QUICK HITS: Three New Albums, EP Releases Reflect On Winter's Seasonal Shifts

Yomchi, Kathryn Ryan and Dan Zerr offer insights to one's interpersonal relationships – told through indie rock, Americana

Kathryn Ryan by Kathryn Ryan

“This album was truly a dream come true for me,” Kathryn Ryan, the Eau Claire born-and-raised singer-songwriter said to describe her debut, self-titled record.

For Ryan, the journey to create the nine tracks featured on Kathryn Ryan – released this November – goes all the way back to the hallways of DeLong Middle School, where she first picked up the guitar.

“My friend and I came across a pile of (guitars) in the music hallway and asked if we could each take one home,” Ryan said. “It gave us an opportunity to explore the idea of being musicians that people might want to listen to one day.”

As she continued to evolve and grow into young adulthood – in pursuit of other career paths and personal development – poetry and journaling became an outlet of creativity. Soon enough, one line of poetry was accompanied by a melody, which exponentially shaped what would become Kathryn Ryan.

“This album is an opportunity to read through my journal entries,” Ryan shared. “You can join me as I fall in love, as I struggle through a broken heart and as I try to figure out who I am.”

The genre-bending record – engineered, mixed and mastered by Matthew R. Sayles along with Philville Records in the Chippewa Valley – with enveloping piano chords, country twang, gospel choirs and emotive cello compositions is available to listen on streaming platforms.

Learn more about Kathryn Ryan through her social media platforms online (@kathryn.ryan.creates) and purchase her debut album, Kathryn Ryan, through the Philville Records webpage.

Link to Full Original Article: https://volumeone.org/articles/2025/12/12/377399-quick-hits-three-new-album-ep-releases-reflect-on-winters-seasonal-shifts