Ryan Keen - LIVE AT LEEDS - 5th May 2012

It's that time of year again to get into the festival spirit, early. 

Studying in Leeds, I have been watching the Live At Leeds line up grow by day, getting more and more jealous that I won't be able to join fellow music enthusiasts in what is undoubtedly a brilliant music festival.

Taking place from 4th - 7th May Live At Leeds stretches across a variety of venues across the city. 

Having introduced the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club, Mumford & Sons and Ed Sheeran to their stage in previous years, this years line up for the hottest new acts was no exception. 

The main event takes place on Saturday 5th May, hosting over 100 bands across several intimate settings across the city, including Cockpit, Brudenell and Leeds Metropolitan University - The Stage. Now, scanning through the line up it's safe to say I was pig sick at the thought of being stuck in the library, on bank holiday Saturday - especially when downstairs, I knew several acts would be taking to the stage, including a favourite of mine, Lianne La Havas. I was also eager to catch a glimpse of hotly tipped new artist, Ryan Keen, having had his song 'Focus' playing through my head for the past two weeks!

You can therefore, imagine my excitement and amazement when Mr. Keen got in touch to say he had a ticket waiting for me. Now, I resembled a kid on Christmas day but rightly so, this was the best news I'd had in an awful long time. There is nothing better than escaping the depths of work, especially when just around the corner there's a guy as talented as Ryan playing.

Hailing from South Devon this talented singer songwriter is an artist not to be missed. Ryan Keen has an incredibly unique talent, combining emotional lyrics, hearty vocals and exceptional rhythmic guitar abilities.

Having received support from BBC Radio1s Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe, it's clear to see the future is looking positively bright for Ryan. 

Having toured with Ed Sheeran and following the release of two EP's, there was certainly a hype surrounding this new talent. However, it hasn't been all plain sailing, in September 2011, Ryan's musical abilities and character were really put to the test. Four weeks prior to his big opportunity, touring with Ed Sheeran, Keen severed the tendons in his wrist and was told he would be unable to use his thumb for up to ten weeks.

Having read up, I see that Ryan wasn't going to let this stop his dreams of opening the set for one of the most hyped stars of the year. Infact, keen modified his cast by melting a plectrum and thus, retaught himself to play guitar. Now if that's not enough to make you want to go out and buy his songs, wait until you hear him live. Wow.

Sensational springs to mind. A selection of bluesy, soothing and uplifting songs is the perfect combination for todays events. It's one thing to play guitar and sing but to do so with such ease and perfection is refreshing and truly magical to experience. Reminiscent of his good friend, Ed Sheeran, his gentle vocals provide the perfect soundtrack to the Summer. It's impossible not to stare and smile, in admiration for this young artist, with dreams of dancing round a field in the Summer sun to many of his songs.

Whatsmore, his guitar abilities will leave you mesmorised, intricately slapping the base and displaying a unique flameno esque percussive finger style, noticeably influenced by artists such as Newton Faulkner.

Oh and as if all the above wasn't enough, he's currently unsigned. With word of mouth proving an essential form of promotion to Ryan, I urge you all to go out and buy his music. You will not regret it. What a sublime live act.