Kyle Riabko
Encyclopedia
Kyle Riabko is a Canadian pop singer
, guitarist
, and actor
who was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
. He resides in New York City
.
He is perhaps best known for his role in in the first touring production of Spring Awakening
and less known for joining the casts of the hit CW drama series spin-off of 90210
and the CTV
/The N series Instant Star
, where he portrayed Ian Chrismoth and Milo, respectively.
, 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. Before I Speak
was co-produced by Riabko with Matt Wallace and Chris Burke-Gaffney
, who acts as Riabko's manager.
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.
Riabko released a three-song EP, Song For Amanda: The EP
, the title track of which he claims was written for actress Amanda Bynes
. In a YouTube
video and on a special website http://www.songforamanda.com as part of the EP's promotion, Riabko asked his fans to spread the song and video to friends in hopes it would one day land in the hands of the actress.
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.
In 2008, Kyle wrote 3 songs with Toronto singer-songwriter Basia Lyjak
. The first, "Don't Talk," has since been released with a video. The second, "What It Feels Like" was released June 19, 2009 at the Hard Rock Cafe during Basia's NXNE showcase.
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
.
as Milo, an Instant Star contestant. The season first aired June 2, 2008.
He 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, and he was replaced by Weeds
star Hunter Parrish
. After reprising the role on the national tour with Broadway costar Blake Bashoff
for almost a year, he left the production on June 28, 2009. 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.
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.
In August 2010, it was announced that Riabko would play the love interest of Trevor Donovan
's character Teddy on the modern adaptation of the 90s hit 90210
. After appearing into multiple episodes of 90210
the show runner stated that Kyle will be leaving next year to make himself available for the up-coming new television pilot, He is part of the upcoming film called Cinema Verite which is to be expected to be release on 2011. As for his role as Ian in 90210
, he is being written out to introduce Marco played by Freddie Smith
as the new love interest of Teddy. He recent star into musical teen drama film Rising Stars
victims in Africa.
Pop Singer
"Pop Singer" is the début single from London-based glam rockers Rachel Stamp. It was released in February, 1996 through WEA. The single was released as a 2 track CD Single and limited edition pink 7" vinyl of 1000 copies...
, guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
, and actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
who was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of . Saskatchewan is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, and on the south by the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota....
. He resides in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
He is perhaps best known for his role in in the first touring production of Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of the controversial 1892 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. It features music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Set in late-19th century Germany, it concerns teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of...
and less known for joining the casts of the hit CW drama series spin-off of 90210
90210 (season 3)
The third season of 90210, an American television series, premiered on Monday September 13, 2010. The CW officially renewed the show for a third season on February 16, 2010. With the reveal of the networks fall 2010 schedule, they announced their decision to move 90210 to Monday...
and the CTV
CTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
/The N series Instant Star
Instant Star
Instant Star was a Canadian television program which aired from September 2004 to June 2008. The series starred Alexz Johnson as adolescent music competition winner Jude Harrison. The show chronicles Harrison's experience in the recording industry whilst focusing upon character development.Linda...
, where he portrayed Ian Chrismoth and Milo, respectively.
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. He began his international music career during his junior year of high school when he toured with John MayerJohn Mayer
John Clayton Mayer is an American pop rock and blues rock musician, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and music producer. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He moved to Atlanta in 1997, where he refined his...
, Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem
Delta Lea Goodrem is an Australian singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress. Signed to Sony at the age of 15, Goodrem rose to prominence in 2002, starring in the Australian soap opera Neighbours as Nina Tucker. Goodrem has achieved eight number-one singles and three number-one albums in her home...
, Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy
George "Buddy" Guy is an American blues and jazz guitarist and singer. He is a critically acclaimed artist who has established himself as a pioneer of the Chicago blues sound, and has served as an influence to some of the most notable musicians of his generation...
, Pussycat Dolls
Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
and Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz
Jason Thomas Mraz , also known as Mr. AZ and Mr. Raz, is an American singer-songwriter. Mraz released his debut album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come, which contained the hit single "The Remedy ", in 2002, but it was not until the release of his second album, "Mr. A-Z", in 2005, that Mraz achieved...
, among others. He was signed to Aware/Columbia Records
Aware Records
Aware Records is an American record label, existent to seek unsigned musical artists and expose them to the mainstream media. The label has had success with a range of artists, including John Mayer, Train, Five For Fighting, Mat Kearney and Guster....
in 2003 on a five-year contract.
