Ryan Amador

(New York, NY) Singer-songwriter Ryan Amador has just released his self-titled debut album on Spotify following its initial release last June. Bursting with what Larry Flick (Sirius XM) defines as “acoustic pop,” Amador’s 11-track LP explores the sounds of his late 90's influences with vocal-looping, acoustic beats, and live instruments for a “human touch” that matches his heartfelt lyrics. Influenced by the music of Damien Rice, Jason Mraz, and John Legend, the album, Ryan Amador, features the young artist’s striking vocal presence, catchy melodies, and simple orchestration to connect with the hearts of his listeners and bring them along this emotional journey. The “swelling and epic” (Jezebel) lead single “Define Me” is available for download. 23 year old Ryan started honing his craft as a teenager, recording demos of his original songs in Hollywood by age 12 and starring in numerous musicals during school. After graduating from NYU in 2011, Amador showcased his debut EP, Symptoms of a Wide Eyed Being, produced by Justin Goldner & Shaina Taub (Funky Butter Productions), before embarking on a tour through Chicago in 2012. Following up with a stripped down sound, Ryan Amador pleased the masses with his 5-track, sophomore EP Palos Verdes: A Teenage Retrospective in the fall of the same year. With the release of his current, self-titled album, Amador has been a recurring guest on Sirius XM’s “OutQ Channel”, been featured in a private MTV Showcase and ASCAP’s “I Create Music” EXPO in Los Angeles, and was featured at Pride events in New York, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh (opening for Adam Lambert). The lead single and piano ballad “Define Me”, featuring Jo Lampert of indie band AVAN LAVA, is the ultimate track on his current album and the music video has garnered over 133,000 views in its first 5 months on Youtube. The powerful video, directed by Tom Gustafson (Mariachi Gringo, Were The World Mine) shows Amador and Lampert “stripping down to their underwear to reveal gay slurs and negative stereotypes written across their bodies.” (Huffington Post). The simplicity carries the song and video, two voices containing a contrary sound blending into a “beautiful and catchy song [that] will make you cry — probably a lot.” (Jezebel). An aspiring humanitarian, Amador donated the earnings from his hit single “Define Me” to organizations supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) equality. Inspired by progressive artists like Gotye and Janelle Monae, Amador and the record’s producer, David Baloche, expressed great interest in theatricality and invention when recording the album. The sound of a shattering lightbulb in “Crystal Bed”, audio samples from a children’s playground in “Skylark”, and swelling tempo changes in “Pageant” are notable moments they create to provide a unique listening experience in every track. Ryan Amador’s primary goal in music is creating an experience for the listeners that parallels the content of the song, which results in tracks that progress from vulnerable, quiet moments into a full explosive sound. Amador’s self-titled debut album continuously evolves throughout the tracks while containing authentic and passionate lyrics. - Vents Magazine

(New York, NY) Singer-songwriter Ryan Amador has just released his self-titled debut album on Spotify following its initial release last June. Bursting with what Larry Flick (Sirius XM) defines as “acoustic pop,” Amador’s 11-track LP explores the sounds of his late 90's influences with vocal-looping, acoustic beats, and live instruments for a “human touch” that matches his heartfelt lyrics. Influenced by the music of Damien Rice, Jason Mraz, and John Legend, the album, Ryan Amador, features the young artist’s striking vocal presence, catchy melodies, and simple orchestration to connect with the hearts of his listeners and bring them along this emotional journey. The “swelling and epic” (Jezebel) lead single “Define Me” is available for download. 23 year old Ryan started honing his craft as a teenager, recording demos of his original songs in Hollywood by age 12 and starring in numerous musicals during school. After graduating from NYU in 2011, Amador showcased his debut EP, Symptoms of a Wide Eyed Being, produced by Justin Goldner & Shaina Taub (Funky Butter Productions), before embarking on a tour through Chicago in 2012. Following up with a stripped down sound, Ryan Amador pleased the masses with his 5-track, sophomore EP Palos Verdes: A Teenage Retrospective in the fall of the same year. With the release of his current, self-titled album, Amador has been a recurring guest on Sirius XM’s “OutQ Channel”, been featured in a private MTV Showcase and ASCAP’s “I Create Music” EXPO in Los Angeles, and was featured at Pride events in New York, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh (opening for Adam Lambert). The lead single and piano ballad “Define Me”, featuring Jo Lampert of indie band AVAN LAVA, is the ultimate track on his current album and the music video has garnered over 133,000 views in its first 5 months on Youtube. The powerful video, directed by Tom Gustafson (Mariachi Gringo, Were The World Mine) shows Amador and Lampert “stripping down to their underwear to reveal gay slurs and negative stereotypes written across their bodies.” (Huffington Post). The simplicity carries the song and video, two voices containing a contrary sound blending into a “beautiful and catchy song [that] will make you cry — probably a lot.” (Jezebel). An aspiring humanitarian, Amador donated the earnings from his hit single “Define Me” to organizations supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) equality. Inspired by progressive artists like Gotye and Janelle Monae, Amador and the record’s producer, David Baloche, expressed great interest in theatricality and invention when recording the album. The sound of a shattering lightbulb in “Crystal Bed”, audio samples from a children’s playground in “Skylark”, and swelling tempo changes in “Pageant” are notable moments they create to provide a unique listening experience in every track. Ryan Amador’s primary goal in music is creating an experience for the listeners that parallels the content of the song, which results in tracks that progress from vulnerable, quiet moments into a full explosive sound. Amador’s self-titled debut album continuously evolves throughout the tracks while containing authentic and passionate lyrics. - Vents Magazine

