Ryan Cassata has a lot on his résumé, which is all down to hard work and incredible talent. From being the first Trans-artist to be on the Warped Tour bill, to being an actor and songwriter, it's truly inspiring to see the success of the artist. The multi instrumentalist is from Bay Shore, New York and began writing music at 12 years old, after starting piano lessons.
After starting his YouTube channel in 2007, that touched on his music and experiences as a transgender man, Ryan became a very well known public speaker and activist who ended up being interviewed by Larry King in 2009! Two years later,
'The Theme of Humankind' album was released and by the mid 2010's, Cassata was all over Billboard publications due to successful songs like, 'Soda Cans and 'Daughter'. It was great to be able to ask Ryan about his career as a Trans-artist and what he's got planned for 2021!
credit Maxine Bowen
What were your earliest memories of music and what musicians inspired you to pick up an instrument?
I grew up surrounded by music. My mom always had the radio on. WBAB 102.3 was our go to station, it was the classic rock station where I grew up. I started playing guitar when I was about 6 years old. My older brother had been sort-of playing guitar at the time but barely. I felt myself drawn to the guitar. I begged for lessons and eventually my parents gave in.
What music growing up you loved, still sticks with you?
From when I was super young… Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, T. Rex, Joan Jett, Ani DiFranco, Guns N’ Roses…
However, pretty much everything that I’ve listened to and loved in my life, I’m still into.
You started writing on the piano as a kid, which is so cute! When you were a few years older, what was inspiring you to write?
Life I guess. Something inside of me? Not sure really. I wouldn’t be able to teach someone how to write a song. I think it’s something that some people are born with. I don’t get to choose when I want to write. A feeling washes over me, and I just know it’s time.
credit Maxine Bowen
In 2014, ‘Soda Cans’, was a big moment with being called a Trans anthem by The Advocate! What does that song mean to you?
It’s a queer love song and it’s one of my first poppier songs. I strayed away from my rock sound a bit for that one. I think it was the start of a new sound for me and being able to do that comfortably.
What was it like being championed as an important musician and artist for the Trans community? Being the first openly trans musician to perform at Warped Tour must of been a mad experience!
Thank you! It’s such a blessing and still it feels so unbelievable. I didn’t think that it was going to be possible for me and I’m so grateful for my platform, my listeners, and all the cool people that come out to the shows.
‘Daughter’ stood out to me lyrically and musically! You are singing about the daughter/father relationship that many must be so worried about when worried about acceptance of who they truly are. How does it feel to of written song that has helped so many take a big step in coming out?
Unbelievable…honestly. I wrote the song in 10 minutes and I wasn’t planning on sharing it with the world until my friends were like “”dude you should”. I was not expecting such a strong and positive reaction. I am grateful every single day because it’s helped so many people.
On ‘The Witches Made Me Do It’, how was Disguise written? I love the piano like ballad playing!
This one was written on the piano. A lot of that album was actually written on the piano. It was nice to get back to that. I think it gave the album a different feel than previous albums.
‘Rebels & Ghosts’ has come out this year, alongside ‘The Witches...’,! How was it having so much music coming out in one year?!!
It feels good to catch up. I have so much unrecorded and unreleased music. I hope that I get to release it all eventually.
credit Maxine Bowen
What can we see next from you? Hope you are keeping safe and well during 2020!
I’m trying to finish up an album and release it sometime next year. We are in post-production right now as I answer these questions! I hope to finish my memoir too and put that out into the world. And for real…I hope that we can get back to live music SOON. I really miss playing shows and exchanging energy with fans.
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