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How Stacey Ryan Made Heartbreak Her Advantage in Her Post-Label Era

From documenting label heartbreak to rebranding her artist identity, here’s how Stacey Ryan used vulnerability, TikTok, and visual storytelling to relaunch her career on her own terms.

Author

Stephen Frost
July 03, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

You know a breakup song hits different when it’s not about an ex — it’s about a former record label.

With “Everything Everything,” Stacey Ryan isn’t just releasing another post-TikTok single. She’s owning the pain of being dropped, reintroducing herself with a bold new look, and proving that being independent doesn’t mean being invisible.

This week, we’re breaking down the campaign behind her comeback — and how it’s setting the stage for a major new chapter.

Campaign Snapshot

  • This Week’s Release: Stacey Ryan – “Everything Everything”

  • Release Date: March 7, 2025

  • The Song:

    • Not your typical breakup anthem — “Everything Everything” isn’t written to an ex. It’s directed at her former label, who dropped her last year. Emotionally raw and melodically tight, the track hits anyone who’s felt discarded or underestimated.

  • Why this campaign matters:

    • After going viral on TikTok with “Don’t Text Me When You’re Drunk” and racking up nearly 300M streams for “Fall In Love Alone,” Stacey enters her post-major label era with full transparency — and full control.

    • This campaign isn’t just a comeback — it’s a case study in resilience, self-branding, and creating a new chapter that fans want to root for.

The Playbook

Play #1: Lead with Vulnerability

Stacey opened the campaign with a hook line that said it all: “Wrote this to my label after they dropped me 🫶”

It’s bold, raw, and instantly invites fans into the story. That vulnerability became the bridge — from her heartbreak to their empathy.

@staceyryanmusic

guess who’s an independent artist now!!!! 🫶🏻⭐️💛 #newmusic #originalsong #independent

Play #2: Visibly Rebrand for a New Era

With a dramatic new look (bangs and twin ponytails), Stacey signaled this wasn’t just a new single — it was a new version of herself. Visually distinct = algorithm sticky.

@staceyryanmusic

all of us can SCREAM THIS SONG 3/07!!!!! Pre-save link is in my bioooo #newmusic #valentinesday #newsong #independentartist

Play #3: Use Your Roots to Reclaim Ground

Stacey built her career on TikTok — so returning with SoundOn as a distribution partner made narrative and strategic sense. They even gave her a custom explore page on release week (check it out here).

@staceyryanmusic

never forget your roots kids #tiktok #newmusic #originalsong #independentartist

Play #4: Turn a Low Point Into Storytelling Fuel

She didn’t just write about getting dropped — she showed it. Stacey documented that phone call moment (or reenacted it convincingly) and used it to deepen the emotional arc behind “Everything Everything.”

@staceyryanmusic

50k streams after its first day 😭😭 thank you thank you thank you 🤍 #newsong #release #newmusic #independentartist #islandrecords

The Result

  • 630K+ Spotify streams

  • 6.7K+ TikToks made using the song

  • Thousands of live fan moments during her spring tour supporting Spencer Sutherland

  • A lead-in to her debut album and fall headlining tour, Blessings in Disguise

Actionable Tips For Your Next Release

1) Write your song’s story on a napkin

Before you post anything, ask yourself: “What’s this song really about?”

If you can write its premise on a napkin — like Aaron Sorkin did for A Few Good Men or Kevin Smith did for Clerks to get their films made — you’ve got a story. Let that guide your visuals, captions, and rollout from start to finish. This will give you tons of clarity on how you’ll make the videos and posts you need to make for your music and who they’re for.

2) Reassess your visual identity

Think of your artist brand like a Halloween costume. Could someone dress up as you? If not, you’ve got room to grow visually. Stacey’s new look gave her campaign a clear “before/after” moment that stuck in fans’ minds.

3) Share the story behind the song

Fans will more likely feel connected to you in the algorithm when you as an artist can clearly paint a picture of what inspired this song and how they can see themselves in your song. If you don’t have those moments documented, try to recreate it as accurately and honestly as you can, it’s moments like these that create true connection and visibility.

BEFORE YOU GO…

Thanks for allowing me into your email inbox every week. A couple of housekeeping things:

  • Are you looking for expert digital marketing services for your next release (including social media management, video editing, and marketing strategy to name a few)? Come work with me over at Frosted Creative in 2025. → Book your free consultation here.

  • This newsletter is read by music marketers, artist managers, and creators working at every level of the industry—from indie breakouts to major labels. Interested in reaching this audience? → Reply to this email with the word SPONSORSHIPS to chat.

  • Who should we write about next? → Reply to this email with an artist and their release you’d like to see us breakdown.

  • Wanna know what I’m listening to and enjoying from new music released this past week? Check out my weekly new music playlist called Good Noise! → Listen & follow on Spotify!

We’ll see you again next week and we hope you have a great Fourth of July weekend!

- Stephen