Ryan Oakes has officially announced his next full-length album, Scary Stories After Dark, arriving September 18 via Nettwerk. Alongside the announcement, the Virginia-born artist has released the new single “HEY NOW!,” offering fans another glimpse into an ambitious project that blends alternative rock, hip-hop, cinematic storytelling, and deeply personal lyricism.
Produced by Jayden Seeley, Scary Stories After Dark builds upon the momentum of Oakes’ 2025 album OPUS while expanding his signature sound into darker territory. Inspired by horror films, psychological tension, and the emotional weight of anxiety and trauma, the 13-track album combines booming 808s, eerie synth textures, aggressive rock instrumentation, and emotionally vulnerable songwriting. According to Oakes, the album title arrived before recording even began, ultimately shaping the project’s atmosphere and narrative.
The newly released single “HEY NOW!” explores the lasting effects of childhood trauma and emotional isolation. Rather than relying solely on heavy instrumentation, the song balances rap-inspired verses with soaring alternative rock hooks, highlighting Oakes’ ability to move seamlessly between genres. He describes the track as an honest reflection on living with unresolved pain and finding temporary escape through music.
The upcoming album also features an impressive list of collaborators from across the alternative scene. MISSIO appears on the haunting “SUPERNATURAL,” Point North vocalist Jon Lundin joins Oakes on “THIS LIFE OR THE NEXT,” Set It Off features on “LIGHTS OUT,” WesGhost appears on “EYELIDS,” and Chloe Adams closes the record with “CRASHING THE PARTY.” Together, the collaborations reinforce Oakes’ growing reputation as one of alternative music‘s most versatile crossover artists.
Ryan Oakes’ rise has been built through relentless independence. Beginning with a $20 microphone and self-produced recordings, he has released more than 300 songs, accumulated over half a billion global streams, and developed a loyal audience through nonstop touring and direct fan engagement. His ability to fuse rock, rap, electronic production, and emotionally transparent songwriting has established him as a standout voice in modern alternative music.
To support Scary Stories After Dark, Oakes will embark on an extensive North American tour alongside Diggy Graves beginning July 25 in San Francisco. The month-long run will visit major cities including Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Portland, and Seattle, bringing his high-energy live show to fans across the United States.
With Scary Stories After Dark, Ryan Oakes continues pushing beyond genre boundaries while delivering his most cinematic and emotionally revealing work to date. The combination of horror-inspired aesthetics, deeply personal storytelling, and explosive production positions the album as one of the most anticipated alternative rock releases of the fall.
Featured image credit: Brayten Bowers
