Derek Ryan & Lisa McHugh release new single ‘Honey Honey’

Debut #1 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart

“Honey Honey” out now: http://smarturl.it/DerekLisaHoneyHoney

Irish Country-Music super-star heavyweights, Derek Ryan and Lisa McHugh, combine forces to unleash their fizzing new fuzzy love song; Honey Honey. The latest single released on October 12th (iTunes) to coincide with an exclusive live duet in Belfast at the SSE Arena for the annual mass gathering for Country fans - the ‘Farmer’s Bash.’

iTunes Success! 

Debut #1 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#106 UK iTunes all-genres, then #67)

Sat Oct 13: #1 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#119 all-genres)

Sun Oct 14: #2 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#287 all-genres)

Taken from the upcoming album TEN, the song was written by the established poster-boy of Country-Music, Derek Ryan. Honey Honey displays the vintage country song-writing craftmanship and signature bouncing rhyming couplets commonly associated with Derek’s music, with the added sprinkled magic of Lisa’s delicately enchanting vocals.

Straight to number1 ... #itunes #country @LisaMcHughx let’s rock the @farmersbash TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/ddRNW1whFm

— Derek Ryan (@derekryanmusic) 12 October 2018

Lisa and Derek both began their solo careers at a similar period in Ireland. Derek traded the smog of London to return home to the lush rolling hills of Ireland. Lisa meanwhile, relocated from her native Scotland in order to chase her country-music dream. Both musicians began their careers with humble surroundings, performing relentlessly in small venues to limited audiences across the live circuit. In the space of as little as six years, they now face a mouth-watering duet performance at the SSE Arena to over eight thousand country-music fanatics as part of the ‘Farmer’s Bash,’ the latest unmissable event on the Irish country music calendar.

Since his return to Ireland, Derek has amassed a legion of fans, gathering shelf- filling awards. God’s Plan, a song Derek had previously written in his London bedsit, became a huge hit in Ireland. A combination of supreme, God-given talent and a magnetism for creating and performing new music continues to propel Derek’s career to incredible new heights. Derek is constantly performing.

Accommodating his fans’ enormous appetite for fresh Irish country, Derek has previously released nine best-selling albums: A Mother’s Son (2010), Dreamers and Believers (2011), Country Soul (2013), as well as two Number One chart-topping albums – The Simple Things (2014) and One Good Night (2015). In 2016 Derek audaciously released two albums in a single day; Happy Man and This is Me. Most recent album, The Fire (2017), released last September, spent several weeks at Number One in the iTunes Country Chart.

Lisa boasts a similarly illustrious resumé. Her seductive and enticing live performances soon accumulated an army of fans and has seen her become the most touted and talked about heroine in country music.

Lisa has won a number of awards throughout her stellar career including the prestigious ‘Outstanding Achievement on the World Stage,’ ‘Female Entertainer’ and ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ for five consecutive years.

Lisa is a prolific recording artist, boasting an extensive discography containing 7 albums including best-seller, Wildfire which reached number 7. Her latest album, Who I Am went straight to the top of the iTunes chart featuring the co-written stand-out song Country Girl. #Country peaked at number 3. #LisaLive, accompanied her first live DVD, was recorded live at the packed-out Marketplace Theatre in Armagh.

Lisa is an all-round entertainer. Alongside her celebrated music career, she is also a highly accomplished TV presenter. The multi-talented artist has previously had her own smash hit TV series On The Road With Lisa and she also co-presented the Irish TV awards broadcast live Worldwide.

Both musicians continue to tour and will come together to create the ultimate power-duo exclusive performance of Honey Honey on its release on the 12^th  October 12^th at the ‘Farmer’s Bash’ in Belfast at the SSE Arena.

To pre-order the single via iTunes, follow the link below;
http://smarturl.it/DerekLisaHoneyHoney

For full tour listings please visit Lisa’s website at: www.lisamchughmusic.com
Alternatively, visit Derek’s website at: https://derekryanmusic.com/

Irish country music star Derek Ryan to play UK tour dates during March and April 2018

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Derek Ryan Live at SSE

The award-winning Irish Country Music star Derek Ryan will return to the UK for a run of tour dates during March and April 2018.

