| Ruth Keggin | |
| Birth Date: | 1989 |
| Birth Place: | Isle of Man |
| Genre: | Folk, Celtic |
| Occupation: | musician |
| Instrument: | vocals, piano, flautist, whistle[1] |
| Years Active: | 2011-present |
| Label: | Purt Sheearan Records |
| Associated Acts: | Aon Teanga – Un Çhengey, Nish As Rish |
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 |
