“It’s so satisfying to finally put out a record that is entirely me, from the first stage of songwriting to the last adjustment in mastering. I’m proud of writing such a warm record,” says indie singer-songwriter Ryan Toomin, as he celebrates the release of his debut album, Disarray. The album is a deeply personal reflection on growth, change, and rediscovery, blending elements of Indie Rock, Power Pop, Soft Rock, and Pop Rock across nine evocative tracks.
Hailing from Los Angeles, where he grew up surrounded by music, Toomin’s sound is rooted in the classic influences of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Grateful Dead. These iconic artists, introduced to him by his parents, laid the foundation for his musical journey. Later, as he found inspiration in modern indie luminaries like Radiohead, Elliott Smith, and Wilco, Toomin carved out his own artistic identity.
In 2015, Toomin made a life-changing move from the fast pace of Los Angeles to the tranquil fields of Lexington, Kentucky, where he started a garden design business by day and pursued his music by night. It was in this quieter, more solitary setting that *Disarray* began to take form.
“Inspiration struck when I found myself living alone in the middle of a cow field with nothing but my iPhone to capture ideas,” Toomin shares. “As I transitioned to life in Lexington, I built my own studio piece by piece and used that time to reflect on the disarray that often consumes our lives. These songs are about letting go of past loves, battling loneliness, and eventually finding my way to new love and stability.”
Drawing from artists like The War On Drugs and Whitney, along with his continued admiration for Elliott Smith, Toomin’s debut is a richly textured sonic journey. Melodic guitar lines, introspective lyrics, and heartfelt vocals create a sound that is at once familiar and refreshingly original. The fact that Toomin played and recorded all the instruments himself highlights his growth not only as a musician but also as a self-taught producer and engineer.
From the feelings of loss and uncertainty that fuel the opening tracks to the hope and sense of renewal that round out the album, Disarray, offers listeners a raw, unfiltered look at Toomin’s emotional evolution. Each song encapsulates a chapter in his life, detailing his battle with isolation and the resilience that led him to newfound love and stability.
Toomin’s debut marks the arrival of a distinct voice in the indie rock landscape, one that intertwines heartfelt storytelling with musical craftsmanship. Disarray, is a testament to his artistic independence and a bold first step into a promising future.
