Derek Ryan leads country vinyl revival in Ireland

The iconic LP (long playing) record is back, with a surge in demand for record players heralding a new era and a fresh appreciation of the place vinyl holds in the hearts of millions around the world.

This week, Derek Ryan becomes the first Irish country artist in around 30 years to release an album on vinyl and the plaudits are rolling in. No one is more chuffed that Derek himself.

“Growing up I was fascinated by my dad’s record collection. They were a diary of his life and each one told a particular story. As a song writer, associations like that are magic for me. I must say though, that when I was starting out on my musical career those albums felt like antiques and I never imagined that I would soon be releasing one of my own.

“But the tables really have turned and it’s amazing to be a part of the revival of the record scene in Ireland. There’s something incredible about the sound of an LP and it’s great to see young people here rediscovering that. I think my dad must have seen it coming, because he’s taken very good care of that collection.

“We still have a record player at home and, would you believe, there’s even an old gramophone in the hall. Music has been such a part of our lives. Dad (Pat) still plays the local and regional circuit as a duo with Richie Kelly (collectively known as Cúpla).

“Apart from all the country and Irish LPs, he had a good few American country albums in the collection, including Hank Williams, Jim Reeves, Charley Pride and Johnny Cash, to name but a few. Some of them were brought home from America by a friend of his. He also had ones by singers like Gene Pitney and others of that era of music too. He really is thrilled as I am, and the rest of the family, that the album is now out on vinyl.”

So many homes all over this island still have stacks of vinyl albums in rooms or in the sheds. Well, it looks like a new love affair with vinyl is about to bring those albums back to life and also rekindle the fondest of memories when most towns had jukeboxes with the famous 7-inch 45 rpm record, which made their debut on 31 March 1949,when released by RCA Victor.

In June of this year, Sony Music announced that by March 2018 it will be producing vinyl records in-house, for the first time since ceasing their production in 1989. Radio stations that got rid of their turntables better prepare to re-introduce them very soon again.

Perfect Days, the title of Derek’s new release, features 11 of his self-penned songs, along with Pick a Bale of Cotton, all specially re-mastered for vinyl release.

Raymond Stewart, a brother of the late Gene, regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest ever country singers, is the man behind Sharpe Music, based in Dungannon, and home to Derek Ryan’s releases.

In an era of digital downloads and online streaming, Raymond is pleased to release the first Irish vinyl record release in decades.

“While many country music fans would be forgiven for associating records with the heyday of artists like Big Tom and Philomena Begley, and all the big stars of the 1960s and 1970s, it is wonderful to see vinyl is back in business. Last year, vinyl record sales out-performed spend on digital downloads for the first time ever. It’s a trend which has been brewing under the surface in Ireland for a couple of years, but within the last 12 months we’ve witnessed a huge increase in demand for vinyl records.

“It’s not just for older people either. In fact, one of the most interesting things about the trend is the shift in how a generation of younger people are choosing to consume music. Digital is definitely not dead, but it is really encouraging to see how music lovers of all ages are discovering the joy of vinyl, alongside the new mediums.

“At Sharpe Music, we’re excited to work with Derek on this really exciting project. There’s already been huge interest in the release and we’re confident it is a bold move, which is set to be very successful indeed,” says Raymond.

Derek’s new album was mastered and pressed in Nashville, and he is feeling an extra special buzz with seeing his first vinyl album.

“I’ve been thinking of doing this for a few years now and I’m thrilled with how it has turned out. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this one and I hope it will set a new trend with many others going down the vinyl route. We would all love to see the return of the record shops to the towns and cities. They were the heartbeat of the music scene.” CL

• This Friday night, 6 October, Derek is among the headline acts at the first Farmer’s Bash in the SSE Arena, Belfast, which also includes Lisa McHugh, Robert Mizzell, Marty Mone and others. Around 8,000 are expected to attend. Derek will record his next DVD at a show in the Ulster Hall in Belfast on 3 October. He has also just released The Fire, his ninth studio album, comprising of 17 tracks.

• Further details about Derek and the vinyl and other albums can be had from derekryanmusic.com or SharpeMusic.com