Ryan Cabrera is a platinum selling recording artist who started his music career at the tender age of 16, strumming his first notes while bored at a friend’s house. Soon after that he started playing music everywhere he could until he landed his first record deal. He has always been interested in giving back to the community, and his resurgence in 2012 is a testimony to that. For the past four months, Ryan has held live acoustic concerts at his home, where fans pay a small fee to stream it online, with all proceeds going to a charity. Awesome!

Ryan’s recent single, I See Love, which debuted in August of this year, is a call back to his core: his smooth voice, coupled with uplifting lyrics, and a theme of love and unity. I See Love is a breath of fresh air, and Ryan’s fans should be very excited for his upcoming tour in early 2013. Upperatus asked Ryan a few questions to find out more about the side not many people hear about – the philanthropic Ryan – that is on a mission to give back to the community and help those less fortunate.

What inspires your music?

Usually depends on what’s going on in my life at the time I write a certain song. I’ve always been really focused on lyrics and wanting each line to be honest; sometimes they are light and fun and some are darker. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience so many different things I never run out of things to express.

At what point did you know that you wanted to work with charities?

Well, I always have. If there’s a chance for me to use what I do to help others, I appreciate that chance and try to help.

What about Habitat for Humanity LA impresses you most?

I got a chance to help rebuild houses in New Orleans after the hurricane there and had a really good experience with everyone there. It was very special to get to see the hands-on hard work that this organization was doing. We got down and dirty and so many are doing this on a constant basis to help give people a chance again and that is inspiring.

Where are you taking your career next?

My main goal right now is to put out the best album I can, and make it true to myself, as an artist in a world that makes it hard to do so. I really just want to share my music with the world and continue to spread a positive message.

To an up and coming musician, what advice would you give them?

My advice would be to never lose sight of why you are an artist! And never let any person effect your passion and love for your art.

Your music has a very positive vibe. How does that translate to your fans? And how do your fans take to the concept of making a difference in the world?

One of the coolest things you will ever hear as a songwriter is that a song you wrote has changed their life for the better. I’ll never take that for granted. Sometimes we forget in our little bubble that people’s lives are being changed by what you do; makes me proud to know that I spread a positive message.