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Today, Detroit, Michigan-based indie singer-songwriter Ronny Tibbs shares elusive, driving track and rousing animated video "What You Do" out now. Tibbs' haunting, intricate EP Shorthand, is due out October 29 and available for pre-order now.
The building, explosive "What You Do" has become a staple in the Ronny Tibbs live shows, and stands out from the forthcoming project as its bridge takes a raucous, psychedelic twist. Its subject matter similarly displays a new side of Tibbs. The artist invites listeners to bring their own perspectives to the music. "While it's personal in some ways, it also touches on political and social perspectives. When writing about these topics, I always strive to pose an opinion without pushing an agenda. To each their own—this is just an observation from my point of view. It's cool if people see something that aligns with them in the track; if not, carry on."
For its accompanying video, Tibbs recruited two animators, Martina Sic and Taylor Stanislawski, who brought the music to life and together, all let their imaginations run, without any creative restraints. Plus, Tibbs continues, "To add a unique layer traditionally reserved for performance aspects, I enlisted America's Got Talent winner Ace 'Shadow' Phillips, who masterfully performed all the shadow puppet sections. This film was one of my most complex projects, primarily because animation offers boundless creative freedom."
Watch "What You Do" (Official Video)
Shorthand, the smooth, stirring forthcoming EP by Ronny Tibbs, meets the musician where he is today with its rich, masterful instrumentation, soaring vocals, and sincere lyricism. A labor of love created in life's in-between moments, away from the grind of everyday life, where the band could exist in a sacred, creative space. The project allowed the group to experiment freely, unbound to any expectations. On the EP's purpose and the necessary refuge it became, Tibbs says they aimed to "carve out time from life's obligations to manifest the songs that had been haunting our consciousness, trapped in our minds with no outlet for far too long. It was time to break free and make time for creativity." Another purpose of this EP, Tibbs adds, "was to embark on a project with friends, with the delightful ulterior motive of spending quality time together, defying life's oppressive demands, and making room for memories."
Last month, Tibbs shared the emotionally charged "Imagine My Eyes," a heart-wrenching recollection of a difficult moment in Tibbs' life–one where a close relationship imploded before him. In July, Tibbs released "Too Late," a track ten years in the making–one of his oldest songs that is finally seeing the light of day. Throughout the track, Tibbs grapples with the idea that not everything happens quickly, despite what society has become; good things often take time, care, and attention.
The previously shared "Love is (Just) a Cruel Game" blends a twangy, cinematic feel and the grandiosity one might find in a Bond theme. The tone is dramatic and lush, with rich instrumentation and powerful horn sections that strike a balance between haunting and sarcastic—explaining how the track came about naturally and the process of recording it, Tibbs says, "'Love Is (Just) A Cruel Game'" was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle moments for me. The song came together incredibly quickly, with all the parts pulling together almost effortlessly."
Equipped with a distinctive Midwestern charm and unbound to any particular genre, Ronny Tibbs has carved his authentic path since high school and signed a record deal with Island Records UK at just 19 with his former rock quartet, The Satin Peaches, who toured extensively and electrified stages at festivals like Lollapalooza and Leeds. Tibbs broke away from that when 2016's 33 with The 305's arrived. In 2018, Pop Matters premiered the fan-favorite single "30-Year-Old Boy" and wrote it opens with "chamber pop piano lead and a sweeping string section enveloping Tibbs' high-end crooning. At the cusp of the refrain's second appearance, the instrumental swell escalates with some crashing drums and the strings' growing grandeur."
On the singer's ability to blend genres, Click On Detroit wrote, "Combining the beach-pop, doo-wop sound with meaningful and personal lyrics, Metro Detroit's Ronny Tibbs creates feel good music with tons of heart." In 2019, Tibbs shared his sophomore album Lone Fry, and now five years later, Tibbs looks to expand on his heartfelt, expansive sonic universe, leading with honesty and filled with meaning.
"What You Do," the electrifying, hard-hitting track by Ronny Tibbs is out now The delicate, unbound EP Shorthand is due out October 29 and is available for pre-order now. Connect with the rising singer-songwriter on Instagram and YouTube , and stay tuned for much more.
Watch "Imagine My Eyes" (Official Video) | Listen
Watch "Too Late" (Official Music Video) | Listen: "Too Late"
Watch "Love Is (Just) A Cruel Game" (Official Music Video) | Listen
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