Ryan And Pony – ‘Start Making Sense’

Ryan And Pony is the newest project from indie rockers Ryan Smith and Kathie Hixon-Smith, who have been in and out of the Twin Cities music scene for quite some time. On the surface, the pair couldn’t be more different. Ryan is a non-stop workaholic and has been playing guitar for the incredible Soul Asylum since 2016. Pony (Kathie) is a colourful artist who grew up with deaf parents. But nonetheless, their paths crossed while touring the country as the indie rocker backup band for Mark Mallman.

The duo are known for crossing genres and mixing sounds, and return with their new single, ‘Start Making Sense’, which seamlessly combines dreamy pop and indie rock. The guitar riffs are strong and powerful, while the vocals remain soft and breathless. Inspired by The Talking Heads’ song, ‘Stop Making Sense’, it also pulls from the wild spreading of fake information and people’s willingness to believe it. The second track from their latest album, ‘Moshi Moshi’, ‘Start Making Sense’ follows the dream-pop, post-punk, and Brit-rock sound of the rest of the album. It’ll make you dance but also make you think, and no other musicians can do that quite like Ryan And Pony.

The video for ‘Start Making Sense’ starts with a zoomed-in shot of Ryan and Pony’s hands, as they strum their guitars. As it continues, we see different visuals that act as backdrops and overlays for the group. Some are as simple as a ticking clock, and others show protests and picket signs. Ryan and Pony’s faces are morphed into the ever changing background as they sing. In between, we see the dynamic duo giving a killer performance.

Watch ‘Start Making Sense’ below, and catch up with Ryan and Pony on their official website.

Ryan and Pony - "Start Making Sense" (Official Music Video)

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com