Derek’s eight-date UK tour, which also includes a date on St Patrick’s Night at the Islington Assembly Rooms, will feature a mix of old favourites, classic country and Derek’s own original material.
Click here for a Derek Ryan Q & A

The County Carlow man, who is a multiple recipient of awards for his performances and songwriting, continues to maintain his position at the top table of Irish Country Music’s elite.

His recent Irish number one album THE FIRE spawned the hits ‘Heaven Tonight’ and ‘Homeland’, which will be featured during this concert tour along with many fan favourites, including ‘Hold On To Your Hat’, ‘God’s Plan’ and ‘Life Is A River’.

The UK tour dates will also include his ever-popular acoustic interlude; accompanied by just his guitar, this intimate section of the show gives Derek’s audiences an insight into his life and music.

With reference to his date in Islington on St Patrick’s Day, Derek hopes to bring back memories of the heyday of dancing in North London, when places like the National Ballroom in Kilburn and the Galtymore played host to many Irish country singers. At the dance on St Patrick’s Night Derek will be joined by fellow Irish star Louise Morrissey. 

Having lived in Fulham for a time before returning to Ireland, Derek is no stranger to London and loves returning to the UK each year. 

Derek recently described his appearance at the 2017 St Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square in 2017 as a career highlight. Quite a statement when you considering the singer-songwriter has previously toured the world in his former boy band days with D-Side and having had top 10 hits in the UK and a number one in Japan.

Looking ahead to ‘The Fire’ tour, Derek said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing everybody on tour, where will be some songs from ‘The Fire’, a bluegrass set, an acoustic set and some other surprises, along with our usual mix of original songs and popular country, Irish & party hits - something for everybody!”

Derek Ryan is appearing at the following venues this Spring:
March

Thurs 15 March 2018: Solway Hall, Whitehaven (Lowther Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7SH) £21 Tickets

Fri 16 March 2018: Middleton Arena, Manchester (Corporation Street, Middleton, Greater Manchester, M24 1AG) £23.10 Tickets

Sat 17 March 2018: Islington Assembly Halls, London (Upper Street London N1 2UD | By tube Highbury and Islington Station (Victoria and Overground Lines) is 5min walk away) £27.50 Tickets

Sun 18 March 2018: South Birmingham College, Birmingham (High Street, Deritend, B5 5SU) * SOLD OUT * Tickets

April

Thurs 12 April 2018: Corran Halls, Oban (No 54 The Esplanade, Oban, Scotland PA34 5AB) £21.25 Tickets

Fri 13 April 2018: Concert Halls, Motherwell (Windmillhill Street, ML1 1AB) £22.50 Tickets

Sat 14 April 2018: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (Eden Court, Bishop's Road, IV3 5SA) £19.50-£25.50 Tickets

Sun 15 April 2018: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (Eden Court, Bishop's Road, IV3 5SA) £19.50-£25.50 Tickets

Tickets are available from the venue box offices.

Q&A with Derek Ryan

1.  What can fans expect at your forthcoming UK tour dates?

Lots of new songs from my latest album 'The Fire', a bluegrass set, an acoustic set and some other surprises along with our usual mix of original songs and popular country, Irish & party hits! Something for everybody!

2. Your latest album The Fire reached No.1 on the iTunes country chart and stayed there for quite a while. How did it feel hitting the top spot as a solo artist, and how did you celebrate?

It's always a very proud moment to do well in the charts, especially when you consider the time and effort that has gone into writing, recording and producing the album. Of course, charts are one thing but the most important thing is that everybody who buys it, enjoys the music! That is the real success.

3.  In your experience, how does your UK audience differ from your Irish audience?

They are pretty similar to be honest. No matter where we go, we encourage the audience from the outset to get involved, singing & clapping along. Of course it's perfectly fine to sit back, relax and just enjoy the show. Whatever makes the night for everyone…

4. Onstage you tell stories between songs. How do you pick which tales to share with your fans?

I always like to tell stories that may relate to the next song, or the audience can identify with. I think if you set up a song in this way, especially an original song, it can take the audience on a journey and they feel like they may know the song before they hear it.