As I watched the video for “Define Me,” a piano ballad by singer-songwriter Ryan Amador featuring Jo Lampert, I kept trying to resist it. I kept thinking, “God, these lyrics are so on the nose! All this blatant stuff about wanting to start a party where everyone is free to love who they want? Where all gay people will be united and free? I mean, yes, yes… I want those things. Of course I do. But if I’m going to listen to a song about them, can’t it be a little less blunt?”

I thought the same thing about the music video, which features Amador and Lampert stripping off their clothes to reveal anti-gay slurs written all over their bodies, like a LGBT update on that famous Dixie Chicks cover of Entertainment Weekly. “Okay, y’all,” I thought. “I got you. You’re covered in society’s hateful labels, and… oops! Now you’re washing them off. We all saw that coming.”



I’m not saying I have a problem with sincerity. Most of the time, I argue for sincere emotion in popular culture, since our reliance on irony and sarcasm trains us we’ll be smarter and happier if we’re shielded from genuine emotion. Which isn’t true. So when I encounter a song or film or story that actually evokes honest feeling, I get moved and start crying. Almost every time. That’s why I wrote about these gay love songs for Valentine’s Day. They just get me RIGHT HERE, you know?

However, I get skittish when a work of art, even if it’s sincere, is trying to teach me something. Because… um… I’ve been to school. Spare me the moral lessons. And “Define Me” is making some blunt moral arguments here. Granted, the song’s YouTube page says it was written for an LGBT youth conference, so I guess that makes sense. You probably DO want to be blunt at a conference like that. Still, I was resisting the song, the video, and the message.

But I kept watching. And damn it, “Define Me” got to me anyway.

For one thing, Amador and Lampert both have beautiful voices. He’s a little more musical theatre and she’s a little more blues-rock, and when they blend together, it’s like hearing hard and soft, whispers and shouts, all at once. Plus, the song is performed so simply and plaintively that it’s easy to believe in what they’re singing. They don’t frill it up with a hundred guitars or AutoTune because a message this heartfelt doesn’t need any of that. It just needs lovely voices.

That simplicity carries to the video, too. Director Tom Gustafson holds the shots for a long time, so that each image of a body part or face lands firmly in the mind. When we stare at people like this — without a hyperactive series of edits to distract us — it’s easier to feel connected to them.

More importantly, both Amador and Lampert just seem really nice. They smile a lot. They look at each other and giggle. They might be singing a moral message, but they don’t seem like angry preachers. Ultimately, I couldn’t resist their gentleness and sweetness, and by the end of the song, I was touched by what they’d done.

So there you go. I fought “Define Me,” but I eventually fell for its earnest kindness. Maybe I’ve heard this song’s message before, but I’m not sorry I heard it again. - New Now Next

As I watched the video for “Define Me,” a piano ballad by singer-songwriter Ryan Amador featuring Jo Lampert, I kept trying to resist it. I kept thinking, “God, these lyrics are so on the nose! All this blatant stuff about wanting to start a party where everyone is free to love who they want? Where all gay people will be united and free? I mean, yes, yes… I want those things. Of course I do. But if I’m going to listen to a song about them, can’t it be a little less blunt?”

I thought the same thing about the music video, which features Amador and Lampert stripping off their clothes to reveal anti-gay slurs written all over their bodies, like a LGBT update on that famous Dixie Chicks cover of Entertainment Weekly. “Okay, y’all,” I thought. “I got you. You’re covered in society’s hateful labels, and… oops! Now you’re washing them off. We all saw that coming.”



I’m not saying I have a problem with sincerity. Most of the time, I argue for sincere emotion in popular culture, since our reliance on irony and sarcasm trains us we’ll be smarter and happier if we’re shielded from genuine emotion. Which isn’t true. So when I encounter a song or film or story that actually evokes honest feeling, I get moved and start crying. Almost every time. That’s why I wrote about these gay love songs for Valentine’s Day. They just get me RIGHT HERE, you know?

However, I get skittish when a work of art, even if it’s sincere, is trying to teach me something. Because… um… I’ve been to school. Spare me the moral lessons. And “Define Me” is making some blunt moral arguments here. Granted, the song’s YouTube page says it was written for an LGBT youth conference, so I guess that makes sense. You probably DO want to be blunt at a conference like that. Still, I was resisting the song, the video, and the message.

But I kept watching. And damn it, “Define Me” got to me anyway.

