We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eytan Ribner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eytan below.
Eytan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Coming from a family of singers, I was exposed to many forms of vocals at home. My Mom would sing Italian arias and my Dad, a practicing conservative rabbi, would often sing “spirituals” to us kids. One such song was based on a poem from the early 1900’s called Da Glory Road; a poem probably written by a descendant of a southern slave.
I enjoyed singing and entertaining since I was a child. I picked up guitar as a teen, but never got too good at it, just good enough to sing my favorites. About a dozen years ago I started to formally train in comedy, including improve and stand-up, During an open mike one evening, I ventured to bring my guitar and started the transformation to songwriting and performing.
Soon the old songs harkened back to me. I rewrote and modified Da Glory Road as a tribute to my Dad. I call it “The Glory Road” and it’s more country than spiritual. I was so pleased with the outcome that I had a companion video made which has already won several festival awards. Please listen to The Glory Road on one of several music platforms and view the video on either my website eytanribner.com or on YouTube under Eytan Ribner.
Eytan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I always loved music (my kindergarten report card can attest to that), Nevertheless, I went into business for myself years ago in the healthcare consulting field, but was always attached to the music that I loved, Dylan, the Beatles, the Stones and many more. For fun, I used to go to a guitar meet-up at Redondo Beach, California and was volunteered to sing with a backup of about a dozen guitars. Realizing that I needed help, I got in touch with a voice coach named Sue Fink who gave me lessons and eventually put me in her showcase at McCabes Guitar Center in LA. At some point I started combining my love of singing and of comedy. I guess I was never going to be the greatest comic nor the greatest musician, but a comedic singer-songwriter might be in the cards. I was fortunate to meet up with my producer Marty Rifkin and I’m currently working on my third album. The goal is to create something that’s never been heard before. Recently I have been writing songs for my granddaughter, who is 11. She has one song out called “Julia’s Song” and another finished song, yet unreleased, called American Earthling. We’re working on a video for its release.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
You work hard and invest time and money to getting the best product you can, never knowing how it will be received. When you work get numerous hits and heartfelt comments from friends and social media, it all seems worth it. Those plaques and trophies from music festivals don’t hurt either.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I was speaking with my stand-up coach, Adam Barnhardt, about not feeling the “love”. He suggested that I meet with a promotional person with great expertise in social media. I’ve been working with Melanie Vesey now for years and together we’ve been able to grow my following. There’s now easy way, but to keep on creating, posting and engaging. 
Contact Info:
- Website: eytanribner.com
- Instagram: Eytan Ribner
- Facebook: Eytan Ribner
- Twitter: Eytan Ribner
- Youtube: Eytan Ribner