5.  What’s been the best moment on stage so far?

There's been lots of special moments.  Most recently, headlining the Farmers Bash at the SSE Arena, Belfast, the crowd of over 10,000 sang back to me every word of my debut single God's Plan. It was magical.

6.      …and your worst?

Not any particular bad one I can remember. At the bigger gigs if there’s an issue with sound or monitoring it can be pretty stressful.

7.  What was the first concert you went to?

I went to see Garth Brooks in Croke Park, Dublin, when I was 14 years-old. He was a God in Ireland at the time and atmosphere on the night was something which could be hard to beat.

8.  What was the first concert you ever performed at?

Honestly - haha - I performed Edelweiss from the Sound of Music at a Christmas concert in school when I was about 6 years old.

9.  Apart from the music, how does your career as a country artist differ from your days as a boy band star in D-Side?

The biggest difference is musically I control what I release. My management, my label and myself have a great relationship and we all play a big part in the success we have achieved, but ultimately I make the calls and I think at this stage in my career that’s how it needs to be. I wouldn't have it any other way.

10.  What do you think of today’s boy bands, and do you miss that scene?

I don't miss the scene in the slightest. I enjoyed my time in D-Side but, again, I love the music I create now. I have a platform for original songs, I am my own boss and I love touring. So, all in all, I'm doing what I love for a living and I realise even more second time around how fortunate I am to be in this position. Boybands of today are pretty much the same as always. I think they have a shelf-life until the next craze comes along, with very few standing the test of time.

11.  Do you have any celebrity fans?

Not that I know of. Haha.

12.  Do you compare notes with your country music contemporaries?

When we meet at things like award shows we may have the odd chat about various gigs and promoters, etc., but I tend to not talk shop and keep myself to myself.

13.  What music do you listen to these days?

I think a good song is a good song regardless of the genre. I have everything from Jamie Lawson and One Republic to some classic country albums from Merle Haggard in my car.

14.  What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing, recording or performing music?

I love going to the theatre, plays, comedians. I also play handball and try to run some 5k’s just for fun. I also love going out to try nice restaurants / hotels during my time off.  Work hard, play hard, as they say.

15.  If someone had told you when you were at school that you’d have this life ahead of you what would you have thought?

I suppose I would have dreamt of it alright, but I was quite academic growing up, so music was more of a pastime. To get the opportunity really is a dream come true.

16.  Anything else you wish you had known at the beginning of your career?

Follow your gut. More of often than not, when it's about your own career, it's right.

17.  Who has given you the best career advice?

My Dad. He is very proud of me but would also give me advice and be a critic in many ways. You try to listen to people close to you and take on board everything they say, even if you don't necessarily agree with it. He said to me recently “show people everything you can do musically, leave nothing at home”, which encouraged me to introduce new elements to the show which I really feel has improved the entertainment value for the audience.

18.  What makes your really proud?

Big crowds singing songs back to me, songs I wrote at the kitchen table. It's the best feeling in the world.

19.  Is there anyone one you'd like to work with or duet with?

Bryan Adams is my all-time favourite artist, so to collaborate with him would be top of the list.

20.  A message for you fans:

Thank you for all the support because playing live, writing & recording is all I ever wanted to do. The fact that people pay to come see me and buy albums is an honour. I always give it my best shot. Looking forward to seeing everybody on 'The Fire' tour.

ABOUT DEREK RYAN

The roll call of success for the multi-talented Irish man is long and much deserved – with two Irish Number One albums, sell-out shows at home and abroad and fistfuls of music awards to his name.

It’s been a long road for the Garryhill, County Carlow born artist who first developed his lifelong love for music when his parents bought a drum kit one Christmas for a four-year-old Derek!

That childhood passion was further nurtured when his dad brought him to fleadh cheoils (Irish music festivals) with young Derek truly proving ‘I Got Rhythm’ – winning two All-Ireland titles in bodhran and ceili drumming.

