We are often told that life is full of ups and downs. Ryan's life started with a "down" when he was 5. He lost his mum to a drunk driver.

Raised by his aunt, whom he now calls "Mom", Ryan grew up and almost forgot all the memories of this terrible disaster. He just remembers that he felt numb.

Then, during the pandemic, he, like many of us, began to think. And to think of what his mom would have said to him at that moment. At the exact moment, when she left.

Thus was born "Not Coming Home", a wonderful song released on Mother's Day, and whose music video is released today. Ryan sent it to us on June 17th.

And I seriously think that, in over 20 years of promoting underrated artists, a song has never had such an impact on me. In less than thirty seconds, I, the 34-year-old, nearly 220-pound man, began to cry loudly in front of my screen. I felt this sadness come over me at breakneck speed. It was all over my body and I couldn't fight. So I let Ryan do it. It was already too late, anyway.

I often say to my artists "thank you for giving me the best job in the world", and I think some of them don't realize the impact they can have on other people's lives, just with some words, or a voice, or a music video, or all three at the same time. There are choices that we don't regret: quitting my job and dividing my income by four, for example, just for the sake of indie music. No regrets ... at all when I hear that kind of masterpiece!

I created Indie Music Center in order to give you strong emotions. It is not easy to find the rare pearl, the one that will make you vibrate, and that will give you chills. But I believe that on June 17th, I found THE ONE. It took me over thirty minutes to get over it, and I even needed a break outside in the storm. Then I went back to my office, upstairs, and read the wonderful article on Ryan's Mum Story on MADD's website. I invite you to read it, you will learn a little more about the birth of this incredible song.

Watched the music video for a second time, and it was really embarrassing because I started to cry again. And already after the first viewing, I had no more tissues.

Ryan knew how to find the right words, to express what his mother could have said to him at that moment. For me, he is simply a genius of creativity. A bit like Ben Greenberg who had written "Our Lady", from the point of view of the Hunchback of Notre-Dame who saw the cathedral burning in front of his eyes.

That kind of artist, who manages to transpose his mind into the mind of another person to tell a story or express emotions, are just geniuses. Ryan sent us 4 songs in 3 years, before this one, and each time I politely declined because there was a little emotional spark missing. And here is Ryan, again, and BAM. He gave me one of the biggest emotional slaps of my life. Like "Hey, I'm back, I heard what you said, I worked on the emotions, and look what I've done!". Hard work always pays off.

You can also enjoy the wonderful acoustic version below:

Ryan now has the most emotionally charged song of the year on IMC. We always do for you in January a big article about the best songs of the past year. It is obvious that "Not Coming Home" will be part of it. Thank you, Ryan, for your perseverance, your authenticity, and your talent. Your mom must be really proud of you up there.

Added to our Main Spotify Playlist.

Written with love by Niko.

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Lyrics

It’s gonna be alright

You won’t even miss me

We’re both too young to say goodbye

I know it’s hard to believe

But someday you’ll do amazing things

It’s easy to see on the other side.

When you dream and wake up,

Just try your best to forget you’re growing up with someone else.

I know that it feels hopeless, but know this

I’d be there if I could,

You know that I would.

I’m sorry that I had to leave you alone

I’m not coming home, not coming home

I’m sorry I won’t get to see you grow

Got to let me go, I’m not coming home

Not coming, not coming

Someday you’re gonna be loved

Wish you could see it

Yeah you’ll find a way to open up

And they might break your heart, make you numb

They might take the wheel and steer you off your road

Just don’t forget that you’re enough

When you dream and wake up

Just try your best to forget your growing up with someone else

I know that it feels hopeless, but know this

I’d change it if I could

You know that I would

Wish I could say that

I’m sorry that I had to leave you alone

I’m not coming home, not coming home

I’m sorry I won’t get to see you grow

Got to let me go, I’m not coming home

Not coming

Not coming

No, I’m never gonna make it to your graduation

We’re never even gonna have another conversation

No, I’m never gonna see you married

Never gonna meet your family

Cause I’m long gone, long gone, long gone

I’m sorry that I had to leave you alone

I’m not coming home, not coming home

I’m sorry I won’t get to see you grow

Got to let me go, I’m not coming home

Not coming