Lyra and Ryan Sheridan on Van Morrison

Lyra

Following the release of her Rupert Christie-produced debut EP WILD in 2016, Lyra has rapidly established herself as one of Ireland's most captivating pop talents. She has continued to develop her unique sound with a string of acclaimed releases and live performances – and was recently announced as one of the first wave of acts for Reading & Leeds 2021.

I was introduced to Van Morrison’s music very early on. My dad used play his CDs in the car a lot. At night he would also play Van Morrison from his room, and because mine was across the hall from his, we would both leave our doors open and listen all night long.

Van's lyrics are amazing. The way he can tell a story through his songs has always stuck out to me as a songwriter. His voice would make you feel like you were there with him while he wrote the story.

His pure originality and his amazing catalogue of songs are what make him so special. Every time you hear his voice you know it’s him. hHs songs have sailed through generations – still as classic as they were originally. That’s true talent, and one only the greats have.

Van Morrison has shown me that as long as you have the talent, it is possible to make music for a very long time. Being in the music industry in this generation, you sometimes get told you have a shelf life – but Van has shown me a true artist has longevity.

I covered 'A New Kind Of Man' because I need a new kind of man – my last one dumped me over the phone! (laughs)

No, honestly, I love how it was written. I love the poetic feel, and the lyric 'Your trials have not been in vain/ You're doing the best you know how to' makes me feel comforted. It’s so lovely for someone to tell you that your struggles are ok – you are human and you are doing what you can.

Ryan Sheridan

Initially finding success as a busker, Co. Monaghan multi-instrumentalist Ryan Sheridan has built up a reputation as one of the country's most popular performers – releasing two acclaimed album, The Day You Live Forever and Here and Now, through Rubyworks.

I first connected with Van Morrison’s music in 1999. I was touring America at the time, and Van just released Back On Top and ‘Goin' Down Geneva’ was on repeat at a hotel room party. I went straight to a record store the next day and bought Into the Music, Astral Weeks and Back On Top. That was me hooked.

Astral Weeks had the most impact on me. I was 17 when I got that album – curled up in the back of a bus listening to it for the first time. I was too young to relate to the life experience in his lyrics, but old enough to feel the passion and soul in his voice. That album has stuck with me to this day, and has always been a go to.

He’s always brave with his music, but he’s also true and pure in his music. For me, it's the soul and passion in his performance that really makes him special.

His music has got me through the good times and the shit times, and has kept me company on planes, trains and automobiles. It can bring me back to a particular time and place in a way that’s so vivid I can smell what’s cooking.

See the full line-up for this week's 'Rave On, Van Morrison' performances here.

The Hot Press 'Rave On, Van Morrison' Special Issue is out now. Pick up your copy in shops now – or order online below:

You can find all the 'Rave On, Van Morrison' performances on the Hot Press YouTube channel.