Derek got his first taste of the big stage with Irish boyband D-Side in 2001, with whom he enjoyed three British Top Ten hits, and a Number One in Japan. But when the pop bubble burst, determined Derek picked himself up and started following his country music dreams. 

He returned to Ireland in 2009, where his songwriting talent saw success in prestigious competitions such as A Song For Carlow and The International Song Of Peace.  And when a song he had written in a bolt of creativity in his London bedsit in less than half an hour, God’s Plan became a 2010 smash hit in Ireland, it was D-Day for Derek’s career from then on!

Derek has being filling his trophy cabinet ever since, winning countless accolades including Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter and Album of the Year and most recently Live Concert Performer of the Year at the Sunday World Irish Country Music Awards.

Balancing huge demand from dancehall and concert theatre audiences with his constant desire to create new music, Derek has released a number of best selling albums. His latest being a double album release, including “Happy Man” and “This is Me”, is bringing Derek all over the UK and Ireland throughout 2017 to meet the demand of his ever growing audiences.

CONNECT with Derek Ryan:

Derek Ryan ‘THIS IS ME’ UK Concert Tour starts March 30th

Derek Ryan described his recent appearance at the St Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square as a career highlight.  Considering the singer songwriter has toured the world in his former boy band guise with D-Side and having had top 10 hits in the UK and a #1 in Japan, makes his London open air appearance special.

The Carlow man, who was awarded ‘Songwriter of the Year’ at last June’s ICMAs, combines a mix of concert and dance tours to broaden his fan appeal and to compliment this style released two albums last October, both charting in the Irish national charts in the top 10.

Released Date: 21 Oct. 2016 Happy Man (Sharpe Music) Amazon UK

Released Date: 28 Oct. 2016 This Is Me - The Nashville Songbook (Sharpe Music) Amazon UK

HAPPY MAN is an album catering for the core dance hall audience and features many of Derek’s own songs along with some country classics.  ‘This is Me’, released on the same day, was recorded in Nashville and features 11 songs entirely written by Derek including a new version of his debut hit ‘God’s Plan’ which is set for an American release later this year. 

Last December Derek made his Canadian debut as a guest with Daniel O’Donnell on two arena concerts at Niagara Falls and will also feature in a PBS special broadcast across 300 stations in America this month as a guest of Daniel, who has recorded a number of Derek’s songs.

(24 March 2017) IMRO were happy to present Derek Ryan with three awards in recognition for his No1 albums “Happy Man”, “The Simple Things” and “One Good Night”. The awards were presented by IMRO’s Keith Johnson before Derek’s show at the Dean Crowe Theatre and Arts Centre, Athlone.

IMRO present @derekryanmusic with trio of awards for No1 albums https://t.co/hYTeW6OWw4 pic.twitter.com/DyZHzy15rL

— IMRO (@IMROireland) 24 March 2017

From the age of twelve Irish Country Music superstar Derek Ryan had showbiz aspirations in his DNA. 

Click to ENLARGE Ladies!

From his first foray into the music scene performing regularly at socials with his brother Adrian as the Ryan Brothers right through to a pop career with an international band he has now become one of today’s biggest Irish Country artists.

Having grown up in Garyhill near Carlow town in Ireland, Derek was bred into loving Irish traditional music by his family, attending fleadh ceoils on a regular basis with his Father. It was not long before Derek was himself a winner, picking up two all-Ireland titles in both bodhran and ceili drumming.

Related BLOG POSTS:

(Jan 18, 2017):
“Sixty Years Ago” Derek Ryan’s first single of 2017

(Oct 12, 2016)
Derek Ryan's two new singles shoot straight to top spots

Derek’s concert tour includes a mix of old favourites, classic country and Derek’s own original material. The highlight of the show is considered the moment the band and performance is stripped back, where Derek is left alone with his guitar on stage. This, to Derek, is a chance for his audience to get to know him better, and know more about the music.

