Byrne and Kelly

by James A. McQuiston
Editor/Publisher
​Celtic Guide magazine
July, 2019

This month we are featuring a duo that has somewhat taken the Irish and Folk Music worlds by storm over the last few years. They go by the name Byrne and Kelly, and consist of Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly, two members of Celtic Thunder.

For the record: In this photo, at left is Ryan Kelly, with Neil Byrne on guitar.

What began as Celtic Thunder's Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly performing a series of shows together called 'Acoustic By Candlelight,' back in 2012, has turned into what is now known as Byrne and Kelly.  Driven by dynamic vocal harmonies, the duo seamlessly combines genres like traditional Irish and Americana to create a fresh, Celtic folk sound that has garnered comparisons to iconic folk-rock duos like Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers.
 
In 2013 Byrne and Kelly were awarded 'Best Duo in a Concert, Pub or Festival' and 'Best New Album' for Acoustically Irish, by the Irish Music Association.

In addition, Acoustically Irish took the Billboard #1 position, World Album #1 on iTunes in the United States, Australia and Canada, Amazon #1 World Album and cdbaby Global Chart #1.
  
The duo's second album release, Live in Australia, was recorded live at The Vanguard in Sydney, Australia in June of 2014.  Following the release later in the year, Live in Australia quickly became the #1 World Album on Billboard, iTunes, Amazon and cdbaby.
  
Byrne and Kelly's latest release, Echoes, is a collection of nine original tracks and the well-known Irish classic 'Step It Out Mary'.  During a remote weekend writing retreat in County Cavan, Ireland, with fellow musicians Nicole Hudson and Peter Sheridan, the seed for the Echoes album was planted.

Just over a year later, the result is a 10-track album featuring songs that highlight their rich, Irish culture, and experiences traveling the world playing music.  Echoes received immediate chart success following its release in February of 2016 and hit the #1 spot on the iTunes World Music chart, Billboard Top 5 World Album, #1 Amazon Traditional Folk, and #1 Amazon Traditional British & Folk charts, Amazon Top 100 Album, and Google Play Top World Album.

The follow up to Echoes came in film format with the release of a music documentary film titled Echoes: The Story, which delves into the history and songwriting stories behind the tracks from the Echoes album.  The film landed air time on various PBS stations across America, reached the Top 5 on Amazon’s Top Documentaries list, was chosen an official selection into the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and most recently picked up two awards from the World Music and Independent Film Festival for ‘Best Music Documentary’ and ‘Best Original Soundtrack’.

We've decided to interview each man separately for this issue of Celtic Guide.

​Meanwhile, we wish to thank them for taking time out of their busy schedule to answer our questions.

For a sample of their music, click the link below:

And to visit their website, click here:

NEIL BYRNE 
Music has been a huge part of Neil's life since he was very young. A native of Bray, County Wicklow - Ireland, Neil's father was a busy musician and it was at the age of 6 that he watched his father's three-piece band play at a wedding. "The sound just completely blew me away," he recalls. "I didn't really understand what I was listening to but I just understood it was absolutely wonderful."

What followed were lots of gigs the length and breadth of Ireland and beyond with many bands including Chase (with his brother Paul!), Oden, Hipple Street and Phil Coulter's band. It was this connection that led to Neil becoming part of Celtic Thunder.

In October 2010 Neil released the 4 track EP Sensitive Souls. Gaining a positive response from media and music fans alike along with sales in more than 20 countries around the world, it was clear a full album would soon follow. In October 2011 Neil released his debut album entitled Pale Blue Jak - Faces, which became CD Baby's second best selling album that month and entered the iTunes US Top 100 Pop Albums and the iTunes Canada Top 50 Pop Albums.

Pale Blue Jak  comes from the imagination of Neil Byrne – "I wanted something that would excite me, something that would make me cry, something that would make me laugh, something I would find myself dancing to without trying and most importantly something with a cool vibe. I want these songs to mean as much to the listener as they do to me. Writing random songs is not what I wanted to achieve. I was after a common thread throughout.... I could visualize the live performance, an unconventional, energetic, charismatic, quirkey show all in one mix."

For the past ten years, Neil has been performing to thousands of people across North America and Australia with Celtic Thunder as a lead vocalist and band member along with recording on Billboard's Top World Artist, Album and Imprint for 2009 & 2011.

