Kathryn Ryan Releases Haunting Self-Titled Debut Album
Written by admin on December 16, 2025
Wisconsin-born, Colorado-based singer-songwriter Kathryn Ryan recently unveiled her self-titled debut album via Philville Records. The album blends elements of folk, country, and classical into authentically moving music, revealing heartbreak, forgiveness, and healing.
A classically trained cellist, Ryan performs the cello parts on the song, imbuing the songs with unforgettable, wistful nuances.
Produced by Ryan and Matthew R. Sayles, who also engineered, mixed, and mastered the album, the long player was recorded at Sueño Royale Studios in Eau Claire, WI, and features a who’s who of Midwestern musicians: members of The Driftless Revelers, Lee “Big Country” Martin (of Feeding Leroy and collaborator of Trampled By Turtles) on pedal steel, Jerod Kaszynski on piano and upright bass, John Utphal on fiddle, and vocal support from Emily VanOpdorp and Irelyn Ulrich on “Jesus Forgives.” And of course, Kathryn Ryan on vocals and guitar.
Made up of nine tracks, highlights on the album include “Thursday,” a delightful country-folk-flavored tune that shows off tasty drawling tones and Ryan’s smooth and relaxed vocals.
On “Jesus Forgives,” Ryan narrates the tale of her broken heart and the boy who broke it, emphasizing the fact that even though “Jesus Forgives,” she isn’t Jesus. She’d like to send the offender to hell. The layered vocals on the outro make this song a definite wonderment.
“Jesus forgives / He says turn the other cheek / But he don’t know what you done to me / Jesus forgives / But I’m not Jesus / And I hope that boy rots right in his grave.”
A personal favorite because of its drifting flow, fiddle accents, and gorgeous harmonies, “Florida Man” simultaneously glides and slinks, exuding dark, almost portentous colors. The cello on the intro to “Winter in Wisconsin” is at once chilling and wonderful and is followed by a charming melody about a lover who’s about as warm as the frigid weather in Wisconsin.
The closing track, “Stain,” rides a classical-flavored piano that leads to a gently tottering melody dripping with medieval surfaces. Choppy, chanting vocals give the lyrics haunting poignancy.
A gem of a debut album because of Kathryn Ryan’s evocative voice, Kathryn Ryan shifts genres with wonderful aplomb.
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