Stream: Phoebe Ryan, ‘Talk to Me’

Chris Arey on August 4th, 2020

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Singer-songwriter Phoebe Ryan’s latest single “Talk to Me” is more than just a new song, it’s emblematic of a debut album that signifies her artistic freedom.

“Talk to Me” strays from the path. The track leads with a twangy guitar, electric wobble and irresistible beat. Ryan’s voice soars high above the rest of the music and provides a nice contrast to the edgy guitar and pseudo-rock kit. While the lyrics speak to the challenges of modern-day romance, the track feels lighthearted.

Ryan says the track “was written moments after I got a text from the guy I was dating that he was also seeing someone else. I was upset for maybe 10 minutes, because then we started writing this song and it seemed much more important. Communication is something I write about often because I’ve been in way too many situations where I’ve experienced just how bad texting has fucked us all up. It’s so hard for people to be honest face-to-face. I think it’s important to remind (and challenge!) people to speak up when something is bothering them, and not hide behind a screen.”

“Talk to Me” is the second track on Ryan’s first full-length album, “How It Used to Feel.” The album (released on Friday) features 13 tracks that cover a wide variety of genres and sounds, from country and rock to indie and electro-pop — a distinct difference from her earlier work.

What really makes the album more special is that it’s her first major release after becoming an independent artist.

Ryan signed to Columbia Records in 2015 and released two EPs along with a handful of singles during her time with the label. She made a bigger mark in the pop world, though, as a co-writer on tracks by the likes of Britney Spears and the Chainsmokers. The life, however, wasn’t she expected.

When describing her experience co-headlining the 2017 North American tour with Tove Lo, she told American Songwriter, “I should have been having the best time and feeling great, but I was crying myself to sleep every night and barely able to make it onstage and having panic attacks. It was a low point in my life when it should have been a high point.”

And so, for the sake of artistic freedom and her own well-being, Ryan broke away from the major record label to release “How It Used to Feel” independently. The move speaks volumes about Ryan as a musician and makes this album that much more authentic.

This is Ryan’s boldest work yet and you can hear the difference.

||| Stream: “Talk to Me”