With vocals that have been compared to Richie Havens or John Martyn, the edgy debut album of Ryad Kerbouz brings to mind cathartic cinematic images. Featuring tracks and melodic buildups that vary from rock to pop and indie rock.
After an apprenticeship as a bass player for local bands in Miami, RYAD KERBOUZ turned himself into a solo singer-songwriter. He wrote, composed and produced the majority of his music himself and played most of the instruments. Shortly thereafter, Ryad's demo piqued the interest of A&R Derrick Thompson who immediately signed him to BMG Music Publishing in New York. Ryad relocated from Miami to New York where his flair for musical composition and song writing led him to work with several highly respected artists and producers (Paul Heck, Bruce Purse, Camus Celli, Paul Conte, Teddy Kumpel, Gary Haas). One of these collaborations resulted in a track entitled “Liquid Skies”, written with Auckland’s producer DLT. The song received massive airplay on New Zealand´s biggest radio stations and went to #1 on alternative airplay charts for a few weeks. During that time, Ryad performed in venues such as The Mercury Lounge, Luna Lounge and CBGB’s. He later went on to sign his first deal as a solo recording artist with Riverhorse Records (Sony Music) in London, thus working with some of the UK´s best musicians and producers. An all star line up featuring producers Al Stone (Jamiroquai, Bjork), Andy Wright (Eurythmics, Jeff Beck, Massive Attack), guitarists Gus Isidore (Seal, Peter Gabriel), Kenji Suzuki (Simply Red), Pascal Danae (Ayo), drummers Steve Barney (Annie Lennox, Anastasia), Simon Nelly (Nathalie Imbruglia), Christian Eigner (Depeche Mode), bass players Steve Davis (Archive, Craig David), Chris Taylor (Dave Stewart, Nathalie Imbruglia), Al Slavik, Gary Bromham, percussionist Danny Cummings (Mark Knopfler, Pet Shop Boys) and many more. With the release of his solo debut album "THIS SIDE OF THE TRUTH" imminent, a showcase at the legendary club Ronnie Scott's and a tour throughout the UK about to start, the label unfortunately disbanded. Ryad relocated back to Paris, re-emerging in 2010 with a back-to-basics approach and a new sound heavily influenced by his journeys throughout California. The experience prompted Ryad to return to the states where he is currently launching a new beginning in Los Angeles, CA.