For one thing, Amador and Lampert both have beautiful voices. He’s a little more musical theatre and she’s a little more blues-rock, and when they blend together, it’s like hearing hard and soft, whispers and shouts, all at once. Plus, the song is performed so simply and plaintively that it’s easy to believe in what they’re singing. They don’t frill it up with a hundred guitars or AutoTune because a message this heartfelt doesn’t need any of that. It just needs lovely voices.

That simplicity carries to the video, too. Director Tom Gustafson holds the shots for a long time, so that each image of a body part or face lands firmly in the mind. When we stare at people like this — without a hyperactive series of edits to distract us — it’s easier to feel connected to them.

More importantly, both Amador and Lampert just seem really nice. They smile a lot. They look at each other and giggle. They might be singing a moral message, but they don’t seem like angry preachers. Ultimately, I couldn’t resist their gentleness and sweetness, and by the end of the song, I was touched by what they’d done.

So there you go. I fought “Define Me,” but I eventually fell for its earnest kindness. Maybe I’ve heard this song’s message before, but I’m not sorry I heard it again. - New Now Next

Brooklyn boy Ryan Amador challenges his fans and Ameria to "Define Me" with his newest single. Ryan paired up with fellow out musician Jo Lampart - from AVON LAVA - to create a song and video calling for the abolition of labels. Nervous about making it, in the video Ryan and Jo partially disrobe to reveal labels and derogatory names that are later washed away...as they wish all such names could be.
The cover art for "Define Me" emphasizes the song's lyrics with a blank human shape designed by artist Markios Lopes Castro.
The song has become an anthem for the LGBT community. Ryan and Jo performed the song at the True Colors LGBT Youth Conference and at the Spirit of Pride: Queer First Celebration at St. John the Divine.
"Define Me" is a part of Ryan Amador's debut full length CD. The album is available via Ryan's website www.ryanamador.com. See the video at http://www.ryanamador.com/#!videos/c1bc1.
Previously the southern California native has released two EPs - "Symtoms of a Wide Eyed Being" and "Polas Verdes: A Teenage Retrospective".
In his song "Instead" Ryan begins "Go...be yourself along the way." While the song itself is lamenting the loss of a lover who chose another; the words are fitting as a mantra for life and humanity.
Writing since he was nine years old, Ryan taps into his emotions and personal experiences to craft what he calls progressive pop music.
Although he plays the piano to write his music, Ryan never saw himself as a musician growing up - but rather a singer-songwriter -; despite being surrounded by music and performing in musicials.
In a recent phone interview, Ryan said that authenticity is the most important thing to him. Ryan spent a year crafting and recording the original songs that appear on "Ryan Amador" to ensure such authenticity.
Currently working on some new material, Ryan said that he has yet to plan a bug tour because his fans are scattered across the globe.
Ryan Amador has challenged the fans to "Define Me" and he has been deemed an authentic musician. - All Voices

"Fresh, fresh out of the musical oven, Ryan Amador shines as a new singer and songwriter already delivering powerful lyrics with his song, "Define Me".

read more: page 82-89 at link below - Kraven Magazine

"Fresh, fresh out of the musical oven, Ryan Amador shines as a new singer and songwriter already delivering powerful lyrics with his song, "Define Me".

read more: page 82-89 at link below - Kraven Magazine

Ryan Amador, the out singer-songwriter who challenged listeners to label him in his last song, "Define Me," has now returned with his latest single, "Instead."

If you need a heartbreaking piano ballad to help you through your workday, then "Instead," a song about longing for a former love, will certainly help you get your fix. The video, which features Amador singing while playing the piano, foregoes any fancy video effects and let's the song speak for itself.
- Huffington Post

Ryan Amador, the out singer-songwriter who challenged listeners to label him in his last song, "Define Me," has now returned with his latest single, "Instead."

If you need a heartbreaking piano ballad to help you through your workday, then "Instead," a song about longing for a former love, will certainly help you get your fix. The video, which features Amador singing while playing the piano, foregoes any fancy video effects and let's the song speak for itself.
- Huffington Post

Singer and songwriter Ryan Amador just released his new video, "Define Me," featuring Jo Lampert.

The powerful video shows Amador and Lampert stripping down to their underwear to reveal gay slurs and negative stereotypes written across their bodies.

Directed by Tom Gustafson, the video ends with the two vocalists washing away the words and sharing a supportive smile. Gustafon is an award-winning director who helmed "Were The World Mine" and "Mariachi Gringo" and who served as location casting director for films like "Pirates of the Caribbean II and III" and "The Dark Knight."

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the track will be donated to organizations actively involved with supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. - Huffington Post

Singer and songwriter Ryan Amador just released his new video, "Define Me," featuring Jo Lampert.

The powerful video shows Amador and Lampert stripping down to their underwear to reveal gay slurs and negative stereotypes written across their bodies.

Directed by Tom Gustafson, the video ends with the two vocalists washing away the words and sharing a supportive smile. Gustafon is an award-winning director who helmed "Were The World Mine" and "Mariachi Gringo" and who served as location casting director for films like "Pirates of the Caribbean II and III" and "The Dark Knight."

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the track will be donated to organizations actively involved with supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. - Huffington Post