INTERVIEW: Ryan Keen — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Ryan Keen

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NOT many people can claim…

they have Ed Sheeran as a friend! I have been talking with Ryan Keen about Sheeran and their bond; what the story behind the new track, Never Let You Down, is; if there is more material coming down the line – Keen recommends some upcoming artists to get involved with.

The songwriter talks about an accident that almost cost him the use of one of his hands; how important being up on stage is; whether he gets time to unwind outside of music – Keen ends the interview by selecting a top tune.

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Hi, Ryan. How are you? How has your week been?

It’s been great, thanks. Finally, summer has hit London!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Sure. I’m a singer/songwriter from Devon. I’ve been playing the guitar all my life (originally, flamenco) but my sound has a mix of influences on it. I used to be a session player and composer but, when I was twenty-one, I decided to make a go of being a solo artist.

Never Let You Down is your current track. What is the story behind the song?

I wrote the song for my girlfriend at the time. I was planning to move to L.A. and it was just my way of saying that she has nothing to worry about - that I’d make it work.

Is more material coming this year? Are you working on other songs?

Yes! I’ve written so much over the past year I have a lot of songs ready to release. I’m always writing; both for myself and for others – there is lots more in the pipeline.

You suffered an accident which almost took away your guitar-playing hand. Was that a moment you felt would end your music career?!

The accident was bad. I’d severed the tendons and nerves and had lost movement in my thumb. I didn’t think it was going to end my career though. I was completely determined to keep playing with whatever movement that I could get back. Thankfully, I made a good recovery - it's not the same but I’ve managed to practice enough to play as well as I used to with my thumbs slightly altered shape.

Which artists are important to you? I guess, being Ed Sheeran’s protégé, you rank him highly?!

Yeah; he’s amazing. I have nothing but good things to say about Ed. My musical taste is very eclectic, though; spanning pretty much all genres and over several decades.

There are a lot of good singer-songwriters emerging and remaining. Why do you think we prefer them over bands at the moment?

I think that there’s always going to be a place for singer-songwriters. Production is continuously evolving and different sounds and trends come and go but there’s something great about the stripped-back sound of a voice and a live instrument. It shows the true strength of the song.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

My next gig is supporting Gavin James in Limerick in July.

Is the stage the place you feel strongest and most free? How important is it being up there and performing to the crowd?

I used to get really nervous when I first starting performing as a solo artist but now I love it. My style of guitar playing (percussive finger-style) is a very visual one that people seem to like.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

To just keep writing, releasing and touring.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

There’s a lot...

I’ve travelled a lot with my music and I’ve been lucky enough to play at some amazing venues. I think standouts would be the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I would love to support John Mayer. His early albums were very influential on me so that would be incredible.

My riders are always pretty simple. So long as there is some whisky and some tasty food then I’m happy.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I don’t have the answers, but it’s definitely true that there is no substitute for hard work

IN THIS PHOTO: Corey Harper/PHOTO CREDIT: @valentinaaa

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Corey Harper and Noah Kahan are both worth checking out.

IN THIS PHOTO: Noah Kahan

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I try and surf as and when I can. With music, I go to L.A., Australia; S.W. France etc. - so, I get some time then, normally. I also run a lot and meditate regularly – they both help me unwind.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

As I’ve just mentioned him; let’s go with Noah Kahan – Young Blood