"I've been breaking it down since '83, oh you didn't know, whateva."

There are few artists that can truly connect with an audience the way Dallas, Texas singer/songwriter Ryan Cabrera does. Atlantic Records agrees as they 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?" he 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," Cabrera says.

Ryan began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age and gradually matured into an accomplished performer. While still in high school Ryan 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 97s, 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, New York, Schubas Tavern in Chicago, Illinois, Juanitas and Sticky Fingerz in Little Rock, Arkansas, George's Majestic Lounce 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, Pennsylvania, The Point in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Antones, La Zona Rosa, Lucy's, Mango's, and Momo's in Austin, Texas, The Laboratory in San Antoni, and Fitzgerald's in Houston.

In the summer of 2001, Ryan took a brief break from touring to record his independant debut CD entitled Elm Street, which is currently sold out. Ryan spent several long nights at Deep Ellum Studios recording Elm Street in which he produced, arranged, played all guitars, keyboards, drum beats and even beat-boxed. 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 crativeness. I think we were able to capture something truly unique and something that stands on its own," says Schroff.

Soon after Elm Street, manager Joe Simpson caught wind of Ryan and immediately signed him to his management company. A few months and several trips to LA and New York, Ryan signed a publishing deal with Evan Lamburg of EMI Publishing and a multi-record deal with Atlantic Records. Once 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 glass 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.
-- RyanCabrera.com

Guitarist, songwriter, and Texas native Ryan Cabrera never planned on a career in music. His hobby turned into a passion 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. Assisting behind the boards were Sabelle Breer and Curt Frasca (Avril Lavigne), Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams), and co-producer Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls).
-- James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide