DEBUT follows up-and-coming singer songwriter Ryan McMullan for 4 years as he prepares for the release of his debut album.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Brendan J. Byrne, the film centres around a four day recording and listening session in Cruit Island, County Donegal at the end of 2019, where Ryan and his team assess all the songs competing for a place on the album.
Against this majestic landscape, we get to know the film’s key players – the film’s principal, Ryan McMullan, his artist/mentor Foy Vance and manager/drummer Paul ‘Hammy’ Hamilton.
Threaded throughout is the back story of how Ryan has reached this point, including footage from his support tours with Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol.
Singer-songwriter and star of the film, Ryan McMullan said “I grew up watching music documentaries every weekend with my friends, dreaming about being an act or artist that has a documentary made about them. I never thought in a million years that it would become a reality.” “What began as a daunting opportunity ended up being one of the most fascinating projects I’ve been involved with so far. I am very flattered and honored to be involved in this film and I hope everyone enjoys it. Warts and all.”
Director Brendan J. Byrne of Cyprus Avenue Films added: “This film grew out of my own passion for music. When I first heard one of Ryan’s songs, I loved it and knew he was going to be Northern Ireland’s next major singer-songwriter. Mainly, this film is a study of talent and dedication, about one following their dream wherever it may take you.”
Debut Mix Tape, out now, is a six track EP featuring songs from the film that aren’t on Ryan’s forthcoming debut album, which is called Redesign and is due to be released in early 2022. The songs on the EP form part of the soundtrack to the documentary and are older songs from Ryan’s growing catalogue. He sees them a bonus for fans, a chance to enjoy songs that mean a lot to him, but didn’t make the final cut.
The rest of this year will be a busy one for Ryan with gigs in Ireland, Scotland and England, including a hotly anticipated turn in Dublin’s Olympia on Friday October 29th and two gigs at Belfast’s Waterfront on Friday November 19th and Saturday November 20th.
For a full rundown of Ryan’s gigs and upcoming documentary screenings, go to www.ryanmcmullanmusic.com.
