Indie Folk from Ryan Wayne

Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Wayne has made a remarkable return to the music scene with his latest album, Crow Amongst the Sparrows. This album, marking his debut as a solo artist, showcases Wayne’s exceptional talent for storytelling and heartfelt songwriting.

Ryan Wayne’s musical journey began in his blue-collar hometown of Oshawa, Ontario, where he was immersed in a musical upbringing. He draws inspiration from his father, a songwriting truck driver, and fond memories of singing with relatives and friends at the family cabin in the Madawaska Valley. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career.

Wayne’s career took off when he became a founding member and songwriter for the critically acclaimed outfit The Warped 45s, signed to the Pheromone Recordings imprint. Over the years, he’s had the privilege of touring with prominent artists such as The Drive-By Truckers, The Skydiggers, Elliott Brood and Deer Tick.

However, in early 2022, Wayne faced a significant challenge when he suffered two strokes. As part of his healing journey, he was drawn back to the world of music. Linking up with Grammy Award-winning producer Malcolm Burn, who’s worked with legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris and Patti Smith, Wayne embarked on the final production and mixing of a collection of self-produced songs. The result is his new album, an eight-track record that showcases Wayne’s personal resilience and creative talent.

The album opens with “Forty Paces to the Bottom,” a hauntingly beautiful track that immediately grabs your attention. Fuzzing guitar riffs and a hazy arrangement of acoustic guitar and synth lines set the stage for Wayne’s emotive vocals, delivering lyrics that reflect on life’s challenges and turning points, creating a poignant and moving atmosphere. “Maybe I’m to Blame” shifts into an anthemic folk rock sound, driven by the march of pounding drums and a smoky blend of guitars. Wayne’s defiant vocals, complemented by Kelley McCrae’s enchanting backing vocals, tell the story of accepting blame for the demise of a relationship.

“Wherever You Land” serves up a slice of timeless Americana songwriting, cut with Ryan’s modern edge. It’s an elegant song full of buoyant melodies delivered via floating vocal harmonies, written as a heartfelt tribute to those who suffered, survived, or perished as a result of the pandemic. Other highlights on the record include the title track “Crow Amongst the Sparrows,” a charming folk song that loosely recounts a tale of a blossoming romance. A mellow drum beat propels the laid back groove, with smooth vocal leads hovering above a beautiful arrangement of gentle guitar twangs and lush instrumentation.

The album closes with “I Will Always Be Here For You,” a sombre folk ballad with a stripped back arrangement of reverb-drenched guitar tones, a soft patter of drums, warm piano chords and hushed vocals, crafting a mesmeric atmosphere to provide one final moment of Ryan Wayne’s sensational sound on his inspiring record.

Listen to Crow Amongst the Sparrows below

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