We were lucky to catch up with Ricky Duran recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricky , thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I recently finished up my first national tour. It was an amazing experience. It definitely had its up and downs and was physically and emotionally draining at times. That’s one thing I’ve found comes with this line of work. High highs and sometimes low or anticlimactic moment. Often times I was traveling alone. It’s definitely is a strange feeling to leave a show and head back to your hotel room after leaving such a high energy atmosphere only to find yourself laying in bed replaying the moments or trying to get to sleep to catch your next flight to the next city. Even though sometimes those moments have had me briefly question my happiness as an artist. I can full heartedly say I wouldn’t rather be doing anything else.. The joy I get from creating and performing music is why I continue to pursue my career as a musician.

Ricky , 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 grew up in Massachussets raised by my parents who immigrated to the states from Guatemala. My father was a musician and my earliest memories are of listening and playing music. The only college I applied to after high school was Berklee College Of Music. I really never had a plan B. After graduating I joined a local band who gained some traction in the area. (Blue Light Bandits). I then moved to Austin Texas in 2018, looking for a more music based city to grow in. In just a few months I was discovered and asked to audition for NBC’s The Voice. This would be my first “big break” as they say. I amassed fans from around the world and I’m great full for that experience. I released a record of original music a year later. Most of which was recorded here in Austin at Arlin Studios. Many of the songs deal with meaningful stories from my life. I want my fans or anyone reading this today to understand that I’m an artist who is authentic to my life and my work combined. I don’t see one without the other. My life federally reflects my writing and vice versa.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ve had a lot of close personal loss in my life that many people probably shouldn’t necessarily have to endure. I’ve been told no many times by labels and producers. None of this has ever held stopped me from continuing my journey as an artist, & if it did, I don’t think I could call myself an artist to begin with.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I hope society continues to see the importance of art and music. It’s always reflected the times throughout humanity, and paved a way for social progression. Nowadays the best way to support musicians is to stay in touch with us online via, social media and buy and stream our music. Also it’s means so much to me to see my fans at my live performances. It gives me inspiration to continue writing and performing.

Contact Info:

• Website: Iamrickyduran.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/rickyduran
• Facebook: Facebook.com/iamrickyduran
• Twitter: Twitter.com/iamrickyduran
• Youtube: YouTube.com/rickyduranmusic

Image Credits
Andre Gomez Jonathan Mejia