Ruth Keggin | |
|---|---|
 Ruth Keggin performing with Nish As Rish at the Inter-Celtic Festival of Lorient in 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1989 Isle of Man |
| Genres | Folk, Celtic |
| Occupation(s) | musician |
| Instrument(s) | vocals, piano, flautist, whistle[1] |
| Years active | 2011-present |
| Labels | Purt Sheearan Records |
| Website | www |
Ruth Keggin is a Manx Gaelic singer-songwriter.[2] She holds degrees from the University of York and the University of Cambridge.[3]
In 2011, as a member of Nish As Rish, Keggin won in the Best Newcomers category at the 2011 Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, France.[4]
Keggin was awarded a grant by Culture Vannin to produce her 2014 debut solo album, Sheear ("Westward"), a collection of traditional and contemporary Manx songs praised as "bringing new life into the language with her music."[5][6] Keggin's album has held popularity in the Celtic genre, becoming album of the week on Celtic Music Radio[7] and listed as number one in Japan’s ‘Top 10’.[8]
Keggin released her second solo album, Turrys ("Journey"), in 2016. Critic Neil McFadyen, writing for the journal Folk Radio UK, praised the album and called her voice "clear, precise and a joy to hear."[9]
In September 2020 Keggin became the Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin, a foundation established by the government of the Isle of Man to promote Manx culture.[3]
In March 2021, Keggin and Scottish harpist Rachel Hair launched a joint crowdfunding campaign to produce a debut duo album to consist primarily of songs in the Manx language. These will include both traditional songs and songs by contemporary Manx musicians. They reached their target goal of £5,000 within 12 hours of launching the campaign and achieved a stretch goal of £10,000 after 48 hours. Some matching funds were provided by Creative Scotland. The album has also received funding from the Isle of Man Arts Council.[10]
| Title | Release |
|---|---|
| Sheear (‘Westward’)[12] | 2014 |
| Turrys[13] | 2016 |