The THIS IS ME tour begins on Friday 30th March in Langholm, Scotland and visits:

Derek Ryan THIS IS ME UK Tour 2017

Thurs 30th March 2017 - The Buccleuch Centre, Dumfries & Galloway (Langholm, DG13 0AW) £20 Event

Friday 31 March 2017 - Brunton Hall, Edinburgh (Bridge Street, Musselburgh, EH21 6AA) Event

Sat 1 April 2017 - YMCA Scarborough (St Thomas St, YO11 1DY) | Event

Sun 2 April 2017 - Redgrave Theatre, Bristol (Percival Rd, Avon, BS8 3LE) Event

Tues 4 April 2017 - The Benn Hall, Newbold Road, Rugby CV21 2LN Event £21

Weds 5 April 2017 - Sundial Theatre, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA Event 

Thurs 6 April 2017 - Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Event

Fri 7 April 2017 - Leeds Irish Centre, York Road, Leeds, LS9 9NT Event

Sat 8 April 2017 - St George's Hall Concert Room, Liverpool L1 11J Event

Sun 9 April 2017 - Festival Drayton Centre (Frogmore Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 3AX) Event

Thurs 11 May 2017 - The Platform, Morecombe (Station Buildings, Marine Road Central, LA4 4DB) Event

Fri 12 May 2017 - The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr Event

Sat 13 May 2017 - Corran Halls, Oban (No 54 The Esplanade PA34 5AB) Event

14 May 2017 - Whitehall Theatre, Dundee (Bellfield Street, Dundee. DD1 5JA) Event

Tues 16 May 2017 - Paisley Town Hall, Glasgow Event

Weds 17 May 2017 - Tyneside Irish Centre (43 Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4SG) Event

Thurs 18 May 2016 - Corn Exchange, Stamford (Broad St, Stamford PE9 1PX) Event

Fri 19 May 2017 - Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG Event

Sat 20 May 2017 - Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN Event

Sun 21 May 2016 - Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton PE36 5AH) Event

Derek Ryan - Tour

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“Sixty Years Ago” Derek Ryan’s first single of 2017

Just having come through his busiest and most successful year to date, Derek Ryan opens 2017 with a brand new single. ‘Sixty Years Ago’, taken from Derek’s HAPPY MAN album which was released along with ‘THIS IS ME last October, giving him a double top 10 entry in the Irish charts.

The song, co-written with Seamus Doran, is a moving and touching recording filled with emotion and sentiment about a dying partner. Speaking today about the release, Derek said he welled up with tears the first time he heard the song and believes it will touch a cord with listeners when they hear it.
 “We can all identify with the words and meaning of the song in some way either through the loss of a friend or family member”.

It's available on Amazon UK & iTunes

Friday, January 13, 2017 Derek’s kicks off his nationwide Irish concert tour at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, from where he continues to The Millennium Forum, Derry, Marketplace Theatre Armagh, Cork Opera House & Wexford National Opera House to name a few.

2017 also sees the ‘Song Writer of the Year’ winner at the Irish Country Music Awards travel for another extensive UK tour which includes a date at the iconic Union Chapel Venue in London next May.

UK Tour 2017

Sat 1 April 2017 - YMCA Scarborough (St Thomas St, YO11 1DY) | Event

Sun 2 April 2017 - Redgrave Theatre, Bristol (Percival Rd, Avon, BS8 3LE) Event

Tues 4 April 2017 - The Benn Hall, Newbold Road, Rugby CV21 2LN Event £21

Weds 5 April 2017 - Sundial Theatre, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA Event 

Thurs 6 April 2017 - Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SL Event

Fri 7 April 2017 - Leeds Irish Centre, York Road, Leeds, LS9 9NT Event

Sat 8 April 2017 - St George's Hall Concert Room, Liverpool L1 11J Event

Sun 9 April 2017 - Festival Drayton Centre (Frogmore Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 3AX) Event

Thurs 11 May 2017 - The Platform, Morecombe (Station Buildings, Marine Road Central, LA4 4DB) Event

Fri 12 May 2017 - The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr Event