His full-length album Before I Speak
Before I Speak
Before I Speak is the debut album from Canadian singer/songwriter Kyle Riabko. The album infuses R&B style with elements of funk, soul, and intense staring....
was released 19 April 2005, just a few months before his high school graduation. He wrote each song on the album. Riabko played guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
for the recording along with backing from former Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
drummer Michael Bland
Michael Bland
Michael Bland is best known as a drummer for Prince starting in 1989. He was with Prince during The New Power Generation era and played with him live and on albums for 7 years....
and former Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath (band)
The Grapes of Wrath are a Canadian folk rock band, who were one of Canada's most successful pop bands in the late 1980s and early 1990s before disbanding in 1992. With the band name tied up in litigation, most of the band continued to record through the 1990s as Ginger. The Grapes of Wrath briefly...
keyboardist Vince Jones
Vince Jones
Vince Jones is an Australian jazz artist. He is a singer, songwriter, and trumpet/flugelhorn player. His music includes both original music and new contemporary versions of jazz standards. His themes are often love, inequity, injustice, peace and anti-greed.He attributes his love of jazz to...
. Both Liz Phair
Liz Phair
Phair's entry into the music industry began when she met guitarist Chris Brokaw, a member of the band Come. Brokaw and Phair moved to San Francisco together, and Phair tried to become an artist there...
and Robert Randolph appear on the album contributing guest vocals. Before I Speak
Before I Speak
Before I Speak is the debut album from Canadian singer/songwriter Kyle Riabko. The album infuses R&B style with elements of funk, soul, and intense staring....
was co-produced by Riabko with Matt Wallace and Chris Burke-Gaffney
Chris Burke-Gaffney
Chris Burke-Gaffney is an Canadian songwriter, producer, and artist manager. Burke-Gaffney also oversees the day-to-day operation of CBG Artist Development and Vatikan Records.-History:...
, who acts as Riabko's manager.
Most of the album's recording took place at Sound City in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. 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
Before I Speak
Before I Speak is the debut album from Canadian singer/songwriter Kyle Riabko. The album infuses R&B style with elements of funk, soul, and intense staring....
, 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
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers is an American rock band formed in Western Massachusetts in 2003. The band features lead singer Stephen Kellogg , bassist and keyboard player Kit 'The Goose' Karlson, drummer Boots Factor, and electric guitar/pedal steel player Sam 'Steamer' Getz...
on tour to replace Chris Soucy as second guitarist.
Riabko released a three-song EP, Song For Amanda: The EP
Song For Amanda: The EP
Song for Amanda: The EP is a music album by pop singer Kyle Riabko. It was inspired by the actress Amanda Bynes....
, the title track of which he claims was written for actress Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes
Amanda Laura Bynes is an American actress, comedian, singer, and fashion designer. Bynes appeared in several successful television series, such as All That and The Amanda Show, on Nickelodeon in the mid to late 1990s and early 2000s, and in 2002, she starred in the TV series, What I Like About You...
. In a YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
video and on a special website http://www.songforamanda.com as part of the EP's promotion, Riabko asked his fans to spread the song and video to friends in hopes it would one day land in the hands of the actress.
Kyle Riabko and Boots Factor from Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers is an American rock band formed in Western Massachusetts in 2003. The band features lead singer Stephen Kellogg , bassist and keyboard player Kit 'The Goose' Karlson, drummer Boots Factor, and electric guitar/pedal steel player Sam 'Steamer' Getz...
collaborated on a side project called Trevor Jackson, releasing a digital album. The duo released their second album in 2010.
In 2008, Kyle wrote 3 songs with Toronto singer-songwriter Basia Lyjak
Basia lyjak
Basia Lyjak is a first generation Polish-Canadian rock singer-songwriter from Toronto, Ontario.- Biography :Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Basia has said she was singing before she could speak...
. The first, "Don't Talk," has since been released with a video. The second, "What It Feels Like" was released June 19, 2009 at the Hard Rock Cafe during Basia's NXNE showcase.
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
Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of the controversial 1892 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. It features music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Set in late-19th century Germany, it concerns teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of...
.
Acting career
Riabko appeared in season four of Instant StarInstant Star
Instant Star was a Canadian television program which aired from September 2004 to June 2008. The series starred Alexz Johnson as adolescent music competition winner Jude Harrison. The show chronicles Harrison's experience in the recording industry whilst focusing upon character development.Linda...
as Milo, an Instant Star contestant. The season first aired June 2, 2008.
He replaced Jonathan Groff
Jonathan Groff
Jonathan Drew Groff is an American singer-songwriter, stage, television and film actor. He originated the role of Melchior Gabor in the stage musical Spring Awakening and appeared as Jesse St...
in the Broadway production of the musical Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of the controversial 1892 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. It features music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Set in late-19th century Germany, it concerns teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of...
