Freshly Pressed – Ryan Thomas Smelle “Sad Song”

Niagara-based singer-songwriter Ryan Thomas Smelle has just released his latest album, Goodbye Polar Bear. The album is the second part to his last full-length, In The Homestretch, and includes a re-release of the new album’s focus single, “Sad Song”. We caught up with Ryan to chat about the song, the album, his favourite places in Niagara to perform, and what he has planned next. 

From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “Sad Song”. 

Ryan Thomas Smelle: Every once in a while I sift through some old recording ideas for inspiration, and I stumbled across a file titled ‘Sad Song’. To my surprise, it was a complete song and not just a snippet.  I was in the midst of grief over the passing of my daughter and have no recollection of creating it. I immediately wanted to add to my upcoming album.

The album in general has a raw edge to it and this song takes the cake. I played through the song in several takes without stopping and layered them on top of themselves. You will notice that the guitar seems to increase in frequency and intensity ever so slightly throughout the song and this adds to the emotional swell.  I added subtle lead guitar and some poignant piano to emphasize the passing through grief into a brighter future of hope.

From The Strait: “Sad Song” is the focus single from your new album, Goodbye Polar Bear. What can you tell us about the new album?

Ryan Thomas Smelle: The new album, “Goodbye Polar Bear” is the 2nd part of “In The Homestretch” and almost a collection of the B sides.  All the songs are just me in my studio in raw live takes with some editing here or there. The entire album’s central theme is around mental health and each song tells a story of a struggle that runs through one’s mind relating to anxiety, worry, depression or even the purpose of why one should stick around. I have combined the two albums and am printing a run of CDs where the insert is reversible for each album. The 28 track idea has been 4 years in the making and starts with a song titled ‘Today’ and ends with the track ‘Tomorrow’. I am really proud of these 2 albums as one project and looking forward to shifting my creative process to include a band on my next album with a more upbeat feel.  The album’s release date falls on what would have been my daughter’s 8th birthday.

From The Strait: What are your personal favourite songs from the album?

Ryan Thomas Smelle: There are some significant songs off of this record that relate to some important life events for myself.

‘Bridges to burn’ is about fake people that have green eyes and jealousy for all that you do.

‘Move on’ is a 30 second song about my other daughter receiving some health related treatments that freed her to be more social.

‘Ripples’ is about a friend who passed away tragically too soon.

‘Sad Song’ because of the true connections and feedback I receive from others.

From The Strait: You’re known for your impressively packed show schedule around Niagara – what are your favourite places to play?

Ryan Thomas Smelle: The Niagara Region has an impressive amount of areas that draw tourists throughout the year. I love setting the vibe at an upscale restaurant in Niagara On The Lake or at a vineyard in one of our fine wineries.  Lucky’s at Fallsview Casino also offers some interesting stories where performers from the OLG stage come hang with us for a set (ie. most recently Greta Van Fleet)

From The Strait: What’s next for you?

Ryan Thomas Smelle: I feel blessed, humbled and honoured to have accomplished so much over the last few years as a musician and songwriter.  When I shifted to a more acoustic approach to my songwriting, my intended audience was my kids.  I had hoped to inspire them to chase their own dreams by never giving up on my own.  Becoming my truly authentic self has resonated with my listeners and I plan to ‘Stay The Course’ (which is the title of my third album and already in the works).

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Check out “Sad Song,” the focus single from Ryan Thomas Smelle’s new album, Goodbye Polar Bear!

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