Ryan Hommel has just released his latest work, “Default To Open”, and he premiered several “new” songs for us on NineVoltHeart. These songs are part of a long-delayed project going back to 2015. Life on the road with Amos Lee got in the way of it’s proper treatment. Well, Ryan is now the proud father of a six month old daughter and decidedly “off the road”. It was time to record these songs and a trip to Nashville resulted in this release.

We hear a live in-studio version of “Bury Me” followed by a studio version of “Wide Open”. We also heard a cut from “Daisy Jones and the Six” TV show that Ryan was tasked with teaching the actors to play their instruments!! Our conversation is broad ranging and hit topics like Ryan’s local roots here in Amherst and his first guitar! We explored his time with Amos Lee touring world-wide, his move to LA and subsequent return to Holyoke. We heard a live in-studio version of “Same Side” from Default To Open and “Chrysalis” from the studio version. Highly intelligent answers to my inquiries all throughout the conversation. It was a joy to catch up with Ryan Hommel who has collaborated with so many of our favorite artists like Jamie Kent, Mikey Sweet, Heather Maloney, Sandy Bailey and Seth Glier!! His artistry adds to all the folks he works with and it’s so special to hear the long-delayed work from a true craftsman and musical hero of mine. Give the segment a listen.