In addition to performing on Acoustically Irish, Live in Australia and Echoes, Neil also produced all three albums and continues to write and produce new music.
​

The Interview...

CG: Do you remember the first time you performed in public, individually, and as a duo?

NB: My dad was a member of a Co Wicklow golf club. They had an annual Christmas function where they would give out prizes for competition winners throughout the year.  My Dad’s band played at the function and Dad thought it would be a good opportunity for my brother and I to also play live for the first time with our band at the function. I was eleven years of age but I can remember that night like it was yesterday.  It was the first taste of stage performance and I never looked back, thanks to a wonderful dad that always had our interests at heart.

The first time Byrne and Kelly performed as a duo was seven years ago now. We put a very loose set list together, playing songs by artists such as The Eagles, The Dubliners, etc.. just to give the duo gig an outing.  After that first outing people reached out to ask if we would be coming to their own home town. With this in mind we put a US tour of the East Coast together and really enjoyed it. I think it’s safe to say that we knew Byrne and Kelly had potential.
The rest is history.

CG: It is obvious that harmony plays a big role in your performance. I listened to your version of 'Crying in the Rain' and the harmonies were so exact that one could close their eyes and imagine the Everly Brothers performing. Do you have certain groups or duos that have been a special influence for you when deciding on your harmonies, or do they come naturally?

NB: The first group that comes to mind would be Earth, Wind and Fire. Their falsetto harmonies gave an incredibly rich colour to the overall sound. I would go as far as saying it was Earth, Wind and Fire’s signature. My dad started me off singing harmonies in his band before I became a lead vocalist.  For me, harmony vocals can create the most wonderful sound above any instrument. 

Every voice is different and gives its own texture and colour. When singing together in the correct way it can create something magical.  But if it’s not right, it’s time to turn on the TV.

CG: Your sound seems to be anchored somewhere between an authentic Irish bar and a concert hall. Do you have a favorite type of venue?

NB: I have performed in venues from Radio City Music Hall to a small pub in the Wicklow Hills.  I have had some incredible experiences playing to thousands of people in packed out arenas across the world but with my hand on my heart my honest answer is that I get so much more from the small intimate performance. There are many reasons for this.  The sound is so much easier to control in a smaller venue.  With that in mind, I really enjoy being able to hear all the instruments clearly. We touched on harmony vocals earlier and in this case, vocals can be heard acoustically which makes it easier to pitch. I also enjoy the fact that you can look into people’s eyes and speak to them when introducing songs or telling stories which is a big part of the Byrne and Kelly show. 

But don’t get me wrong, it is a pretty cool feeling at the end of a show when a huge audience all stand to applaud something you have been a part of. It gives me great confidence in what I do when I see that folks have had a good night out.
 
CG: Do you think it is possible that your ancestors, or your DNA, have played a role in you taking your talent to such a high level – a level perhaps you could not have avoided, had you even tried?

NB: My grandmother was a beautiful singer and it was only in recent years my dad found a recording of her singing a song she wrote for my aunt when my aunt was getting married. I did not realize that she was so musical and such a beautiful singer.
My dad played music for a living all his life and was a super performer. People were captivated by his persona and performance. I believe my grandmother on my mother’s side was a lovely singer but unfortunately I never got to hear her singing.
So I would safely say that I was given a great head start with music. 

CG: Your gigs are spread far and wide. Do you typically drive in a tour bus, or take air flights? Any "road stories" you'd be willing to share

NB: When on the road with Celtic Thunder we travel by bus. These buses are fitted with beds, TV’s, a kitchen, bathroom, a shower and are exceptionally comfortable. When on tour with Byrne and Kelly we mix it up with flights, road miles and sleeper coaches also.

Don’t tell anybody but on nights into a day off we have been known to get a little over served! A disco on the bus has spontaneously broken out and certain members of the group, full of dutch courage has taken it upon themselves to hang upside down from the ceiling. 

CG: Aside from influences, what type of music do each of you enjoy when simply listening while relaxing?

NB: To be honest, I turn the music off to relax. It’s my job and I love it but in order to relax I need to put tools down like any person in any job.  When I listen to music I tend to sift through many different styles and genres of music as I am a fan of songs rather than artists. That’s not to say I don’t have my favorite artists! I certainly do but I like to discover a great song and maybe that’s because I write a lot of music myself.

