"'Changed My Mind' is the premiere single off my debut solo EP 'The Opposite.' This is a massive passion project of mine, as every song was written, performed, produced, recorded and engineered all by me in my home studio."

In a world where we are constantly hearing break-up narratives from a million different artists, it's nice to hear something that's more raw that what we're given. I'm not saying these other artists don't share a lot with us and bear their soul - art always allows you to do that, even in its most commercialized form. Still, there's something about hearing an artist who has done everything himself - someone who has had complete control over everything from writing to production to release. There's a realness there, and I think that's what McCartan has given us with this new single.

For those who aren't familiar with this Broadway/TV darling, Ryan McCartan first rose to prominence in a recurring role on the Disney Channel TV show, Liv and Maddie. From there, he went on to play JD in the hit off-Broadway adaptation of Heathers, and even got the chance to play Brad Masters in Fox's recording of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! And while the latter wasn't the most well-received show ever, no one can argue that McCartan's voice wasn't electrifying.

Now, coming off of the break up of The Girl and the Dreamcatcher (which McCartan had formed with his ex-girlfriend, Liv and Maddie star, Dove Cameron), he is back to release a new EP. Ryan has this to say about his new release:

"'Changed My Mind' is one of five songs on the EP, which takes listeners through my convoluted and tumultuous grieving process following a horrific break up. Each song represents one of the five stages of grief, and 'Changed My Mind' is the final stage of acceptance. I feel blessed every day to be able to create and share my art with the world. I've never been happier in my entire life!"

I can't say which break up McCartan is referring to. Perhaps he's talking about his break up with Cameron? Or maybe there was another that wasn't necessarily in the spotlight. Regardless, what McCartan brings to the table is catchy and fun, that is charged with an emotional energy that doesn't seem manufactured or disingenuous. Is it the most groundbreaking single I've ever heard? No. But it is real, and you can feel it in the work that McCartan has put into this track.

Bottom line: It's fun, it's emotional, and to this writer, it's a great start, and I can't wait to see what more McCartan brings to us in the future.

What did you think of the song? Do you want to buy the EP? Do you want to follow this great artist on social media? Then you should follow him on his social media!

Follow Ryan McCartan on Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

And listen to the single on Spotify or Apple Music!

Shann Smith is a freelance writer, screenwriter, playwright, gamer, music lover, and film/TV lover. When he's not working on his columns for Popdust, he's doing his best to create and consume as much media as he can!

POP⚡DUST | Read More…

SATURDAY FILM SCHOOL | 'A Quiet Place' Has a Loud Message

Mackenzie Sol Releases Retro Lyric Video for new single "Taken"

RELEASE RADAR | Premieres from Summer Dregs and Bianca Jade

BOX OFFICE BREAKDOWN | All is fair in love and its consequences