Ryan: Well, its an honest record that I think young and old can both relate to - I wanted to make a positive album that looked at things in a different way and also keep the music fresh and diverse - I love so many different kinds of music so I wanted to mix it up a little bit of razzle.

Q: Where can a person go to purchase your album?

Ryan: It should be in stores everywhere or at a live show. (Ed. Note: Readers can purchase Ryan's music by clicking on this link .)

Q: What are some of your favorite tracks of the album?

Ryan: I would say that my favorite track is "Take it All Away" -- its a real song about material things getting in the way of people and their hearts -- so many people let objects become their God and I think they never really get to know themselves -- you should be able to take everything you have away and still be happy. "One The Way Down" and "True" are also some of my favorites.

Q: 'On The Way Down' is one of the singles scheduled for release.
What can you tell us about this song?

Ryan: 'On The Way' down is a song about finding something that pulls you out of a hole - i was going through a rough time where everything on the outside looked great for me, but i was missing something on the inside - and finally that something saved me - it can be anything for people, it could be God or a girl or whatever you confide in.

Q: When will the music video be out?

Ryan: The single is on the radio on May 25th and the video will follow that shortly by a couple weeks or so.

Q: What other songs will be released as singles?

Ryan: Not quite sure yet, you never really know until you reach that point -- could be "40 Kinds of Sadness" or "Exit to Exit" or "Shame on Me."

Q: What kind of positive message are you trying to send with your songs?

Ryan: There's not really one exact message but overall, I think that we learn something out of everything, anything bad, brings good in some way whether you can see it or not.

Q: Johnny Rzeznik (of the Goo Goo Dolls) CO-produced your album. What was it like working with him?

Ryan: It was definitely a surreal experience which changed every way I looked at music. We challenged each other when making this album but always focused on the goal. It was great to work with someone who appreciates music and has so much passion -- we are both stubborn though so it made for some crazy sessions! I will always be a fan of Johnny's and I look forward to working again in the future with him.

Q: How old were you when you started to play the guitar?

Ryan: I was in the 8th grade when I picked up my first guit-fiddle! Never really put it down after that.

Q: How old were you when you wrote your first song?

Ryan: I was 15 when I first wrote a song, I entered a baywatch battle of the bands without even having a band so I threw my brother on the drums and made my friend play bass. It was a moment to remember. Needless to say, those songs didn't stick around for too long.

Q: What was it like for you to tour with Jewel?

Ryan: It was so cool cause it was such a laid back tour with awesome crowds. I just got up there with my guitar and started playing...and peeps were dancing in their chairs so it was great.

Q: Your starting a tour with Jessica Simpson. What are your thoughts on this tour?

Ryan: Ah, I can't even wait cause I got a band on the road with me this time so it will be crazy -- does this mean I get to stage dive now? Hmm ... It'll be blast to be on the road with a friend; now I just gotta start thinking about what practical jokes I can play on her.

Q: What's the best thing about performing live?

Ryan: Definitely the energy that you get from a crowd! I get so dang hyper when I am onstage and I love to perform. Its so much fun to play a show and meet people.

Q: Do you have a most memorable tour moment you'd like to share with us?

Ryan: On this jewel tour, I was hanging out after the show signing stuff and a 75 year old lady (who was definitely drunk by the way) came up to me and I thought she was gonna give me a hug but she planted one dead on my lips! I gotta say I was a little frightened.

Q: What do you do to kill time when your on the road?

Ryan: Well, I found a rousing game of pillow fighting in a moving RV to be quite amusing -- also I like to watch movies and make stupid games in my dressing room ... I'd have to show you to understand!

Q: What musicians do you admire?

Ryan: Shane Barnard, STING!!, Paul Simon, Damien Rice, Dave Matthews, Edwin McCain, Daniel Bedingfield, Craig David and Van Morrison.

Q: If you weren't a musician what would you be?

Ryan: A game show host on the price is right or a full time roller hockey player...but that's only in my head of course.

Q: Do you have anything to say to your fans who read this Interview?

As Morrie always said, "Love each other or perish."

Ryan Cabrera's Atlantic Records debut CD is now available at fine stores everywhere. Ryan will be on tour with Jessica Simpson this summer. Don't miss his show!

Interview by © 2004 Michael Montes - All Rights Reserved.