Ryan Wayne is a Canadian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He first came to recognition as a founding member and songwriter in the critically acclaimed, award-winning band, The Warped 45s. In early 2022, after several years away from touring and recording, Ryan suffered two strokes. As part of the healing process, Ryan was drawn back to the music world and began the final production and mixing of a series of self-produced songs with Grammy Award winning producer and mixing engineer, Malcolm Burn (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Patti Smith, Daniel Lanois). The record, Crow Amongst the Sparrows, was released in September 2023 to critical acclaim. 

Ryan’s new single, “Ready My Love,” explores themes of regret and escapism in somewhat abstract terms, juxtaposed with a chorus that offers a simple commitment to growth. The song began when his longtime friend and collaborator, Alex Needleman, sent him this hypnotic synth drone that sparked the whole song. 

Around the same time, Ryan was jamming with some friends on his co-ed arts league hockey team, learning some ‘70s funk songs. He noticed how few chords were used in the songs they were learning – it was all about the hooks and groove. Ryan wondered how far he could take a two-chord folk song by focusing on instrumental layers, counterpoint, groove and dynamics. He and Alex went back and forth on the music (as well as a few contributions from friends and bandmates) to complete “Ready My Love.”