Meet Ryan Arguillo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Arguillo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ryan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My parents would always say that I started singing when I was two years old, I would sing along nursery rhymes all day. I grew up very shy but I know that I always have music in me. I would say that back in the Philippines, I joined my primary and high school’s chorale and from there, I’ve learned the basics of music theory and performance.

During college, I also joined the De La Salle University Chorale for two years and Pop/R&B group called “InnerSoul.” While studying in college, I also performed on acoustic live music gigs with my friends around different music venues in Manila to earn extra money and this experience made me realize my love and passion for music and gained confidence over the years.

When I moved here in the United States after college (eight years ago), during my first five years, I focused on working in a corporate setting as an Information Technology (IT) Project Manager. I made this decision to establish and have a more stable life as I settle here not only for myself but for my family. In addition to this, I also love working in the IT Industry apart from my passion for music.

Then, around three years ago, I decided to reignite my passion for music while still pursuing my IT career and Masteral studies. I started with performing live music acoustic music with my good friend Jerred Williamson as DirtyKeyz Duo. I would say that it was harder than I initially thought it would be, from building a repertoire, arrangements, auditioning across the valley. It was a lot of hard work and it still is.

By performing across the valley, I had the opportunity to expand my music and met a lot of people who helped me along the way. Last year, I was able to perform in the Celebrity Theater front acting Arnel Pineda, the lead vocalist of the legendary band Journey (with Jerred as DirtyKeyz Duo). Furthermore, I had the opportunity to bring my music to the larger Filipino and Asian American communities by performing on concerts across the United States with notable and renowned artists. Last year, I also formed the organization – Filipino American Voices for Excellence (FAVE), which aims to elevate the skills and capabilities of Asian American Artists. Ultimately, the goal of this organization is to promote camaraderie and support between the FAVE artists in Arizona in their journey towards musical excellence.

Just recently, I worked with Jerred and Desiree White of FAVE on a Christmas Caroling project in Arizona. It was successful as we were able to visit a total of 15 homes and just seeing the smiles from the people’s faces as we bring the Christmas spirit is all worth it. Part of the proceeds was donated to an orphanage in the Philippines – Tahanan ng Pagmamahal.

Has it been a smooth road?
Yes, there have been struggles and challenges. My main challenge is balancing my time and focusing on matters of priority so I can be productive be able to achieve my goals. With my family, music, IT career and Masteral studies, there is a lot of things going on in my life.

However, I can say that with the right focus, everything is possible. The key is managing my time based on my priorities and create a schedule based on your goals. Another important factor that helped me is working with people who are motivated and positive and who would help you accomplish your aspirations in the same way that you also motivate and help them.

I think as musicians, artists or life in general, obstacles and challenges are unavoidable. but don’t let those discourage you from continuing to try and pursue that goals and career that you’ve always dreamed of.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
As an individual artist, my main genre is R&B, Soul and Classic Rock. I worked on a couple of projects but mainly, my music is a fusion of soulful and r&b groove, ballads and harmonies with positive feel and energy to match. My musical influences are Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, Brian Mcknight, Michael Jackson and Babyface to name a few. I have been working on a couple of songs based on my life experiences that I am planning to officially release in Quarter 2 of 2020.

As part of DirtyKeyz Duo, our goal is to bring genuine finesse to the mic and real soul on timeless hits in the genre of Soul, R&B, classic rock, jazz, contemporary and Top 40’s, We aim to create an intimate & memorable moment in our unique take of covers and original music – smartly stripped down to the beautiful keys and vocals to make melodic magic together in our collaboration and harmonies.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I believe that Phoenix is open to a variety of music genres and also supports the diversity of artists.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4808620020
• Email: ryanarg28@yahoo.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dirtykeyz_duo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.arguillo ,  www.facebook.com/dirtykeyzduo

Image Credit:
Ihman Esturco
Brian Hayton
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