STREAMS OF FIRE
Young Musician, Ryan Holmes, releases his debut single
Robert Neil
On the eve of the release of his debut single,
‘Streams of Fire’, I met up with Ayrshire-based, promising young singer/songwriter and musician, Ryan Holmes, and his mentor, Scott Nicol.
These days teenagers have a whole world of technology at their disposal and play lots of online games, so imagine how refreshing it was to meet one with an interest in something entirely different.
Ryan Holmes is a well-mannered 13-year-old, full of fun and a passion for music. He has just the right measure of talent and confidence to make him instantly likeable. However, Ryan did not choose to be a headbanging rock god. Instead, he opted for the viola.
My first question, which was met with a laugh from Ryan, was obvious. Why did he choose the viola?
“I was taking guitar lessons from Scott, but I kept feeling that I wanted to do something different and that was to play the viola.”
He went on to say that his mum, Jen, used to play the violin.
“My mum was in the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra and I felt like it was my way of making her proud, and she also helps me out.”
Including his teacher, Diane Merson-Jones, he has three really great teachers.
“Well, two and Scott,” Ryan replied with a wry smile.
Diane Merson-Jones is the reason Ryan plays the viola so well. She is an amazing musician in her own right and she joined Ryan, Scott and another of Scott’s promising young students, Rona Bryden, on the stage, bringing the debut song to life.
Local guitar tutor, singer and songwriter Scott, is well-known for helping youngsters flourish and develop their various musical crafts. Scott told me proudly, “I can’t believe how much Ryan has developed recently.”
This is a fact I have witnessed myself firsthand. Ryan has truly come on as a musician and especially as a vocalist. Gone are the nerves, and in place is a newfound belief.
Ryan told me enthusiastically how much he really enjoys playing jigs and reels. Is there no end to this young lad’s musical ability?
On the evening of Friday 11th October, all who gathered in the community hub that is the 65 Club in Prestwick, experienced a rare thing – a free night out! Not only was it free, but the talent on display was of such a high quality that it would stand up against any variety show I have witnessed. Rona Bryden, Debbie Campbell, Scott Nicol, and Diane Merson-Jones, along with Ryan Holmes, set the stage on fire! The place was packed with family and friends, all there to support this young man’s first steps into the world of a recording artist.
The purpose of this wholehearted hootenanny was to celebrate the launch of ‘Streams of Fire’ the debut single (featuring Rona Bryden on vocals) from local musician and viola virtuoso, Ryan Holmes.
So why not check out this young man’s fantastic debut single, you won’t be disappointed. Ryan also has a rap version of the song, which the audience were treated to on the evening, and both versions are available to download on all streaming platforms now.