CG: What would you say is the most rewarding honor you have ever received because of your talent?

NB: We put our heart and souls into our debut original album Echoes and we decided to record a live concert performance along with filming the making of the album and the back stories. We also travelled throughout Ireland with our film crew documenting the places and people we had written about.  We received two awards at the World Music and Independent Film Festival for Best Music Documentary and Best Original Soundtrack. This meant a lot to me.

CG: I always ask this of any musician I interview, because I know for myself, during the years of my most concentrated performances, I could be playing a bass line on my keyboard with my left hand, a rhythm part with my right hand, while singing harmony, and still be thinking about how I had to get the lawn mowed the next day. They say music uses a different part of the brain than our logical thinking process does. I was wondering if, during a complex tune, do you ever find yourselves thinking about something else totally unrelated to the music – for instance your family, your home, or your next performance?

NB: I suppose we can’t be in the moment all of the time.
It does tend to happen usually on a long run of consecutive shows, where the mind starts to drift a little. It’s when you realize you are day dreaming, that’s when you are vulnerable to making a mistake.
The mind works in mysterious ways.

CG: Is there something special you’d like your fans and the readers of Celtic Guide to know about you folks and your music?

NB: Byrne and Kelly’s goal is to tell stories of interest through beautiful melodies. This is not an easy quest especially when we aspire to many greats that have gone before us. We are very passionate about our history, the small island we are from and the Celtic music that has stood the test of time through the ages.

We are two guys enjoying a journey that has given us the opportunity to write music from the heart, make friends all over the world and most importantly bring a little more joy to peoples lives.
​
We are currently writing a new production with a lot of stories to tell, melodies to sing and please God, many more years to perform them.

​RYAN KELLY
The village that they call The Moy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, may be where Ryan Kelly resides, but he's just as comfortable calling the studio and stage home. He began his love affair with music and performing early on in his life, and he's remained faithful to his first love ever since.

Ryan developed his wide range of musical tastes from a lifetime filled with varied influences- from traditional Irish songs, to acoustic to rock to showtunes - and he's combined them all into his own distinctive style as a singer/songwriter, showcased perfectly on his debut album, In Time - released in the Fall of 2010 to much acclaim and success. He currently tours and records as one of the stars of the highly successful, platinum and multi-gold selling musical show, Celtic Thunder.  

Performing with Celtic Thunder has allowed Ryan to showcase both his acting and singing abilities to audiences all across North America, Australia and beyond.

Ryan has performed live with West Life, Girls Aloud and Simply Red in the "Children In Need" televised charity concert at the Odyssey in Belfast, sung the US National Anthem for his beloved Boston Celtics, and has performed for President Obama and his family at the White House. 

Ryan's talents don't end with his phenomenal musical abilities. He is also an accomplished actor. He's taken on roles such as that of Mickey Johnstone in the musical "Blood Brothers" and Judas Iscariot in "Jesus Christ Superstar" to much success and praise. 

His ability to transform and make the songs he performs completely his own, have garnered him a large and loyal following. The audience's enthusiasm for his performances fuel his own onstage and make for a night no one soon forgets, and he's enjoying every moment of it- "It's cliched, but music is my life. It's what makes me happy and I feel blessed to be able to call this my job."

In January of 2012, Ryan was honoured to be nominated for and win the 2011 award for "Top Solo Performer in Concert" from the Irish Music Association. This award was just the newest highlight for Ryan in a career that hasn't seen its top heights yet, and he looks forward to sharing his amazing musical journey with his incredibly supportive fanbase for many years to come.

Ryan released his second solo album Life  in December 2013, his much anticipated and long awaited follow-up album to In Time  and brings listeners on a journey that spans both time and the globe to share stories that reach the corners of the heart and inspire the soul through worldwide musical flavors and his own smoky vocals. The albums went straight to #1 on the iTunes World Albums Chart in the US and Australia and #2 on the Billboard World Albums Chart.
​

The Interview...

CG: Do you remember the first time you sang in public, individually, and as a duo?

RK: My first big “break” I suppose was singing at my First Holy Communion in my local chapel in my home village of the Moy in County Tyrone! My Dad accompanied me on the organ and I sang a hymn called “Here I am Lord.” I’m not sure where that wee angelic boy went to! :-)
 
As a duo, Neil and myself  both sang with ‪Celtic Thunder‬ together for a number of years when we decided to give it a go as a two-piece as well. Our very first gig was in a place called Dunedin in Florida. I remember it very well! It was a nerve wracking night!

