Singles Spotlight:
Ryan Burns –
“Madeline”

Hello reader,

How are you?

Welcome back, or welcome if this is your first visit to SWT. Please look around the site and stay awhile.

Over a month ago, I was excited to talk about the song “Moving Day” from a new album by Chicago singer-songwriter, multi-talented musician, string band frontman, and more, Ryan Burns. As his bio explains, “Songwriter Ryan Burns draws inspiration from the rich traditions of folk music around the Midwest and blends them with a wide array of influences pulled from poetry, fine art, and architecture. What transpires is a vibrant set of songs that take audiences on a journey, reminiscent of Glen Hansard, Jeff Tweedy, and Lord Huron. In addition to his songs, Ryan is also a prolific producer, banjo player, and music teacher around Chicago.”

Ryan’s solo releases include The Institute EP (2019). And when Burns gets his string band together, they perform as Ryan Burns & The Vocal Ghosts. Their previous releases include the full-length album Static Year (2020). I recommend listening to both after you finish this Singles Spotlight.

On October 23rd, Burns released a new solo album, Just Keep Growing. A press release notes, “After Burns helped Jake Hawrylak (Maidenking, REVERB) move into the studio, Space Cowboy Studios, the two clicked together quickly. Hawrylak has produced for members of Wilco (Leroy Bach), Fleet Foxes (Christian Wargo), and more, becoming a great fit for Burns’ sound, including producing, engineering, and performing across the album. The album also features members of Andrew Sa, Mason Via, Meg and the Wheelers, Buffalo Nichols, and more. Just Keep Growing is loosely centered on finding stillness in a world that demands constant hustle, and it melds together the different sides of Burns: singer-songwriter, string band, and folk-inspired indie rock.”

I really enjoyed listening to “Moving Day” and the album in general; I’d give it 4 Scum Drops if I were to fully review it. My favorite song on it upon initial listen was “Madeline”. I knew I had to make sure that the SWT audience heard it. So that’s why we’re gathered here today. As part of the latest installment in the fantastic SWT Singles Spotlight series. “Madeline” is a rollicking melody from the opening notes to the closing one. The drums keep time wonderfully and often feel propulsive against the song’s melody. The strings are gorgeous; the guitar solo really shreds and captivates your attention. Adding more instrumentation creates unity and a more jubilant atmosphere than a solo song with a single acoustic guitar. The lyrics are defiant at times, steadfast in their achievement. “This bird will sing” is a recurring refrain that drives the point home. What a lovely entry into the Singles Spotlight series, and a great introduction to Ryan Burns’ music. If this is your first exploration, you’ve chosen well.

But don’t just take my word for it. Press play and listen to song #8, “Madeline,” for yourself!

Watch and listen to a live performance of “Madeline” recorded at Fitzgerald’s Sidebar:

(All credits and rights to Ryan Burns)

Take a look at the cover art for Just Keep Growing:

The track list for Just Keep Growing

1. April Friday (1:24)
2. Let It Out Again (3:16)
3. Don’t Count Me Out (3:11)
4. Tall Tall Towers (4:01)
5. Moving Day (4:13)
6. Satsuma (1:42)
7. Beautiful Machine (3:41)
8. Madeline (3:20)
9. Weather (4:16)
10. I’ll Be Fine (3:56)
11. Cutting Insulation (3:15)

Giving credit where it’s due. Album credits for Just Keep Growing.

• Recorded at Space Cowboy Studios, Chicago, IL
• Produced by Jake Hawrylak
• Mixed by Colin Sipos
• Mastered by Anthony Gravino
• Music and Lyrics written by Ryan Burns
• Album Art and Layout by Taylor Turnbull
• This album is partially funded with a grant from the Illinois Arts Council
• Ryan Burns – Vocals, Banjo, Acoustic and Electric Guitar
• Jake Hawrylak – Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Background Vocals
• Aaron Smith – Upright Bass
• Jess Baldissero – Fiddle
• Jonathan Hodges – Violin

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com