Austin-born, NYC-based singer/songwriter Ricky Stein cut his teeth bashing out high-energy rock n’ roll before settling into a more introspective shade of indie-Americana with the release of 2016’s Long Summer LP. “Fear of Flying,” his latest single, represents the most recent progression of his style. Recorded in South Brooklyn during the pandemic, the brooding meditation reflects on a lifetime spent striving for self-actualization in the face of insecurity: “I finally found a way not to hate or feel ashamed of my own skin and where I’ve been and who looks in.” Produced by Mike Robinson (Sarah Jarosz, Railroad Earth), the recording touches upon a number of timely themes: a return home, hopefulness in the face of adversity, and healing through the power of song.