Ryan Amador with Jo Lampert & Gyasi Ross • Spectrum

Ryan Amador first came to my attention with his startling video for his single, "Define Me". Ryan teamed up with another out artists, vocalist Jo Lampert, to deliver a strong statement with the touching song and a sobering music video. Amador once again joined forces with Lampert to bring another statement to life with the song, "Spectrum". The song is the second single off the EP '4S'. Ryan and Jo are joined by Gyasi Ross, an acoustic Hip-Hop artist who delivers a soulful rap. "Spectrum" discusses the range of sexuality found in the world today, which is also reflected in the couples featured in the video. "Spectrum" offers the topic a real but lighthearted treatment, offers some insight as well as a chance to dance while you listen. This is Ryan Amador with Jo Lampert and Gyasi Ross with the official music video for "Spectrum".

"Spectrum" can be purchased as a single from Bandcamp. The song can also be found on his last release. The EP '4S' can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Ryan Amador, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. For more about Jo Lampert, 'like' her on Facebook, and 'follow' her on Twitter. For more about Gyasi Ross, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Ryan Amador • Stained (Music Video)

I was a bit shocked when I realized that I first came across the music of Ryan Amador almost two years ago. That is when I first heard his duet with Jo Lampert, "Define Me", and was deeply moved. I find his music has a wonderful rawness to it, exposing his emotional core like few can. He recently released the EP '4S', which I quickly added to my collection. The five-song collection includes four songs starting with the letter 's', and the fifth song titled "4", hence the name. The first single is "Stained", a song that reminds me a bit of Alanis Morissette, as he funnels his anger into his music as a way to cleanse himself with a rocked-out shout. There is a wonderful nakedness to the video, starting with a close-up almost painfully tight, the pain etched on his face. This is the official music video for "Stained".

"Stained" can be purchased as a single from Bandcamp. It is the first single track off his last release. The EP '4S' can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Ryan Amador, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Ryan Amador • Skylark Music Video

Singer/songwriter Ryan Amador has a new music video featuring a song off his eponymous album released a few months ago. I first got to know Ryan with his music video for "Define Me", which also featured Jo Lampert. That video was a perfect partner with the song, both taking on prejudices visiting on gay men and lesbians still today. So when I saw he had a music video for "Skylark", I was excited, for I really love this song. "Skylark" gives voice to our inner child. The music video uses videos of the first five years of Amador's life, from darling infant to adorable toddler. The delightful images work in counterpoint to the haunting song, helping with the introspective journey. This is Ryan Amador with "Skylark".

"Skylark" is the first track off the album, a collection of music I really enjoyed. 'Ryan Amador' can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Ryan Amador, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Ryan Amador • New Album

Back in the Spring, I featured an intriguing music video for a beautiful song from a new artist I was looking to hear more from. Well, it finally cane to pass that Ryan Amador has released a new album. Ever since seeing the music video for "Define Me", I have been eagerly anticipating the music, as I was so enamored of that single. And what is not to like, since Ryan is a handsome guy, has a nice voice that gives both warmth and emotional connection to the material, and is an out and proud young man. So I was really eager to hear what the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter was going to offer.

This summer, Amador released his eponymous album, an 11-song collection of Pop tunes that carry at their core a piece of Amador's heart. You can instantly feel the connection he has to each song, starting with the first cut. "Skylark" begins the musical journey with a haunting edge. I found this video of Amador singing "Skylark" live, as part of his 'home' series, in this case, the Bedroom series.

There is something about the right instrumentation that elevates any song. When Ryan sings with the piano and a cello, there is such a wonderful balance, I instantly feel as though I am being brought into the performance. This is certainly true on "On The Surface", which reminds us all that things are not always just the way the look from the outside. Sometimes, people are digging deep to look for the courage and strength to move forward. There is a lightness to "It's Possible/I Love You", a brightness that only love an bring. Amador showed a versatility with his vocals, offering an added depth. That is followed by a song in which Amador is joined by Kiah Victoria, a fellow New York-base singer/songwriter. Her work on the chorus of "Crystal Bed" is just lovely, allowing Amador some greater freedom on the verse. And once they are singing together, that is really quite beautiful. The next track begins with an acapella moment for Amador, who sounds like a syncopated dream. He is joined on "Redemption" by David Baloche. Together, their voices sound great over the tribal beat of the drums. There is something vital, even impatient about the drive for redemption. There is something lovely about the opening of "Instead", a piano and Amador taking a simple lead. Watch Ryan sing it live as part of his 'Living Room Session'.

There is beauty in the story, a man making his case for love. With "Ballad of the Young", we are greeted by the acoustic guitar for the first time, and once again Amador shows some nice depth, adding a little Folk to his Pop. There is something universal in his call to arms to the young. He is joined on the track with the voices, and the kazoos, of other young people, lending an anthemic feel, but also a nice touch of informality. This is followed by another song with a Folk sound, "Still Waiting". It is this search for the truth, both with life and with love, that makes like a wonderful journey. There is a wonderful flavor of hope I just feel brighter and brighter as the song goes on. "Pageant" is up next, and it has a big Rock sound, even in the acoustic state we have on the album. I love how Amador's voice grows with the music, giving the song some great organic moments, including in the breakdown at the end. I love the immediacy of "Madness". Here is a clip of the song from a performance at Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan.

That leaves us with one more track, the one that stole my attention just a few months ago. "Define Me" is a beautifully introspective song, and teams Amador up with the very talented Jo Lampert. If you haven't seen or heard it yet, you can check out my thoughts in my prior post. The singers manage to find a wonderful balance with their performances, while still never losing their own perspectives.

Ryan Amador, left, and Jo Lampert, right. 

As you might have been able to tell, I really like this album. The promise I saw in Ryan Amador with that first video has bloomed into something even greater than I expected. He has shown some nice versatility with his music, not resting on any one sound. His voice and songwriting held my attention, and in the end, I was eager to hear more from Ryan. 'Ryan Amador' can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Ryan Amador, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. If you enjoyed his music, I am sure he'd love to hear from you!

Ryan Amador • Define Me (featuring Jo Lampert)

I just wanted to share this beautiful, thought-provoking, and moving music video with you all. The song features Ryan Amador, a talented young gay singer/songwriter, and also features Jo Lampert, a talented lesbian singer. They come together on this song, "Define Me", written by Amador. The video, with stunning and strong visuals, was directed by Tom Gustafson, who also directed the award-winning films 'Were the World Mine' & 'Mariachi Gringo', and the founder of SPEAKproductions. It is just so great to see these three artists come together to raise their voices in support of the LGBT brothers and sisters, and giving everyone else the opportunity to help as well. Bur more on that later. First, enjoy this really lovely song.

The single is available on Ryan Amador's Bandcamp page. You can name your price for the single, and 100% of the revenue from "Define Me" will be donated to an organization that actively promotes social equality for LGBT citizens. You can find out more about Ryan Amador on his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. I noticed that he is also working on his first full album, which is scheduled for later this year. I look forward to that! Jo Lampert is a member of the Pop group Avan Lava. You can find out more on their official website.