“Please Don’t Burn The Sage” is Ryan Yingst’ whispers of longing. Ryan Yingst is a gifted singer-songwriter, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and audio engineer who calls Nashville, TN his home. His musical journey began when he transitioned from working as a recording engineer and touring sideman to crafting his own heartfelt compositions. After releasing his debut album in 2020, he made the move to Nashville to further immerse himself in the vibrant music scene.
Yingst draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical legends such as Jeff Buckley, Theo Katzman, Beirut, The Shins, Elliot Smith, Charles Bradley, Bill Withers, Grant Green, The Smiths, and Slaughter Beach, Dog. Their captivating artistry has shaped his own sound, influencing the delicate balance he strikes between haunting melodies and poignant storytelling.
In collaboration with fellow musician and producer Shane Weisman, Yingst recorded his latest song at their respective home studios in Nashville, TN. Weisman’s invaluable contributions as a co-producer, along with his skillful play on electric guitar, keyboards, and drums, helped bring Yingst’s true artistic vision to life. Additionally, Yingst took charge of recording the vocals and guitar parts, as well as the mixing process in his home studio. The project was then masterfully mastered by Sean Cho at +/- Recording in Pittsburgh, PA.
The composition of “Please Don’t Burn The Sage” holds a deeply personal significance for Yingst, as it reflects a year marked by profound loss, both in terms of cherished friends and beloved family members. Through his music, he seeks to explore the intricate connection between love and grief. It’s a contemplation of how sometimes, holding onto pain can serve as a way to preserve the love we continue to feel for those who have departed. In this delicate exploration of emotions, Yingst reminds us that not all ghosts are unwelcome, and they can become cherished companions on our journey through life.
Interestingly, prior to finalizing the version we hear today, Yingst embarked on a different path. He initially collaborated with a highly acclaimed and Grammy-winning producer and studio band at a prominent recording studio in Nashville. However, upon hearing the final result, Yingst felt a disconnection from his own vision. He made the bold decision to reject the overly polished, pop-driven approach in favor of a more gritty, honest, and intimate recording. It was in this pursuit of authenticity that he found solace in working alongside Weisman, whose deep understanding of Yingst’s vision brought forth the true essence of the track.
Through this song, Ryan Yingst delves into the profound theme of life after death. He taps into a universal experience of longing, acknowledging that when we lose someone dear, their presence lingers in our hearts and lives. In his own personal connection to this sentiment, Yingst evokes a sense of empathy and invites listeners to reflect on their own encounters with loss and the ghosts that continue to shape their existence.
“Please Don’t Burn The Sage” captures the essence of Ryan Yingst’s musical odyssey, where he fearlessly delves into the depths of the human experience. Each chord struck and every lyric sung serves as a testament to his emotional vulnerability. As we immerse ourselves in his melancholic melodies, we are transported to a realm where pain and love intertwine, reminding us that amidst the sorrows, there is beauty to be found and solace to be discovered.
Listen to Please Don’t Burn The Sage below
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