We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Cassata and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
The habits that help me succeed stem from my drive and motivation. I am constantly writing and recording. Being in the habit of creating as soon as I am sparked with inspiration has allowed me to develop and release more content. I have also been in the habit of taking almost every opportunity that has come my way. If I am presented with an opportunity, and there’s no huge reason to pass on it and no time constraints, I make it work. Opportunities lead to more opportunities and more success. Plus, it’s more fun because there is always an adventure.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud that my music and message has allowed me to reach many people and help provide inspiration and hope for many. I have won several awards, like ASCAP’s Foundations Sunlight of the Spirit Award, Congressional Recognition, and Film Festival Awards, but the biggest award is helping another human being. I started writing songs when I was about 12 years old and then started playing shows and open mics in my local scene shortly after. Playing open mics and promoting myself online helped me to develop a small fanbase that helped to carry me to where I am today. I played shows almost every weekend throughout high school and would take every opportunity that came my way, even if it seemed a little far from what I was currently doing. It was not easy. This took a lot of hard work. Most of my friends will tell you that I work nearly 24/7 on my career. I am a work-aholic and am extremely driven. My drive has lifted me over many hurdles so I could get to where I am today. One lesson that I learned along the way was to not be afraid of failure and to not expect incredible outcomes with every release. You have to fail several times in order to succeed once. I want the world to know that hard work will carry you very far. I am a transgender man and although that has caused more hurdles for me, I have no allowed it to hold me back. Marginalized people often have to work harder for the same results. The mountain is a little steeper to climb. However, my drive and ambition has carried me up the mountain. I believe that anyone who has a talent or message to share could climb up the mountain too…there is nothing that can hold you back.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles, CA To View: – Griffith Park – Venice Beach Boardwalk – Santa Monica Pier To Shop: – Melrose Strip – The Grove – Century City Westfield To Eat: – Sugarfish – Pace Joint – In N Out – The Counter – Zankou Chicken – Roll Roll Roll

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, Fran.

Website: http://www.ryancassata.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryancassata/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rocassatamusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryancassata

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ryancassata

Image Credits
Graffiti photo by Doryn Fine |  The 2 live music photos by Betsy Martinez | Outfest  the photo with the phone by Maxine Bowen | The purple background photo by David Yerby | The red carpet photos are Betsy Martinez | Outfest

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.