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 is 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 caught up with Ryan at Bestival, I am delighted to have him as my third Introducing Artist.
Enjoy.
DaisyDigitial: When did you realise music was the career for you?
Ryan Keen: I've been playing guitar all my life, but only decided to become a solo artist 4 years ago
Both musically and lyrically, who's been your biggest influence to date?
R: Probably John Martyn, Newton Faulkner and Coldplay
If you could chose a career highlight so far, which would stick out?
R: I just played iTunes festival at The Roundhouse in London which was pretty crazy as it's such a legendary venue, the line-up had some huge names. I think I'm the only unsigned act on the line-up!
Weeks prior to your big opportunity, touring with Ed, I hear you severed the tendons in your wrist. That must have been heartbreaking but tell us how you overcame this hurdle.
R: As soon as I came out of surgery I was told I wasn't going to be able to do the tour as my thumb needed 10 weeks recovery time for the tendons but I quickly made the decision I was going to do the tour somehow. At first, I started trying to play with just my fingers but eventually started modifying my cast, after a few prototypes and a lot of help from my physio we built a cast that had a kind of melted plastic plectrum in the thumb part and rubber on the palm so that I could play my percussive style. I then practiced everyday up to the tour!
You have an incredibly unique percussive finger style, how did this come about or was it just second nature?
R: I learnt flamenco as a kid which uses some percussive techniques. More recently, I discovered players such as Eric Roche that really inspired me to be more creative. I've also learnt some slap bass techniques from my brother!
Playing festivals and with hype from the likes of Radio1, 2012 seems to be your year, what can we expect from you in the future months?
R: It seems to be gaining some momentum but hopefully next year will be the big one! In the next few months there will be a new EP and lots of touring!
So, off the back of supporting Ed Sheeran, is there a headline tour in the pipeline?
R: Yes! I'm doing a mini UK tour starting on the 24th October in Manchester.
Now lastly, the all important rider game, when we caught up at Wakestock - you said something about pigeons breathing fire or something of the like, any further thoughts on winding up the promoter?
R: Fire pigeons would be pretty awesome! To be honest though, if there's crisps, dips and some whiskey then I'm very happy!
Ryan Keen: I've been playing guitar all my life, but only decided to become a solo artist 4 years ago
Both musically and lyrically, who's been your biggest influence to date?
R: Probably John Martyn, Newton Faulkner and Coldplay
If you could chose a career highlight so far, which would stick out?
R: I just played iTunes festival at The Roundhouse in London which was pretty crazy as it's such a legendary venue, the line-up had some huge names. I think I'm the only unsigned act on the line-up!
Weeks prior to your big opportunity, touring with Ed, I hear you severed the tendons in your wrist. That must have been heartbreaking but tell us how you overcame this hurdle.
R: As soon as I came out of surgery I was told I wasn't going to be able to do the tour as my thumb needed 10 weeks recovery time for the tendons but I quickly made the decision I was going to do the tour somehow. At first, I started trying to play with just my fingers but eventually started modifying my cast, after a few prototypes and a lot of help from my physio we built a cast that had a kind of melted plastic plectrum in the thumb part and rubber on the palm so that I could play my percussive style. I then practiced everyday up to the tour!
You have an incredibly unique percussive finger style, how did this come about or was it just second nature?
R: I learnt flamenco as a kid which uses some percussive techniques. More recently, I discovered players such as Eric Roche that really inspired me to be more creative. I've also learnt some slap bass techniques from my brother!
Playing festivals and with hype from the likes of Radio1, 2012 seems to be your year, what can we expect from you in the future months?
R: It seems to be gaining some momentum but hopefully next year will be the big one! In the next few months there will be a new EP and lots of touring!
So, off the back of supporting Ed Sheeran, is there a headline tour in the pipeline?
R: Yes! I'm doing a mini UK tour starting on the 24th October in Manchester.
Now lastly, the all important rider game, when we caught up at Wakestock - you said something about pigeons breathing fire or something of the like, any further thoughts on winding up the promoter?
R: Fire pigeons would be pretty awesome! To be honest though, if there's crisps, dips and some whiskey then I'm very happy!
I bet you liked the Balvenie then!
Many thanks Ryan!
Now to leave you with 'Orelia'. This beautiful song recorded for SB TV. Enjoy
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