Life

The village that they call The Moy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, may be where Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Ryan Kelly resides, but he's just as comfortable calling the studio and stage home. He began his love affair with music and performing early on in his life, and he's remained faithful to his first love ever since. Ryan started singing publically at age seven, taught himself to play the guitar around age thirteen and began writing his own music not long after. He joined a well known local band, and won a place as a finalist in the National BBC Television 'Country Cool' competition-where he placed second in the finals. Ryan's performed live with West Life, Girls Aloud and Simply Red in the 'Children In Need' televised charity concert at the Odyssey in Belfast, sung the US National Anthem for his beloved Boston Celtics, and has performed at the Pentagon and for the US President and his family at the White House. In January of 2012, Ryan was honoured to be nominated for and win the 2011 award for 'Top Solo Performer in Concert' from the Irish Music Association. Ryan's talents don't end with his phenomenal musical abilities. He is also an accomplished actor. He's taken on roles such as that of Mickey Johnstone in the musical 'Blood Brothers' and Judas Iscariot in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' to much success and praise. This brought Ryan to a new chapter in his musical journey- recording and touring as one of the stars of the highly successful, platinum and multi-gold selling musical show, 'Celtic Thunder'. Performing with 'Celtic Thunder' has allowed Ryan to showcase both his acting and singing abilities to audiences all across North America, Australia, Europe and beyond. His ability to transform onstage and make the songs he performs completely his own, have garnered him a large and loyal following. The audience's enthusiasm for his performances fuel his own onstage and make for a night no one soon forgets, and he enjoys every moment of it- 'It's clichd, but music is my life. It's what makes me happy and I feel blessed to be able to call this my job.' Ryan developed his wide range of musical tastes from a lifetime filled with varied influences- from traditional Irish songs and folk ballads, to acoustic to rock to showtunes- and he combined them all into his own distinctive style, showcased on his highly successful debut album release, 'In Time'. 'Life' is his much anticipated and long awaited follow-up album to 'In Time' and brings listeners on a journey that spans both time and the globe to share stories that reach the corners of the heart and inspire the soul through worldwide musical flavors and his own smoky vocals. Ryan's carefully crafted lyrics are meant to bring hope and healing, to share life's pain and joys, to uplift and encourage; and he combines them with soft piano, soaring strings, pop/rock guitars, perfectly blended background vocals, and an amazing array of global musical instruments to make the songs come to life. Ryan dedicated this album to all of his family, friends and his ever-increasing fanbase: 'This isn't just my album, it's dedicated to ALL of you who have given so much to me. You've taught me one of the greatest lessons I'll ever learn. We only get one shot at being in this world so, as the song goes, always: 'Live for Life...' For more information about Ryan and his music, you can always visit his official website.