Sat 13 May 2017 - Corran Halls, Oban (No 54 The Esplanade PA34 5AB) Event

14 May 2017 - Whitehall Theatre, Dundee (Bellfield Street, Dundee. DD1 5JA) Event

Tues 16 May 2017 - Paisley Town Hall, Glasgow Event

Weds 17 May 2017 - Tyneside Irish Centre (43 Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4SG) Event

Thurs 18 May 2016 - Corn Exchange, Stamford (Broad St, Stamford PE9 1PX) Event

Fri 19 May 2017 - Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG Event

Sat 20 May 2017 - Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN Event

Sun 21 May 2016 - Princess Theatre, 13 The Green, Hunstanton PE36 5AH) Event

Derek Ryan - Tour

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Double Delight for Derek Ryan fans: 2 albums out Oct 21st

IRISH COUNTRY MUSIC GOLDEN BOY, DEREK IS SET TO RELEASE MAGNIFICENT SEVENTH AND EIGHTH ALBUMS...'THIS IS ME' AND 'HAPPY MAN' ON THE SAME DAY

Derek Ryan, the man with the musical Midas Touch for creating 24 carat gold country cuts, is back with not one, but TWO fantastic new albums. (£25 Website Bundle)

Released Date: 21 Oct. 2016 Happy Man (Sharpe Music) Amazon UK

Released Date: 28 Oct. 2016 This Is Me - The Nashville Songbook (Sharpe Music) Amazon UK

Taking his cue from superstar acts like Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Guns N' Roses who delighted their fans with simultaneous separate album releases, multi-award winning Derek is scoring a 'first' on the Irish country music scene.

The multi-talented singer-songwriter follows up the consecutive No.1 successes of his albums, THE SIMPLE THINGS AND ONE GOOD NIGHT with the brand new sets, THIS IS ME AND HAPPY MAN (out October 21).

Constantly striving to challenge himself, 2016 saw determined Derek fitting in recording sessions in the USA, Ireland and England alongside his hectic, ever popular live show schedule.

The remarkable results from that blitz of artistic activity are the aptly titled This Is Me – recorded in Nashville with Don Henley and Dolly Parton studio wizard, Jeff Balding - and Happy Man – made with longtime producing collaborators, Jonathan Owens and Kai McKenzie.

Delighted with the results of both projects, trailblazing Derek decided not to delay the release of either This Is Me or Happy Man. Instead he opted to release both sets of songs on the same day!

“I am 99.9% sure that releasing two new albums at the same time must be a 'first' in Irish country music. I am the kind of person who wants to push and challenge myself and try different things. That is the way I am always going to be”, laughed Derek.

And the Garryhill, County Carlow hit maker has scored yet another 'first' with THIS IS ME. For the 11-track album showcasing a dazzling new country pop rock versatility to his talents is the debut release on his own new Ryan Records label.

Grammy Award nominated Jeff Balding whose superstar studio clientele includes Taylor Swift, Shania Twain and Celine Dion immediately said 'yes' to producing This Is Me – giving Derek a huge confidence boosting seal of approval.

The US production mastermind assembled a crack team of Nashville studio players for mega selling country acts such as Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood – with recording completed during an intensive five day period last January.

Derek said that he had relished the chance to work with Nashville royalty and labelled This Is Me as “the album I always wanted to make”,

“This Nashville album gives me the opportunity to show people what I can do, apart from the Irish country music genre. It is something I always wanted to do. So I hope that people give it a chance and see how we have tried to progress and take things further”, he said.

Here's Derek's reflections on a selection of choice cuts from THIS IS ME:

*This Is Me (co-written with A Woman's Heart hit maker, Eleanor McEvoy): “I have been gigging since I was 13 and in the music business professionally since I was 18. At the age of 33, I feel comfortable with what I am doing professionally and in my personal life now. Eleanor said 'let's write about you growing up and how you feel now'. So that's what we did.”

*Tender: “I had always wanted to record a song with a live feel with that big rock and roll kind of drive – almost like a stadium opener. It definitely has a Bryan Adams influence. It is one of those driving tunes to roll the windows down to. It rocks out and it turned out exactly the way I wanted it. It is definitely one for a new single.”

