31 May, 2023
2022 MG ALBA Musician of The Year nominee Ryan Young brings new and exciting ideas to traditional Scottish music.
Focusing on traditional Scottish music, Ryan brings new life to very old, often forgotten tunes by playing them in his own unique way. His fiddle playing is brimming with fresh melodic ideas, an uplifting rhythmic drive and a great depth of dynamics and precision. His sound is very distinctive and takes the listener on an emotional and adventurous journey in any performance.
Ahead of his headline set at Magpie’s Nest this Saturday, we had some questions for him.
1. How did you first get into music?
I was offered group violin lessons at primary school – well, I did have to audition for them. I’m not sure I really knew what a violin was at this point, but I liked the idea of playing an instrument and it just so happened that the violin was the instrument offered.
I was a very shy and quiet child and I remember the teacher saying that the violin needs confidence and assurance, two things I certainly didn’t have. As I slowly watched all the more confidence children being chosen I was worried I wouldn’t. I ended up singing for the teacher, which was probably the first time she even heard me speak, and she decided to give me a place. Coincidentally, I think I was the only one still playing by primary 7.
It was more classical music we did in these group lessons and I didn’t really take to it. I would often hide at the back and try not to be noticed. I later saw Aly Bain playing fiddle music on the BBC Hogmanay show and that’s what made me really want to play. A local Irish flute player and teacher then gave me some cassette recordings of prominent fiddle players from County Clare. I loved the way Aly and these County Clare players spoke through their instruments. I was also delighted to hear that you could bend notes on the fiddle, in a similar way I often heard my dad doing when he played blues on the guitar at home.
2. What’s the highlight of your career thus far?
The fiddler and guitarist Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill have been my life long musical heroes for as long as I can remember. My ambition has always been to try and become a Scottish music version of Martin. I’ve always asked accompanists if they’d be happy to accompany me like how Dennis might. I’ve always loved Dennis’ minimalist, delicate and very tasteful playing.
Martin comes from County Clare in Ireland, very close to a tiny village called Feakle. I’ve been invited to play at Feakle festival a few times. This was a dream come true in so many ways. To play in the locality of my fiddle hero, with his family watching and encouraging me and to see where the music from those cassettes came from was quite emotional. Furthermore, Dennis Cahill also accompanied me. I just smiled and smiled and couldn’t believe he was sat next to me let alone playing with me. I also launched my debut album with Dennis at Feakle Festival a couple of years later. This means even more to me since his very sad passing.
3. What do you hope people take away from your music?
My favourite thing about music is the hypnotic, almost therapeutic way it can make you forget about other things. All worries and insecurities seems to disappear in the moment. Barriers are broken and it’s as though there are no concerns in the world. Traditional music and folk music is very powerful in the way it can make this happen. It’s a form of music that’s instantly accessible to so many people; it’s very easy to get absorbed in this meditative state. This feeling is largely why I play music. I’ve heard Martin Hayes say that music brings people to their senses and I think it’s to do with this feeling. I’d be delighted if I was able to make this happen for someone listening to me play. I’d love for them to get swept up in the music in the same way I do.
4. What’s the best advice you’ve received?
I always remember my dad saying that the best musicians he’s heard are those who take risks. I always try and play in the moment and let what happens, happen. I don’t like the idea of simply recreating the same thing from performance to performance. That’s not to say I won’t play some of the same tunes – I definitely do! But, there’s never a fixed arrangement and I like finding new directions and possibilities when I play so that every performance is unique.
5. Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Not really. I get nervous, which I think is a good thing so I like having time to relax and warm up. I don’t like having to rush straight onto the stage ‘cold’ without having had time to sit backstage beforehand and just simply think. I like to do lots of thinking before I play and then hopefully not think at all as I play.
6. What are you most looking forward to about performing at Magpie’s Nest Festival?
I took part in an online project called Global Music Match during one of lockdowns. This was where musicians from around the world were matched into groups and promoted one another across their pages online. I was matched with a wonderful duo called Saije and I’m so delighted to see that they’re also playing at the festival. I can’t wait to hear them live and to finally meet them in person ! This will also be my first time performing with Louis Campbell on guitar. Louis is a wonderful musician, whose playing I’ve always greatly admired; so I’m very excited to play with him too.
7. What’s up next for you?
My second album will be released very soon so I’m looking forward to getting that out, and I also have some very exciting plans for a third. It is a little funding dependant so I’m keeping my cards close to my chest, but it involves a life-long dream collaboration that I never thought would happen. I’m also playing a lot, all over Europe and the UK as well as fulfilling a huge ambition by touring Canada and the USA for the first time. Later in the year I also have a debut tour of Australia. I’m so excited!