, 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, and he was replaced by Weeds
Weeds (TV series)
Weeds is an American television comedy created by Jenji Kohan and produced by Tilted Productions in association with Lionsgate Television. The central character is Nancy Botwin , a widowed mother of two boys who begins selling marijuana to support her family after her husband dies suddenly of a...
star Hunter Parrish
Hunter Parrish
Hunter Parrish is an American actor and singer. He is known for playing Silas Botwin in Showtime's television series Weeds.-Personal life:...
. After reprising the role on the national tour with Broadway costar Blake Bashoff
Blake Bashoff
Blake Warren Bashoff is an American television and motion picture actor, known for his role as Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening. He has also appeared in a number of guest roles on television series, including the ABC series Lost as Karl Martin.- Life and career :Bashoff was born in Philadelphia,...
for almost a year, he left the production on June 28, 2009. 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.
Kyle Riabko replaced Gavin Creel as Claude in the 2009 Tony Award Winning Musical Revival of Hair
Hair (musical)
Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a rock musical with a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement...
. Performances began March 9, 2010. Riabko signed a one year contract with the Broadway Company of Hair.
In August 2010, it was announced that Riabko would play the love interest of Trevor Donovan
Trevor Donovan
Trevor Donovan is an American actor.Donovan had short stints in 2007 on the NBC daytime soap Days of our Lives as Jeremy Horton. He had a minor role in the 2009 sci-fi film Surrogates playing the Surrogate form of Tom Greer .Donovan landed a recurring role on 90210 as Teddy Montgomery, first...
's character Teddy on the modern adaptation of the 90s hit 90210
90210 (TV series)
90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS...
. After appearing into multiple episodes of 90210
90210 (TV series)
90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS...
the show runner stated that Kyle will be leaving next year to make himself available for the up-coming new television pilot, He is part of the upcoming film called Cinema Verite which is to be expected to be release on 2011. As for his role as Ian in 90210
90210 (TV series)
90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS...
, he is being written out to introduce Marco played by Freddie Smith
Freddie Smith
Freddie Smith is an American television actor. He is known for his portrayal as Marco Salazar in the new franchise of 90210 aired on The CW...
as the new love interest of Teddy. He recent star into musical teen drama film Rising Stars
Rising Stars (film)
Rising Stars is a 2010 American teen musical drama film. The film was directed by Dan Millican. Rising Stars stars Kyle Riabko, Lauren Ashley Carter, Leon Thomas III, Fisher Stevens, Barry Corbin, and Rebecca St. James and follows three teen musical groups competing in a music video competition...
Philanthropy
Riabko has lent his talents to support various charitable causes. In 2005, he took part in the Next Generation Rainforest Foundation Benefit http://www.rainforestfoundation.org helping to support the rights of the native people living in rainforests. Kyle also took part in 2006's Song for Africa http://www.songforafrica.com, a benefit project for AIDSAIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
victims in Africa.
Discography
- The Parkdale Sessions (2008)
- Song For Amanda: The EPSong For Amanda: The EPSong for Amanda: The EP is a music album by pop singer Kyle Riabko. It was inspired by the actress Amanda Bynes....
(Digital Only) (2008) - The Duo EP: Volume OneThe Duo EP: Volume OneThe Duo EP: Volume One is a 2007 album by Kyle Riabko."This record was recorded over just five days in February at VROOM! Studios. All melodic instruments and vocals on the record are by Kyle Riabko. All percussive instruments are by Dylan Thomas Hermiston. The disc is packaged beautifully in a...
(2007) - Before I SpeakBefore I SpeakBefore I Speak is the debut album from Canadian singer/songwriter Kyle Riabko. The album infuses R&B style with elements of funk, soul, and intense staring....
(2005) - The EP (2004)
Filmography
- Kyle Riabko: The Lead - a BravoCA documentary about Spring Awakening
- Instant StarInstant StarInstant Star was a Canadian television program which aired from September 2004 to June 2008. The series starred Alexz Johnson as adolescent music competition winner Jude Harrison. The show chronicles Harrison's experience in the recording industry whilst focusing upon character development.Linda...
(TV) (2008) - Chicago Blues Reunion: Buried Alive in the Blues
- 9021090210 (TV series)90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS...
(TV) (2010–2011) 9 episodes- Ian - Rising StarsRising StarsRising Stars is a 24-issue comic book limited series by J. Michael Straczynski about 113 people born with special abilities following the appearance of a mysterious light in the sky above Pederson, Illinois. The series explores how society may react to the advent of superpowers, and how those who...
(2010) - Cinema Verite (2011) - Jackie Curtis (Film)