Ry Cuming -- About to Pop

By Ashley Iasimone Posted Jul 22nd 2010 06:15PM

Who: Ry Cuming
Videos: 'Always Remember Me' and 'Some Kind of Love'
Album: 'Ry Cuming'
Hails From: Australia
For Fans Of: Jeff Buckley, Coldplay

Why He's About to Pop: Ry Cuming has two loves: the ocean and music. Growing up on a beach in Australia, he spent his days in the water and listened to his father's vinyl collection. When he discovered more music in his teens -- especially Pearl Jam and Jeff Buckley -- Cuming was inspired to start writing songs of his own. The surfer and budding musician was discovered while staying in Costa Rica for a period of time, then headed to Los Angeles to sign a recording contract with Jive Records and soon got to work on his debut self-titled album.

"This album is a culmination of my life in a lot of ways: love lost, love found, travel, experiences, lust, longing," Cuming tells PopEater. "I love that I was able to bring this album together in a way that had half very intimate songs and half rock 'n' rollas."

Get a preview of his songs below, and read PopEater's exclusive interview with the singer-songwriter to find out more about his musical beginnings, what it's like to work with Sara Bareilles and tour with Maroon 5, and whether surfing or performing is a bigger rush.

Watch 'Always Remember Me'

Watch 'Some Kind of Love'

Seven Questions With Ry Cuming:

What made you decide to start writing your own music?

I heard Jeff Buckley's album 'Grace' at 16, and it hit me that I wanted to write and create in that way. I had been playing music since I was a kid, but that moment struck something in me and I put everything into writing and making music from there.

You were discovered in Central America, where you'd gone to on a whim with no money or Spanish-speaking skills, so you're clearly somewhat of a risk taker. But what is your biggest fear?

I really try not to let fear grab a hold of me in any way. When I feel something coming at some point that is challenging for me, I think there is a choice to accept or to let go. If we understand something, we don't fear it so much as respect it ... so I say, jump in!

How was it working with Sara Bareilles on the track 'Always Remember Me'?

She is so talented, humble and a wonderful person. I feel lucky to have had her beautiful voice and energy in this track with me, and I'm lucky again to call her a friend.

Which is more of a rush for you: surfing, or performing your music in front of an audience?

Both are so different. They are both a rush, and both a kind of meditation at the same time. I guess it's almost ocean for blood, music for breathe. I couldn't leave either behind!

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

First of all, I'd hope this deserted island had amazing waves. Then one would be a board, probably my Sunova 9'2" Pro. Then I'd have to take a guitar. Then a girl to love. That's kind of the way I am in life without the desert island. anyway.

When you were younger, you played your cassette of Pearl Jam's 'Ten' over and over again. What albums do you have in that kind of rotation now?

Ah, 'Ten.' What a great album. Right now I have so much: Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Marvin Gaye, Blake Mills, Midlake, some crazy dub remixes. I can never get enough music.

Your music appeared in the movie 'Hoot' alongside Maroon 5, before your debut album even came out. Did you ever expect to be touring with them at this point in your career, and what are you looking forward to next?

I'm really excited to get on the road with the Maroon 5 boys. They have been friends of mine for a few years, and I'm really humbled to get to share the same stage playing those kind of big venues. I guess for me right now, each step is a dream come true in a lot of ways, but I'm also always looking to push myself and grow and write and create. I'm looking forward to sharing this album with people, maybe inspiring a few people the same way music grabbed me. I always hope to put more and more records into the world and keep playing on the road, living it each day ... and surfing every single chance I get, as always!

Download Ry Cuming Songs | Stream His New Album

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