CG: It is obvious that harmony plays a big role in your performance. I listened to your version of "Crying in the Rain" and the harmonies were so exact that one could close their eyes and imagine ‪the Everly Brothers‬ performing. Do you have certain groups or duos that have been a special influence for you when deciding on your harmonies, or do they come naturally?

RK: One thing I think that prompted Neil and myself into exploring us performing as a possible duo was that we realised ourselves (and had been told by a few people) that our voices did harmonise very well together. It’s not always the case that two separate voices can work well like that. We’ve definitely used that to our advantage and always like to arrange our own harmonies, but, obviously, we take a lot of influence and inspiration from the “great duos” such as ‪the Everly Brothers‬ that you’ve mentioned and others like ‪Simon and Garfunkel‬. 

CG: When I was a child of about five years or so, I was riding with my father and aunt in the car. My aunt was not singing the same notes as my father and so I asked why. She, right then and there, explained harmony to me, and gave me some examples. Do you remember the very first time you heard of the concept of harmony, and how it works?

RK: As I alluded to earlier, my early years in music were centred around our local church and school choirs where harmonies were a massive part of the overall performance of the hymns. I guess I was aware of how beautiful a harmony could make a song sound - even if I didn’t quite understand why! 

CG: Your sound seems to be anchored somewhere between an authentic Irish bar and a concert hall. Do you have a favorite type of venue?

RK: I think that’s a pretty good way of explaining it!  I suppose the beauty of Irish music and a lot of what we do and write ourselves is that it can feel at home equally being performed down the local pub or in a more theatre-like setting. To me, as long as people are listening and enjoying it, I’m very much happy performing in either! 

CG: Do you think it is possible that your ancestors, or your DNA, have played a role in you taking your talent to such a high level – a level perhaps you could not have avoided, had you even tried?

RK: I often think you’re in the minority in Ireland if you don’t at least have a song to sing or tune to play when asked to do so in the local pub - so maybe avoiding being involved in music may have been difficult for me! My father loved to sing and played in pubs all his life and he certainly gave me the love for song. I often say, in being lucky enough to get to do what I do for a living, I was living his dream as well - and that always made me happy. 

CG: Your gigs are spread far and wide. Do you typically drive in a tour bus, or take air flights? Any "road stories" you'd be willing to share?

RK: The beauty of North America is that - being such a vast continent - you can jump in a bus after a gig and drive a matter of hours and arrive in a brand new city to play there the following night. To me, that always takes precedent over having to queue at airports and check bags and equipment on to a plane every day. As for road stories, there are too many to reveal right now - maybe I’ll keep them for the autobiography! 

CG: Aside from influences, what type of music do each of you enjoy when simply listening while relaxing?

RK: I do like to listen to singer-songwriter style artists. The songs must have stories and consider lyrics - then I’m happy. 

CG: What would you say is the most rewarding honor you have ever received because of your talent?

RK: I think the honour to be able to do something I love and travel to so many amazing places to carry out that job is probably the greatest honour I can think of. Sharing our own music with so many people is definitely one of life’s joys. 

CG: I always ask this of any musician I interview, because I know for myself, during the years of my most concentrated performances, I could be playing a bass line on my keyboard with my left hand, a rhythm part with my right hand, while singing harmony, and still be thinking about how I had to get the lawn mowed the next day. They say music uses a different part of the brain than our logical thinking process does. I was wondering if, during a complex tune, do you ever find yourselves thinking about something else totally unrelated to the music – for instance your family, your home, or your next performance?

RK: I do it all the time! Whether it’s wondering where I’ll run ‪tomorrow morning‬ in whatever city we’re in, or how the Celtics/Broncos/Manchester United are doing at that present time in some game, it can be anything! It’s trying to rein yourself back in again to the song before you get lost too far is the problem! 

CG: Is there something special you’d like your fans and the readers of Celtic Guide to know about you folks and your music?

RK: I guess it’s just that we’re currently in the process of writing even more new music and are very excited about letting people hear it, so if you see us in your area at all, come along and let us tell you our stories! I promise I’ll not drift too far away to think about the football scores during the songs too much!