*God's Plan (2016): “This was my debut single in 2009. I wrote it when I was living in London. My career is where it is because of that song. I wanted to do a new version of it in Nashville. But I did it in a very, very raw bluegrass style this time. Now there are talks of God's Plan being released as a single in the US.”

*Some Days: “It was a hot summer's day and I was having a writing session at home with a friend of mine, Gerry Carney. An ice cream van was outside and the kids were going crazy. I remarked that 'some days, do you wish you could go back to when you were excited about ice cream and had no stress in your life whatsoever?'. Then the song took a country twist with heartbreak. So it gets a bit deeper than ice cream!

Work on This Is Me was completed at the end of March. But shortly afterwards, Derek admitted that his “constant creative buzz” inspired him to head back into the studio to record a whole new batch of more traditional style Irish country songs.

Hooking up with regular collaborators, Jonathan Owens in Granard, County Longford and Kai McKenzie in Ashford, Kent, a second new album, Happy Man is the result.

“I probably started the first track back in March and we finished Happy Man in mid-September. It all went for mastering just a few weeks ago. So, it was tight!”, laughed Derek.

Here are his thoughts on a selection of songs from the 14-track HAPPY MAN set:

*City Of Chicago: “This is a Christy Moore song, written by his brother, Luka Bloom. 

It came on when I was listening to Christy songs on YouTube one day as I was tidying up the house. I listened to the lyrics over and over again and I thought how even though it is a sad song, there is something uplifting about it too. It struck me how haunting it was. It works as a jive as well and the reaction to it already has been absolutely brilliant.”

*Sax, Drums & Rock 'N' Roll: “This was one of the last songs to go on the album. I am sure that if some people listen to it quickly who haven't looked at the track listing, might mistakenly think 'he is singing about sex'! But we tried as much as possible to pronounce it 's-a-x'. It is uptempo and catchy and a bit of fun.”

*Sixty Years Ago: “It was sent to me by a writer called Seamus Doran. When I heard it, I knew that it was a beautiful song and that it had a Johnny McEvoy folk feel to it. That is a style which I feel is one of my strongest areas. I think it is a very, very special song and is going to touch a lot of hearts. It is also going to be a single.”

*Carry Me Home (co-written with Marc Roberts): “I remembered an old guy sitting beside me on the London underground. He was elbowing me every so often. He was lifting his arm to drink a naggin of whiskey out of his jacket pocket and then he started singing Irish songs. We imagined how that man got to be where he was and we came up with a traditional Irish country waltz. I think it is a touching song.”

Look what arrived in Adare tonight! ... #2albums happyman #thisisme #outfriday 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 pic.twitter.com/wxWeV8i1qs

— Derek Ryan (@derekryanmusic) 16 October 2016

Derek will be popping up on a variety of radio and TV shows and making a number of in-store appearances to promote This Is Me and Happy Man. He will also be keeping fans of his electrifying live shows happy too with regular dancehall gigs and UK and Ireland theatre tour dates in late 2016 and the first half of 2017.

But the modest man with the terrific talent doesn't take his success or his fans for granted. For his future plan is to keep pleasing everyone who has supported his music and live shows to make him one of the brightest stars on the Irish country music scene.

Said Derek: “You know what I always say when I get asked what my ambitions are? I just say it is 'to keep working'. We are very lucky with the position we are in at the moment. The shows are going great and so many people are coming out to see us.

“Now it is a case of keeping at the top of my game, keep working hard and to keep trying new things to show what I can do – with all aspects of my creativity.”

*Derek's new albums, This Is Me and Happy Man are released on October 21 – available on CDs from music stores and also on digital download via iTunes.

Digital downloads of the new singles, This Is Me and City Of Chicago are also available on iTunes.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR ALBUM BUNDLE NOW!

The singles ‘This is Me’ and ‘City of Chicago’ are available on iTunes:
This Is Me: goo.gl/NEh4KX
City Of Chicago: goo.gl/Df0Q6v

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