Ryan Cabrera Shares Behind-the-Scenes Tensions with John Rzeznik During Debut Album ‘Take It All Away’
Ryan Cabrera in January 2023 in West Hollywood, Calif.; John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls in February 2024 in Los Angeles.
Credit:
Michael Kovac/Getty; Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty
Music Collaboration Highlights Tensions
Ryan Cabrera recently shared insights into the tumultuous process of creating his debut album, Take It All Away, in collaboration with John Rzeznik, the frontman of the Goo Goo Dolls.
Cabrera noted that the recording sessions were marked by significant disagreements. "We almost didn’t get through the album," the 43-year-old singer recalled during a conversation with PEOPLE, reflecting on the tensions that arose while working with Rzeznik, 60.
He expressed admiration for Rzeznik, revealing, "I was a huge fan of the Goo Goo Dolls’ frontman." Cabrera was astonished by the opportunity to collaborate, especially in Rzeznik’s home. He likened the album-making process to a "marriage," noting the inherent challenges and misunderstandings that arose.
"I was this young, naïve, 20-year-old kid who thought he knew it all," Cabrera said. Meanwhile, Rzeznik, with his wealth of experience, provided guidance, which did not always align with Cabrera’s vision. "We were not getting along. I was thinking one thing, he was singing another thing," Cabrera added.
In an attempt to ease the tensions, EMI Records personnel reportedly flew in from New York City to facilitate "therapy sessions" for the duo. Cabrera described these meetings as essential for creating a conducive environment, where they confronted their differences.
Ryan Cabrera in Fort Lauderdale in December 2004.
Rodrigo Varela/WireImage
"Before every session, we would sit down, chair to chair, and talk things through," Cabrera explained. Eventually, the two artists were able to laugh about the tension that permeated the album’s production, recognizing that it contributed to the final sound.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Cabrera noted, "At the time, we both thought we knew it all." He expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, "We learned a lot from each other." Cabrera acknowledged that Rzeznik played a crucial role in deciding which of Cabrera’s songs, particularly "On the Way Down," should be released as a single.
Cabrera initially believed that "40 Kinds of Sadness" would be a standout track. However, after hearing "On the Way Down," the label decided it had hit potential. "The same labels that turned me down originally came back and were like, ‘Yo, this is a hit.’ Then, they played it for John Rzeznik, and he was like, ‘This is it,’" Cabrera recalled.
This experience significantly impacted Cabrera’s career trajectory, cementing his place in the music industry.
