About

"Ryan Hetrick's sound and lyricism come from the grit of growing up in the Rustbelt of Northeast OHio and spending many years immersed in the influential music scene of Athens, GA, where he worked in music venues like the 40 Watt Club, and played late nights in the summertime in small rooms and sweaty DIY spots all over the South. Weaving together several different genres and musical stylings, Hetrick's music sounds as well-traveled as life has been.

Hetrick recently returned to the Pacific Northwest, where he is starting to make waves in the local scene, bringing his brand of Americana indie folk to Portland. His songs and approach to playing live are non-linear. Allowing room to breathe and contort into whatever they become in that moment.  The theme lyrically is a darkened view of the world and the times we are living in, mixed with rays of sunshine and hope finding their way through the cracks. 

Ryan Hetrick and the Electric formed in the Spring of 2024. Previous songs written as a solo artist have taken on new forms with the sonic textures and expanded dynamics of a full band. 

In July 2024, Hetrick recorded some songs at esteemed recording engineer Curtis Leonard's Playroom Studios in North Ridgeville, OH. “The Man on the TV” and “Open Spaces and Empty Places” can be found on all streaming platforms. 

Hetrick is in the process of preparing a batch of tunes written within the last year and is planning to record them in the next few months. Look for a solo release at some point near the beginning of 2026!"

Open Spaces and Empty Places

Ryan Hetrick and The Electric

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This song was written at the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020. I was living alone and sequestered in my apartment. When I would venture out, the streets were empty, businesses were closed, and my normally Read more

This song was written at the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020. I was living alone and sequestered in my apartment. When I would venture out, the streets were empty, businesses were closed, and my normally bustling neighborhood was completely devoid of activity. When I wrote this song, like many of us, I was scared of this mystery virus, isolated, and wondering if this was to be our new normal. This song helped me convey the loneliness, fear, and empty feeling I was experiencing. Even though it's about a specific experience, it can also be relatable for anyone going through depression, loneliness, and this aching desire for any semblance of joy in whatever way we can manage to find it.

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    Open Spaces and Empty Places 3:42
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