Toronto-based Canadian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ryan wayne is poised to release his new album, Functioning Dysfunctionals, on May 9, 2025 [[3]]. This follows his critically acclaimed 2023 album,Crow Amongst the Sparrows [[2]].

Wayne first gained recognition as a founding member and songwriter for the award-winning band, The Warped 45s (Pheromone Recordings). After several years away from touring and recording, Wayne faced a personal health challenge in early 2022, suffering two strokes. Music became a vital part of his healing process, leading him to finalize the production and mixing of self-produced songs with grammy Award-winning producer and mixing engineer Malcolm Burn, known for his work with Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Patti Smith, and daniel Lanois.

“Lion In the wall”: A Glimpse into the Upcoming Album

As the release date for Functioning Dysfunctionals approaches, Wayne has released Lion In The Wall, a moving and poetic Americana ballad [[3]]. This is not a typical Americana ballad; it blends modern elements with Wayne’s unique perspective.

The song offers a mystical and emotional journey, showcasing Wayne’s careful yet vulnerable delivery. His honesty aims directly for the listener’s soul, set against a backdrop of twangy minimalism and cinematic simplicity.

The Story Behind the Song

Wayne explains the inspiration behind Lion In the Wall:

While bartending in Toronto years ago, I met film director John L’Ecuyer, who shared with me a deeply personal and haunting story—a tale of addiction, failure, and the fragile thread of redemption. In it, a father, nearing the end of his life and eased only by morphine, finally sees his son’s addiction through the mirrored lens of his own pain.In that final reckoning, compassion emerges where judgment once lived.
Ryan Wayne

Collaboration and Production

Wayne collaborated with several artists to bring this song to life:

• Annelise noronha: Harmonies, mixing, and additional production.
• tim Vesely: Vocal production.
• Brian Kobayakawa: Bass.
• Hamal Finn Roye and John Bridgens: Harmonies.
• Denis Holt: Drums.
• JP Desaulniers: Violin.

Wayne notes,

I brought this story to life with the help of longtime collaborator annelise Noronha, who added harmonies, mixed the track, and contributed additional production. Tim Vesely produced the vocals, while a circle of friends helped shape the sonic landscape: Brian Kobayakawa on bass, Hamal Finn Roye and John Bridgens on harmonies, Denis Holt on drums, and JP Desaulniers, whose haunting violin lines carry the emotional weight of the song.
Ryan Wayne

anticipation for Functioning Dysfunctionals

Lion In The Wall offers a glimpse into what promises to be a refreshing and heartfelt Americana album. Functioning Dysfunctionals is set to release on May 9th, 2025 [[3]].