AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin's Ricky Duran has returned home after an impressive run on NBC's "The Voice," and in a surprise last-minute booking, he performed his first official gig since being on the show over the weekend. On Saturday night, he performed on Rainey Street at The Drafting Room as part of Austin's "Free Week" music festival. Duran was joined by his Massachusetts's band, Blue Light Bandits. Spectrum News's Tara Petitt sat down with The Voice's first runner-up in an exclusive interview before the show.
- Austin-based musician Ricky Duran first runner-up on "The Voice"
- Returned to Austin to perform early in 2020
“A lot has changed," said Duran, "but it’s nice to see all these familiar faces. I love this city.”
The 30-year-old moved to Austin from the Boston area a little over a year ago, and it’s apparent that a lot has changed since then.
“It's interesting - I walk up and down the street, and people recognize me and ask to take my picture," laughed Duran. "So, I kinda feel like… kinda like a celebrity right now! It’s so strange.”
Spectrum News anchor Tara Petitt interviews musician Ricky Duran in this image from January 2020. (Tara Petitt/Spectrum News)
Even with all the recognition, the singer has remained humble and grateful.
“I’ve been feeling like this is all a gift from my mom," said Duran. "I’m serious. I just - I know that she is pushing for me.”
Duran's mom lost her battle with breast cancer last year. His dad, who taught him to play guitar at the age of 6, tragically took his own life shortly after Duran graduated from college. Dedicating his life to music has been Duran's way of honoring his mother and carrying on his father’s legacy.
"To be real, like, since my mom has passed, I feel like I’m being guided," said Duran, "and everything has fallen on my lap and just gone my way, and I’m just waiting for it to not go my way - but it’s still going my way!"
Since returning to Austin, a lot has been in the works for the guitar-strumming artist. Right now, Duran is recording an album, which he says has a unique blend of country, soul, rock, and of course, the blues.
“You know, 'The Voice' is great, but I’m looking ahead at what I wanna do in the future," said Duran. "I want to be a respected artist, known outside of 'The Voice.'”
During the show’s finale, Duran had the honor of performing with one of his biggest inspirations - fellow Austinite and Grammy Award winner Gary Clark Jr., whom Ricky hopes to collaborate with again sometime down the road.
“It’s really unbelievable. I’m so happy that I had this opportunity. This has always been my dream. So, here I am - just living my dream.”
