Thistle and oak: “Pretend”

Written By Callie Ethridge

Thistle and Oak Highlight

Strong Music Scene Return with

New Single “Pretend”

On April 26, 2024, Thistle and Oak released their newest single "Pretend", symbolizing a significant milestone in their musical journey and personal recovery. The duo, comprised of Paul Ryan and Lindsey Ann, faced a tremendous challenge earlier in 2024 when Paul suffered a stroke, threatening their future in music. Despite these trials, "Pretend" emerged from their hardships, embodying their shared resilience and deepened passion in the creative.

The new single blends indie folk charm with Americana influences, reflecting the duo's evolution and their struggles with authenticity in an industry often ruled by appearances. “Pretend” delves into themes of imposter syndrome and the quest for genuine self-expression, encapsulated in its strong lyrics and compelling melodies. It highlights personal adversity and serves as a beacon of hope for listeners navigating their own challenges.

"‘Pretend’ is not just a song; it's a testament to our journey and the power of perseverance," says Paul. "Coming back to music after such a life-changing experience has given the song a new depth, and we’re excited to share this chapter of our story with our fans."

Lindsey Ann adds, "This single is a celebration of Paul's incredible progress and our collective resilience. We're grateful for the support we've received and are eager to connect with our listeners through our music once again."

Thistle and Oak have drawn comparisons to bands like Nickel Creek and Of Monsters and Men, and "Pretend" continues to showcase their ability to fuse poignant lyrics with memorable folk melodies. With its emphasis on today’s fame obsession, “Pretend” is a tip of the hat to a loss of self when chasing validation. This release is an exciting return to music for the duo and a true sign that from adversity can come art.

Check out the new single below! We’ve also added Thistle and Oak’s socials for you to follow along and stay tuned in!

Listen to “Pretend”

Official Thistle and Oak Website

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify / Apple Music

Callie Ethridge

Callie Ethridge, originally from small-town Tennessee, has made strides in her career since graduating undergrad at Belmont University in 2018. Initially working as a Residence Director at Belmont where Ethridge received her Master's of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy, she later transitioned into Nashville’s music industry after marrying artist Daniel Kim Ethridge. In June 2022, she began working at Lucky Money Entertainment, where she has contributed to increasing the company's visibility through innovative publicity and playlisting strategies. Her efforts have also extended to promoting live shows and songwriter events with Lucky Money Live. In January 2024, Callie was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Lucky Money Entertainment and has entered into her fourth year as tour manager for Americana trio, Troubadour Blue.

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