Interview: Toronto’s Hayden Ryann Rises From the Ashes of Heartbreak on Unapologetic Country Anthem “Walk Through Fire”

Toronto country-pop artist Hayden Ryann shares “Walk Through Fire,” a bold, energetic, and empowering anthem that transforms the aftermath of heartbreak into an unapologetic declaration of self-worth. Fuelled by gritty guitars, confident lyricism, and an undeniable sense of momentum, the single captures the liberating moment when healing gives way to clarity, and choosing yourself becomes the only path forward.

Written from a place of hard-earned confidence, “Walk Through Fire” emerged after Hayden realized she had finally moved beyond a difficult breakup. Rather than dwelling on the pain, the song reflects the moment she stopped making excuses for someone else’s behaviour and recognized she deserved more.

The song arrived almost as quickly as the emotions behind it. Sitting on the basement couch where she writes most of her music, Hayden stumbled onto the signature guitar riff while experimenting with melodies. Within minutes, the lyrics poured out naturally, and remarkably, not a single word has changed since that first writing session.

“It was almost like a ‘word vomit’ session where I wasn’t trying to write something polished or intentional, I was just being honest,” Hayden explains. “Every word that came out in that moment is still exactly what ended up in the final version.”

That honesty became the foundation for a collaboration with producer Shawn Moore, who first connected with Hayden through Instagram. After an introductory phone call, Shawn encouraged her to send over any songs she felt strongly about. The first voice memo she shared was “Walk Through Fire.”

“Almost immediately, he responded and said, ‘That’s the song we have to do,’” Hayden recalls. “His enthusiasm gave me even more confidence in the track, and reinforced my belief that it deserved to be brought to life in a bigger way.”

Together, they built a production that emphasizes grit, confidence and emotional release without sacrificing authenticity. Rather than chasing existing country trends, Hayden and Shawn focused on creating a sound that felt entirely true to the song itself, allowing driving guitar riffs and organic energy to carry its message.

“The song isn’t about heartbreak. It’s about the moment after. The shift from breaking down to standing up,” Hayden explains. “‘Walk Through Fire’ represents that turning point where you stop settling, take your power back, and choose yourself, even if it means walking away through the flames.”

1. What did you enjoy most about the creation of this new release?

What I enjoyed most about creating this release was having the freedom to think outside the box and really push myself creatively. Musically, it’s very different from anything I’ve released before, both in its sound and in the way the song is structured. Watching it come to life in the studio was incredibly rewarding because every decision felt intentional and personal. It feels like a true reflection of where I’m headed as an artist and the direction I want my music to take moving forward.

2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.

The biggest piece of advice I’d give is to never be afraid to show people who you really are. Not everyone is going to connect with you, and not everyone is going to like your music—and that’s okay. You can’t build a career trying to please everyone.

At the end of the day, you have to create music that feels true to you. If you’re constantly chasing other people’s approval, you’ll lose sight of why you started in the first place. Make the music that excites you, tells your story, and reflects who you are. The right people—the ones who genuinely connect with your art—will find you over time, and those are the fans who will stick with you for the long run.

3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?

Right now, my dream co-headlining tour would be with Ella Langley or Noah Kahan. They’re both incredible storytellers in completely different ways, and that’s something I really admire.

4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s just my music that sets me apart—I think it’s who I am as an artist, my songwriting, and the way I choose to tell my story. If you’ve had the opportunity to listen to my music, you’ll notice that each song has its own identity. I don’t try to make every song fit into the same box; I love exploring different sounds, emotions, and perspectives. Even the music I’m currently working on continues to push into new territory and reflects the different sides of who I am as an artist.

I’m at a point in my career where I’m learning to fully embrace who I am and create music that is an honest reflection of my life, my experiences, and the person I’m becoming. Every song I write is deeply personal, lived-in, and vulnerable. I’m not afraid to be unapologetically myself, whether that means sharing the highs, the lows, the mistakes, or the moments where I’m still figuring things out. I think that’s something everyone can relate to—we’re all learning, growing, and navigating life at the same time, and I want my music to reflect that journey.

Authenticity has always been the foundation of my artistry. I’m constantly evolving, experimenting, and discovering new parts of myself as both a person and a songwriter. I think that willingness to grow, take risks, and tell the truth through my music is what truly makes me stand out.

5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.

My favourite song at the moment would have to be “Bratmobile” by Kassi Ashton. I recently discovered her through Instagram, and I was immediately drawn to her artistry. There’s just something about her presence—she has this effortless confidence and a fearless energy that feels so authentic.

When I first heard “Bratmobile,” I was instantly hooked by the attitude behind the lyrics. I love songs that make women feel powerful, confident, and unapologetically themselves, and this song captures that perfectly. There’s a boldness to it that I really admire, and it’s the kind of song that makes you want to turn it up, sing along, and walk a little taller.