Kyle Riabko

Kyle Riabko
Born (1987-09-29) September 29, 1987
Origin Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Genres Pop rock
Occupation(s) Musician, songwriter, actor
Instruments Vocals, guitar, bass, piano, etc.
Years active 2001–present
Labels Okbair Ltd.
Aware/Columbia Records (2003–2008)

Kyle Riabko (born 29 September 1987) is a singer, guitarist, composer and actor who was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Before starring on Broadway in both Spring Awakening and Hair, Kyle released a full-length album of original music on Columbia Records, and spent his teen years touring as an opening act for a wide range of artists, including: BB King, James Brown, John Mayer, Keb Mo, Buddy Guy, Jason Mraz, and others. He has also appeared as an actor in various film and television projects.

Riabko also starred in "What's It All About? Bacharach Reimagined" at the New York Theatre Workshop, which is also where the Tony-winning Broadway smashes Once, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Rent originated. "What's It All About?" was directed by the acclaimed choreographer Steven Hoggett (Once) and featured Riabko's arrangements of the music of Burt Bacharach.

Kyle subsequently brought his acclaimed interpretation of the Bacharach catalogue to London, first to The Menier Chocolate Factory, and then to The Criterion Theatre in the West End where it broke box office records as “Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined”.

Burt Bacharach attended the opening night of the show in NYC and both openings in London and said, “Kyle has done something truly unique with my music. He’s a beautiful singer and one hell of a guitar player.”

Other celebrities who saw and praised the show included Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Mike Myers, Elvis Costello, and Ricky Wilson of The Kaiser Chiefs, among others.

In the summer of 2016, Ghostlight Records released The Original London Cast Recording of “Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined” which was produced by Riabko, and also featured some of his original demos which formed the basis of the show.

Riabko followed the album release with solo concert performances of “Bacharach Reimagined” in NYC, LA, and his hometown of Saskatoon in Canada.

Music career

Riabko has been performing since the age of 10. At age 12, he toured Eastern Canada as part of the band Bluesway Express.[1] He began his international music career during his junior year of high school when he toured with John Mayer, Delta Goodrem, Buddy Guy, Pussycat Dolls and Jason Mraz, among others. He was signed to Aware/Columbia Records in 2003 on a five-year contract.

His full-length album Before I Speak was released 19 April 2005, just a few months before his high school graduation. He wrote each song on the album. Riabko played guitar and bass for the recording along with backing from former Prince drummer Michael Bland and former Grapes of Wrath keyboardist Vince Jones. Both Liz Phair and Robert Randolph appear on the album contributing guest vocals. John Mayer also has an uncredited assist with guitar arrangements, specifically on the song 'Carry On.' Before I Speak was co-produced by Riabko with Matt Wallace and Chris Burke-Gaffney.

Most of the album's recording took place at Sound City in Los Angeles. The tracks "Before I Speak" and "Doesn't Get Much Better" were recorded in Riabko's bedroom at his parents' home just prior to the completion of the album. Three singles were released from the album: "Carry On," "Do You Right" and "What Did I Get Myself Into."

Prior to the release of Before I Speak, a six-track EP was released which includes two songs that are not found on the full-length album: "Estrogen" and "I Don't Know."

In March 2007, Riabko released The Duo EP: Volume 1, a six-track disc recorded with Dylan Hermiston featuring what Riabko describes as a "deeper, more experimental sound."

In September 2007, he joined Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers on tour to replace Chris Soucy as second guitarist.

Kyle Riabko and Boots Factor from Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers collaborated on a side project called Trevor Jackson, releasing a digital album. The duo released their second album in 2010.

On September 15, 2008 Kyle Riabko released The Parkdale Sessions Riabko's first full-length record released by Kyle's record label, Okbair Ltd. The album features 10 tracks, including two from his run in the Broadway show Spring Awakening.

Acting career

Kyle replaced Jonathan Groff in the Broadway production of the musical Spring Awakening, in the lead role of Melchior Gabor, on May 23, 2008. He left the Broadway production to join the national tour on August 2, 2008. After reprising the role on the national tour, he left the production on June 28, 2009.[2] The 2009 television documentary Kyle Riabko: The Lead, by filmmaker Jeff Newman, follows Riabko from Toronto to New York City as he takes on the lead in Spring Awakening.[3]

Kyle Riabko replaced Gavin Creel as Claude in the 2009 Tony Award Winning Musical Revival of Hair. Performances began March 9, 2010. Riabko signed a one-year contract with the Broadway Company of Hair.

Kyle has also performed in various film and television roles.

Philanthropy

Riabko has lent his talents to support various charitable causes. In 2005, he took part in the Next Generation Rainforest Foundation Benefit helping to support the rights of the native people living in rainforests. Kyle also took part in 2006's Song for Africa , a benefit project for AIDS victims in Africa.

Discography

Singles

Filmography

Stage

References

  1. ↑ Ouzounian, Richard. "An Awakening star is born: Kyle Riabko goes from Saskatchewan open mike jams to Broadway stage – and he's just 20", Toronto Star, 2008-05-14, p. E1.
  2. ↑ Bashoff and Riabko to Rock Tour of Spring Awakening
  3. ↑ Doyle, John (April 13, 2009). "Also airing tonight", The Globe and Mail, p. R2.

External links

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