Listen Up - Tu-Kay And Ryan
A look at some of the emerging artists of the acoustic roots & folk circuit
This month's Listen Up feature put's the spotlight on Tu-Kay & Ryan who are a duo from Northamptonshire passionate about making music with a positive message. They are all about rich harmonies and creating a genuine connection with those who come to see them through the universal truths within our songs.
How would you describe your music?
Rebecca: We are becoming known for blurring the lines between alt-folk, Americana and roots music. We really like the fact there is an eclectic side to our songs and that people can be surprised by a new release sometimes!
Ash: Our music has been described as reflective and encompassing universal truths, and heartfelt messages. We think it is simple yet considered.
Our songs are meant to capture feelings and emotions common to us all. We are all about overcoming obstacles and challenges and embracing an optimistic outlook. We are not about the doom and gloom, but rather recognise its natural to experience emotions, whether happy or sad, as it's what makes us human and ultimately connects us all.
What has been your highlight so far?
Rebecca: I think mine has to be our EP launch and recent gig in the barn. To be able to sell tickets to people who want to come and hear original music in a listening environment is so special and has meant so much to us. We still have to pinch ourselves when we sell out an event; we are so grateful and it make us so excited for the future. To have some of our friends play their songs as part of the evenings too has made that even lovelier! Being asked to support established musicians like Mark Morriss and Billy Lockett has also been amazing. The Billy Lockett gig last December was amazing, and to play to a full church full of such supportive people was a wonderful experience I will never forget.
Ash: seeing the organic growth has been really humbling. Realising that we are connecting with our audience on a personal level and that our songs resonate with people of all ages in different ways. To see them having a genuine emotional connection to our songs based on their experiences is awesome.
What plans regarding recordings, video, tours etc do you have for the future?
We have plans to record a live EP and release another EP over the next six months. We have an album ready to go as well but are holding off on that one for a while to make sure it is right! We are planning to take part in February Album Writing Month again in 2022 and so will hopefully write another 14 songs then too. We love creating new material and can't wait to embrace the challenge again. We did it last year and really enjoyed it!
We would love to do a tour around coffee shops and folk clubs in the UK and hire a camper van to do it. Maybe next summer we can do this and cover as much of Britain as possible. We love to travel and to meet new people. There are so many places we haven't been yet so can kill two birds with one stone. We just want to spread our music as far as we can and see where it takes us.
Is there anything else you would like to say or any message to our readers?
We would love you to give us a follow on your chosen social media platform and buy our music from bandcamp if you like what you hear! It means the world to us to get new followers and hope that our songs spread a little positivity! The last couple of years have been a challenge for us all and we hope our songs bring you a little joy and hope for the future. Independent musicians need all the support they can get so every like, positive review and purchase means such a lot.
And support live music and local venues. They are doing everything they can to keep music alive and going to gigs and experiencing live music is good for the soul!
For more details:
https://www.tu-kayrecords.co.uk/tukayandryan.co.uk
What Comes Next
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Corsair is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.