About this Event

Meet English born and bred singer-songwriter Ryan Keen - an artist carving out his own unique niche in music. Combining emotionally driven lyrics and warm vocals with his rhythmic-percussive guitar playing, Keen's songs recall a wealth of influences ranging from Buena Vista Social Club to Bert Jansch, Coldplay to BB King.



Hailing from picturesque South Devon, the 24 year-old picked up his first guitar on his 8th Birthday. From then on he began to learn one style after another: acoustic, electric, classical but most noticeably flamenco, a style that is deeply rooted in the rhythmic-percussive finger-picking technique that he is known for today.



In just a few years Ryan has released two EPs: 2009's Aiming For The Sun and the forthcoming Focus, he's toured extensively around the UK; including supporting Ed Sheeran on his recent sold-out "+" tour, and has built up a strong fan-base that seems to be growing by the minute. It goes without saying that Ryan one of the most proactive new artists on the UK music scene.

Ryan's new EP Focus will be released this spring. Its title track and lead single, "Focus," (rel 19th March) is an inspiring song about not losing sight of one's goals.



"I used to work a full time job and was trying to gig and write at the same time," Ryan says. "It was difficult and it got to a point where I was losing sleep and wasn't getting anywhere so I went part time at work, cut my costs and made music my full focus."

And the results have been phenomenal. Soon after, the music industry began to take notice and Ryan was able to pursue music professionally. But it wasn't all smooth sailing from there. Last year Ryan's musical career was jeopardized when he suffered from a major wrist injury and it was unclear whether he would ever be able to play again. "I had to re-teach myself to play the guitar but that didn't even stop me, " He says. "If anything it only made me more determined." Ryan's story is testament to anyone that dreams should never be compromised.



Watch this space...