Strong emotions often create equally powerful songs. That’s most definitely the case with artist Steve Ryan‘s most recent release. Ryan is a tenured artist within the music industry, with substantial songwriting work as well as an EP and multiple full-length albums. His newest single, Proud of Me, is out now on Bongo Boy Records, and it’s an emotional journey from start to finish.
Proud of Me has a clear modern feel to its production and execution, with a foundation of piano that elevates the dramaticism in the track. Ryan’s vocals blend with this particular style incredibly well – his voice is captivating and bold, but with plenty of nuance and intricacies when it’s wanted. The track has a thoroughly enjoyable build, starting soft and subtle and crescendoing to a powerful peak.
But the real highlight of this track is the message, the story being told. Proud of Me was written as a tribute to Ryan’s late father. The emotion and sincerity, the real-world pain, and the sense of finding light in the darkness are palpable in this song. He echoes a thought so many of us have found ourselves with during times of loss and grief – would they be proud looking down on us as we are now? And Ryan answers that question with a resounding yes, and he does it in such a way that it will resonate with anyone who’s been through this experience. The reliability of this track puts his songwriting experience on definitive display. And the music video for this song, a heartwarming animated project, only serves to inspire and uplift even further as it paints heartwarming imagery of the message at hand.
For something tender but evocative, compelling but emotional – Steve Ryan‘s newest single might be just what you need. It’s a true beacon of optimism during a period that is a challenge for so many. Out now on Bongo Boy Records, Proud of Me is the truly relatable ballad with a definitive modern flair that will lift you up and encourage hope and peace from the darkness within.
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BELOW: Listen to Proud of Me and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Steve Ryan by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!