Former boy band star turned country singer for Caffrey's

Adapting to life on the road as a country singer has been a seamless transition for a former boy-band front man who scored three top 10 UK hits and appearances on Top of the Pops. Derek Ryan, with his youthful good looks, sun-kissed blonde hair and sharp suits is whipping up a frenzy amongst the scores of fans who are dancing to his tunes across the country. The County Carlow singer songwriter, who has been pivotal in the new found attractiveness of country music amongst younger people, has the crowds flocking to his shows in their droves. Earlier this month over 2,500 people turned up a barn dance he performed at in Derry. With over 250 live appearances since his debut last year, Derek is helping to make country cool, particularly amongst the 21-25 year old bracket. At 17, Derek was catapulted in to a fulltime music career by becoming lead singer with five-piece Dublin band D-Side and a recording contract with Warner Music leading to the release of three albums. During this period, Derek's musical travels took him to Sweden, Germany and a sell out theatre tour and number one single in Japan in 2005. Derek's crystal vocals are matched by his song writing ability having composed seven tracks on his debut cd 'A Mother's Son'. He won the Tipperary International Song of Peace contest in 2008 and has collaborated with writers in the UK and in Nashville; the home of country music. His most successful song to date is his self-penned gospel single 'God's Plan' which received song of the year and became a most requested tune of last summer on Irish local radio stations. He also lifted Singer-Songwriter of the Year and Best Newcomer at the Northern Ireland country music awards, Best New Band at this year's Sunday World Awards and Album of the Year at the Irish Entertainment Awards. His latest single, I Got My Baby Back' has become one of the hits of the summer due to its lively upbeat style and is filling floors around the country. Derek Ryan and his Band appear at the Festival Dance at Caffrey's, Batterstown, on Friday 6th July.