Ronny Tibbs shares 'Shorthand' EP today & haunting, moody track with eerie suspense-filled video "Little Beating Heart"

Today, Detroit, Michigan-based indie singer-songwriter Ronny Tibbs returns with Shorthand his first project in five years, out now. The earnest, intricate EP arrives alongside the haunting, swirling "Little Beating Heart" and its self-directed, eerie music video. With Shorthand, Tibbs quiets the noise of the outside world as he examines who he is today and hones his creativity like never before. Each single arrived with a matching, self-directed music video where the music plays out on screen, putting Tibbs' masterful filmmaking–in addition to his musicianship–on full display.

Shorthand, the smooth, stirring 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."

"Little Beating Heart" emerged in the wake of Tom Petty's death, one that profoundly impacted Tibbs. The artist shares, "His ability to combine meaningful lyrics with upbeat melodies using simple 'cowboy chords' inspired me. This song was built on that same foundation, with chords played in the first position." The track's percussion proved to be the project's biggest undertaking. Tibbs adds, "We wanted to be very specific with the approach to the separate parts. Because the song's chords were so simple, we aimed to create more interest in the track by making the drums both simple yet complex."

Watch "Little Beating Heart" (Official Video)

Its matching suspenseful, dramatic music video depicts a wife who suspects her husband's infidelity, and dresses incognito as a man to confront him wearing a lifelike mask. The mask itself plays a pivotal role in the story, and Tibbs shares acquiring it was no easy task, adding, "Finding the perfect mask was a journey. It took weeks of interviews with custom mask shops worldwide. Halloween masks were either too cheap or too scary, and high-quality silicone masks often leaned towards the gory. I delved deep into obscure corners of the internet to find a realistic mask that could convincingly pass as a real person. "

The building, explosive surf-rock "What You Do" shared last month has become a staple in the Ronny Tibbs live shows, and stands out from the project as its bridge takes a raucous, psychedelic twist. Its subject matter similarly displays a new side of Tibbs and invites listeners to bring their own perspectives to its lyrics.

In August, 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 first taste of the EP, "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, the track came about naturally and quickly, written on an Omnichord that provided Tibbs the tools to freely experiment and chart new territory for himself sonically.

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 expands on his heartfelt, vast sonic universe, leading with honesty as he processes the changes of a fast-paced world alongside his friends.

Shorthand, the layered, genre-bending EP out now, brings together Ronny Tibbs' filmmaking prowess and artistry to present a complete project that unveils his versatility with his heart on his sleeve. Connect with the rising singer-songwriter on Instagram and YouTube, and stay tuned for more from the singer-songwriter.

Watch "What You Do" (Official Video) Listen

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