Q&A With Pop Sensation Ryan Beatty Who Has Already Amassed A Whopping 30 Million Views On His YouTube Channel!!

At 18 years old, Ryan Beatty has gained worldwide popularity with over 30 million views on YouTube and recently completed a 40 city US and Canadian tour with Cody Simpson on the 2013 Paradise Tour.

Ryan has sold out several headlining shows and has a truly dedicated fanbase. He was nominated for a Radio Disney Music Award in 2013 and a Teen Choice Award two years in a row. He is currently a spokesperson for AT&T’s national “It Can Wait” campaign to stop texting & driving, and he is also an Ambassador for TOMS, DoSomething.org and Defeat the Label’s anti-bullying campaign.

Ryan’s two EPs “Because of You” and recently released self tiled EP are available on iTunes now.

All Access Music Group writer, Nicole DeRosa recently had a chance to ask the singer a few questions. Check out their Q&A below:

How would you describe your music to those who have not had the pleasure to be introduced to your sound yet?

Most of the music I’ve released in the past has a somewhat old school pop sound to it. the new music I’ve been making is in a different direction than my previous sound. it’s more 70’s influenced, more electric guitar, more soul. I’d say it’s an overall more mature sound.

Where did you grow up? How did your location influence your style?

I grew up in Clovis, California. A small town right next to Fresno. My location didn’t influence my style that much. Although since there wasn’t much to do, I would sit at home and listen to music for hours. That helped shape me in certain ways.

What’s the vibe of Ryan Beatty? What could we expect at your shows?

I’m a very low key kind of person. Sometimes I think I come across stand offish because of how closed I am. It takes awhile for me to warm up to people. However, after I get comfortable, I’ll talk your head off.

I’ve definitely been developing performance wise. I don’t have any choreography or anything, so when I’m up there I kind of just live in the moment, and do what feels right. It’s great to be up there with my band and really feel live. We don’t play to tracks so we’re always throwing in new things on the spot and that’s very liberating.

What’s your favorite song that you have written and what was the influence?

“Chameleon” is my favorite song I’ve written that I’ve released. I think it truly speaks for me as an artist, and shapes the sound of what my album will sound like. It’s also my favorite to play live.

What was the first piece of music that you fell in love with growing up?

I remember listening to an ELO song in the car that my dad put on. I want to say it was the song “Twilight,” but I’m not sure. ELO was a favorite. I was also really in to James Taylor, Phil Collins, Elton John and Stevie Wonder.

If you could meet any musician that isn’t alive anymore, who would it be? Why?  Where would you go? What would you do? What would you ask him or her?

I’d say Elvis. He’s always been mysterious to me in a way. I’d write a song with him, then I’d ask him how he died…haha.

How has the tour been so far? How has life on the road been treating you all?  Can you share with us any memorable stories from the road so far? 

Life on the road is an adventure. My favorite moments are when we’re in the middle of nowhere and explore.

If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

I’d only bring one thing and it would be a boat so I could get back to civilization!

What is in your current music playlist?

I’ve been listening to Dr. Dog, Bad Suns, Fiona Apple, Courtney Barnett, Blood Orange.

Do you have any hidden talents we don’t know about that you would like to share with our readers?

I do a really good Kermit the Frog impression!

What’s on tap next for you this year?

Hopefully put out an album. That would be a good thing for me to do.. haha.

To read more about Ryan Beatty and check out his tour dates, visit his website here .