Kyle Riabko (singer/songwriter/musician/actor)

It’s hard to believe that Kyle Riabko has been touring for 10 years considering he just celebrated his 20th birthday. From a 10-year-old guitar prodigy touring across Canada to arena tours in Japan, America, Canada and Australia opening for John Mayer, Keb Mo and Maroon 5, he’s already a road warrior of sorts.

An extended road trip, which led up to the recording of his full-length album, Before I Speak (Aware/ Columbia), was the most demanding form of musical boot camp, playing in front of crowds who had absolutely no idea who he was. Chances are they know him now. No shrinking violet, Kyle relished every minute of the experience, scrambling up that steep learning curve like an expert rock climber, winning a faithful legion of fans with his youthful dynamism and old-soul savvy.

Reviewers gushed at his James Taylor like sweet soul voice, his Prince like stage antics and the Detroit Metro went as far as calling him “the next Stevie Wonder.” He plays a number of instruments and his grooves are as deep as the snow in his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Kyle’s primary instrument is the guitar, and he’s capable of heating up the fretboard with the fleet-fingered flamboyance that put guitar heroes BB King and Jimi Hendrix on the map, but he prefers to use his prodigious chops in the service of his songs. “I’m not interested in being pigeonholed as a guitar slinger,” he says. “It’s not about speed or flash; it’s about the feeling real music gives you.” As you talk to this guy, you have to keep reminding yourself that he’s 20, not 45.

But wait … there’s more!

Now he channels his incredible creativity into acting. But this is not just another musician wondering aimlessly into a world he doesn’t belong. Kyle directed and acted in two of his own indie films at the age of 14 and then went on to play the lead in numerous high school plays. He’s currently a principal actor in the upcoming season of Instant Star, the teen drama from the makers of Degrassi High, and after recently signing with the prestigious CAA Agency, auditioning for numerous film and Broadway parts.

Some people are just born with it. How else do you explain Riabko’s rarefied skills, remarkable poise, mature perspective and make-the-girls-cry good looks? It’s not fair.