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Ryan Toby: The Soul of a Songwriter
Ryan Toby is not a house is not a household name, not yet. But the people who have used his talent are, such as Usher and
Will Smith. Toby co-wrote "Caught Up" with Usher and two other tracks on Usher's 10 million selling "Confessions"
album, including "Superstar" and "Follow Me." Toby's production discography, in fact, reads like a who's
who of urban music's chart-toppers. He has written for Mary J Blige, Brian McKnight, LL Cool J, Ruben Studdard, Joe, Amerie,
New Edition, Ginuwine, Charlie Wilson, ll2, Monica, Tyrese, Kevin Lyttle, Darius Rucker (of Hootie and the Blowfish) and Sunshine
Anderson, to name a few.
As if all that wasn't enough, the songwriter also hooked up with the trio City High and its female singer, Claudette
Ortiz. The debut self titled album City High released in 2001 garnered a Grammy nomination. The first single released from
the album titled "What Would You Do?" was used for public announcements campaigns and was the No. 1 single for two
weeks straight.
And ... in addition to their songwriting prowess together, Toby and Ortiz fell in love and have a 2-year-old son.
With a track record under his belt, Toby has decided to step out on his own as an artist with the release of "Soul
of a Songwriter" on his own Overflow Entertainment.
Star - What made you decide to step out as an artist?
RT - I'm an artist at heart. I have been singing my whole life, in church and school plays. The stage was always in me.
I took a break to work on my songwriting. I've worked with so many great artists… Usher, Mary J. Blige... when I
would see how they would take my lyrics and make them great songs... I started to get that itch to perform my own records
rather than watch everyone else.
Star - What was the first song you got paid for?
RT - In the movie "Sister Act 11," the song "Joyful Joyful"... I still get paid for that!
Star - What's been your biggest hit so far?
RT - Two albums that have sold in excess of 20 million copies I worked on include "Bad Boys II" - I wrote "Miami"
for Will Smith. And I co-wrote "Caught Up" with Usher.
Star - Who or what were your inspirations coming up?
RT - Michael Jackson. I'm an '80s baby, Growing up in the '80s, MJ was it, him and
Prince. Later on I got into Stevie and Donny Hathaway. But watching MJ on that 25th Anniversary special, I said I had to get
into music. My mom sang in church and she always supported and encouraged me, too.
Star - What inspires you now?
RT - Now I draw a lot of inspiration from God. I read the Bible a lot and pray a lot. I am in a very inspirational place
right now. Music is divine. That's why they call it soul music. You are dealing with elements of the heart and soul. It's
spiritual and there's no set formula... it comes from deep inside. So I always pray to God to help me touch someone with my
words. I believe that if look inside myself I can find something people can relate to.
Star - Did you study music in school or play an instrument? What happened that one day you said, "I want to be a
songwriter or artist"?
RT - I didn't play an instrument. I was basically in different choirs in school and took some performing arts classes.
It just came natural. My mom does sing, so I do come from a line of musical people. I just had the gift and pursued it when
I can. I would just retain the information I did learn and use it to this day. I'll hear the music in my head. Sometimes producers
have music they need lyrics or even melody to. I let the music tell me what to write. Sometimes I get the melodies in my head
and just sing them to the producer.
Star - Who were some of your favorite people to work with?
RT - Mary J. Blige, Usher, Glenn Lewis, Joe... they understand what it takes to make a song come to life. You can sing
them the idea or melody and they know how to internalize it
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and give it back to you in a big way. Usher totally understands the concept of making songs come to life and turning records
into hits. The way he gives it back to you is really amazing.
Star - Who's out there right now that you would love to write a track with?
RT - 50 Cent. Mase. I like working with rappers because I write rhymes, too. I wish I could work with a lot of artists
that aren't with us anymore. Prince is another one I'd like to work with. I've already worked with a lot of people. I want
to get into country music. Their stores are just great. They are the best storytellers. The way they use their metaphors -
I love the way they use melody and poetry and practical day to day lingo.
Star - What's bad about the music scene today and what's good?
RT - I stopped putting it down... everything has its season. I just don't believe that music is bad right now and was
better before - everyone says that. Music is going through a season and it will change, but when it changes it's not necessarily
better or worse. God bless everyone that is doing their thing. Everything I do isn't perfect or the best... I commend everybody
right now working hard to make it happen.
Star - If you couldn't do music, what would be your second career choice?
RT - I'd wanna be a preacher. There wasn't a second choice for a long time, but as I got deeper into my spiritual relationship
with God... I believe we are all here for ministry, and that's to serve. That's why I believe God is using my music as a vehicle
to get into a position to serve. I'm getting the stage and the platform to talk about him. I've evolved as an artist and songwriter.
It's not just about the money. It's more so about how I can help, how can I be a blessing and touch people's lives. If I'm
not doing that, all the hit records don't matter. Only what you do for Christ will last. I'm setting myself up for the next
life. That's the life I'm looking forward to.
Star - When you are working with an artist or by yourself, what's your favorite piece of equipment?
RT - I like to chew gum. That's what relaxes me in my studio.
Star - Talk about your album... what are some of your favorite tracks?
RT - I wanted to take people on the journey of a songwriter. It has a lot of feel-good lyrics. I think we need that. With
such trying times we are going through as a nation, I believe that people need to hear feel-good music. It's not about partying
in the club... it's about getting married and being in true love and what it's all about. I'm just trying to bring it back
to the family. A favorite song is "Soul of a Songwriter"... it basically explains the skills I needed to make my
way, and I thank God for giving me the soul of a songwriter. The gift of song can give out light and create inspiration. Music
is the soundtrack of our lives. There's always a song you remember from certain events... when someone broke your heart, when
you fell in love, when your child was born - there was a song that defined or connected to that moment that you always remember.
I want Ryan Toby songs to be the ones you remember that will create a smile or give you a pick-me-up. Even when I write about
pain, I try to do it in a way that will uplift.
Star - So we are at a high school talking to kids about the industry. What advice would you give to them?
RT - I would tell them to realize that they are young new talent and to never let the record industry dictate to them
what they are. They are new talent, they are fresh. They should realize the gift is in them. Corporate America would have
them believe they know what's hot... forget them. I want artists to understand the corporations need us. Without us, they
are just big companies with money. We can jump on a stage and perform before a crowd and make a crowd jump with excitement
and they can't do that. They can help you reach more people. But you are the one with the talent... believe. Know what you
have, know what you are. Don't measure your success off of what the record industry says success is. When they are done with
you, they throw you away and are on to the next one. Don't sell your soul. Don't sell your gift. Know what it's all about
and believe in your art and the success will follow. Music is about touching and inspiring the spirit... corporate America
found a way to make money off of it. We don't have to sell it to them. That's what we always do.
Star - What's in your CD player right now?
RT - Young Jeezy, Paul Wall, J. Moss, Tye Tribbett and myself and my wife's album, Claudette Ortiz - it's untitled right
now. It will come out in summer '06.
For additional information on Ryan Toby, visit www.myspace.com/ryantoby
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