Australia based producer Ryan Riback is no stranger to a successful single. You probably recognize his name from his most notable viral hit remix of Starley‘s single “Call on Me,” which has garnered over 500 million streams on Spotify.
Moreover, he’s done official hit remixes for huge artists such as Maroon 5, Fergie, LANY, and more. His newest single, “Do You Care,” has been making waves in the last month, accumulating almost a million streams for the single on Spotify.
With his skyrocketing success in the past year, it’s pretty clear Ryan is destined to be a huge name for some time to come, especially with his recent return to his quintessential pop-centric electronic sound. Following the release of his latest single, he spoke to us a bit about the process of making his music and what’s in store for the future.
First off, congratulations on your new single! Can you tell us a little bit about what’s behind the inspiration and making of the new track “Do You Care”?
“Do You Care” was written about having a connection with someone, which is really rare to have. And you know you care for that person, but you’re trying to hold back some feelings so you don’t get hurt.
The singer featured is Iselin. How did you guys meet and decide to work together?
Her publisher Dan actually connected us. She’s an incredible writer and has an incredible, unique voice, so it was a pretty easy choice to work with her!
You started off in music with piano lessons, went to remixes, and are now producing your own originals. Can you tell us a little bit about the transition? Would you say your piano background influences your current sound?
Well, I’d say the transition happened slowly over many years. I took piano lessons as a kid then started getting into the technology side in high school after my uncle gave me a Roland MC-303 groovebox. From there I just started making more noise and experimenting.
I also started DJing, so remixes kind of come with that territory. You find a song you love and flip it to fit your set. I started putting remixes out professionally and eventually landed the remix for “Call on Me.” That record really set off my remixer career and really features piano/keys in it.
As for originals, sometimes the process is the same because sometimes I’m pitched songs that are already written. I’ll take the vocal part and build a track around it. If I need the writers to re-write or re-create something, we work on it together, and eventually you get the final product. Sometimes I’m in the room writing from scratch, which is where being able to play the piano helps.
Do you have a favorite city you’ve performed in?
Shanghai. Absolutely nuts crowd and insane club!
You’re based in Melbourne! Tell us a little bit about what your day-to-day is like when you’re not making music.
Most days I’m making music. I usually get up pretty early and go for a walk along the beach. Then I grab some coffee and head into my home studio to get to work. That is my schedule most days.
The days I’m not working I spend time with my girlfriend, hang with friends, go out for good food, etc. Sadly, it’s all pretty normal stuff!
Do you have any neighborhood spots or places you’d recommend to someone visiting?
Yes! Ziggy’s Eatery in Balaclava! Epic burgers and an even more epic Ziggy’s sauce! Drooling just thinking about it!
Dream tour spots? Dream collabs?
I think I’d love to play South America! The vibe looks unreal! As for collabs, I’d love to work with Kygo. His melodic musical style and the vocalists he works with are top shelf! Maybe Calvin Harris too.
What’s next?
I’m going to keep putting music out there for sure! And I’ll be playing more shows and hopefully getting around to the rest of the world as well!
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