Exclusive: Stream Ryan Wayne’s “Jams To Inspire Creativity” Curated Spotify Playlist

By: Staff –

To celebrate the release of Ryan Wayne’s new album, Crow Amongst the Sparrows, the Canadian singer-songwriter curated a brand new Spotify playlist of jams to inspire creativity. 

Interpol – “Untitled”

There are several songs off of the Turn On the Bright Lights album that could have been featured here, but this is perhaps my favorite and makes for a nice intro to any playlist, the slow build, the reverb soaked vocals, part of a musical lineage that stretches back Ian Curtis at times, a unique play and build on words— an easy song to daydream to. 

Weyes Blood – “Andromeda”

The first time I heard this song, I fell in love. It has only grown on me over time. 

Belle And Sebastian – “Dress Up In You”

Scotland’s finest. It’s difficult to pick from their catalogue. I’ve been a big fan for many, many years. Their live show is entertaining and the lyrics are clever. 

The Beta Band – “Dry The Rain”

Scotland’s other finest…though more fleeting…This might not be my favoirte Beta Band song, but its hard to deny its effect and I think it work well in a playlist. Their sound dances around genres better than anyone except for, perhaps, Beck, and the vocals are unique. 

Sylvan Esso – “Coffee”

My wife, Sarah, plays this song all the time, and I can’t get enough. The sparse production keeps presenting delightful pieces of ear candy and then the chorus hits, subtly, but after a couple listens, I dare you not to sing along. 

The Afghan Wigs – “Algiers”

Perhaps its the voice, perhaps its the melody, perhaps its my struggle to put the song in a genre box, but something about this song gets me everytime. 

Sharon Van Etten – “Everytime the Sun Comes Up”

This song has such a singable chorus. There is a stream of consciousness vibe to the lyrics that works well for me. The song feels very casual and serious at the same time. 

Deerhunter – “He Would Have Laughed”

This song is ripe with originality. There is a quality to this song that draws me in and sends my mind into imagination mode. 

Cass McCombs – “County Line”

I think this might be a perfect song.  

Sinéad O’Connor – “Drink Before the War”

No list would be complete without some Sinéad O’Connor, perhaps my favorite singer of all time. The biggest challenge was picking which song. The way the vocals build in intensity as the song progresses is unparalleled. 

Dangermouse & Sparklehorse (Feat. the Flaming Lips) – “Revenge”

A dream collaboration? This Dangermouse/Sparklehorse posthumous collaboration record is amazing and features incredible guest artists, in this case, The Flaming Lips. This is my favorite piece from the collection and I admire all three artists in their own rights. 

Anelise Noronha – “Lake Ontario”

Annelise is a great artist, producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist and friend. This song just gives me good vibrations — her voice is one of my favorites of all time.  

Mulatu Astatke – “Tezeta (Nostalgia)”

Close your eyes and get lost in this one.