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. Our search bar at the top of each page is both lovely and comprehensive.
Today, we continue with our fantastic Singles Spotlight series, this time headed back to Chicago to talk about Ryan Burns. As the bio on his site succinctly notes far better than I could, “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.”
Right on. I’m intrigued. How about you?
On October 23rd, Burns is releasing a new full-length album titled Just Keep Growing. Pre-save it here.
The press release for the album gives us more insight into the album’s production and what to expect, noting, “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.
The lyrics are reflective and offer wisdom and some positivity: ‘one day we’ll all be free.’ Burns’ vocal tone is memorable and sticks with you as you listen. The melody is softer, sweeter, and more reminiscent. It’s a very pleasant listening experience, even with the gently plucked banjo strings. The song offers earworms that will stick with you. All things considered, I feel this song is a great introduction not only to Burns’ songwriting and talent as a musician and vocalist as well. And thus, another entry to SWT’s Singles Spotlight series has been made.
Take a look and listen for yourself!
Here’s the awesome video for the song “Moving Day” includes footage of Burns’ friend Caleb Fullen (@cinemapotpourri) moving from Chicago to LA. Via Ryan Burns’ YouTube channel:
(All credits and rights to Ryan Burns)
Take a gander at the “Moving Day” singles artwork:
“Moving Day” lyrics
I’ve come to take your life away
Wrapped in foam and cellophane
It won’t be very far
These things are who you are
Wooden floors are everywhere
From Wicker Park to Palmer Square
From mansions to the streets
We’re all so incomplete
Pack your things it’s moving day
This is where you’ll hang your hea
Before you drag yourself to bed
It’s tasteful and serene
Our lives are for the screen
Here’s where lovers pass the years
When you’re alone you’ll still be here
Time will rarely wait
Be ready or be late
Pack your things it’s moving day
Remember all you used to be
Before the weight of all of this
Kept you from walking free
One day we’ll all be free
I’ve come to take your life away
Wrapped in foam and cellophane
We won’t go very far
These things are who you are
Pack your things it’s moving day
Pack your things it’s moving day
You can connect with and listen to more of Ryan Burns at the following links:
- Website: rburnsmusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rburnsmusic
- Bandcamp: rburnsmusic.bandcamp.com
- YouTube: youtube.com/@rburnsmusic
- Spotify: Ryan Burns on Spotify
- Facebook: facebook.com/rburnsmusic
Like what you heard? See Ryan Burns’ tour dates here.Â
A bonus if you’re still here. Thank you! Burns with full band performing the song live recently in Chicago:
(All credits and rights to Ryan Burns)
Do you like discovering new music and/or this series? Here are more Singles Spotlights to check out.
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
