An East Lothian musician is heading for stardom as he leaves to pursue his musical career.
Rhys Heaven can often be heard singing in the corridors while working, but now he will use his talent nurtured at Preston Lodge High School, where he used to take part in school shows. He has performed in East Lothian bars, and in Edinburgh, entertaining audiences at The Three Sisters, Dropkick Murphys and Stramash.
In 2014 Ryan began writing his own songs, and last year he attended a writing camp La Sierra Casa, in Spain, joining sessions led by Kyle Falconer from The View.
His plan is to go to Liverpool where he has a few gigs already booked. He is also releasing a six track EP and will be appearing at a gig in Edinburgh soon.
His first single, Do You Remember, was released last month and the second song will be released on 13 February. The song Just for the Night will be available for streaming on his last day of work at Archerfield.
Rhys said: “I’ve always loved music and started singing from such a young age at family parties and every gathering with friends when we were growing up and the feedback was always great, but it wasn’t until my music teacher gave me the push I needed that I decided to take it further.
“I’ve loved singing in bars in Edinburgh and locally, but after going to the writing camp in Spain, it really spurred me on to take it even more seriously.
“Working at Archerfield Walled Garden has been a fantastic experience which I’m very grateful for and can’t thank the team enough for their ongoing support around me following my dreams to become a full-time musician.”
Sam Donald, who works closely with Rhys, said: “Rhys will be a big miss for the Garden Café team but we look forward to following his journey and wish him all the best.”
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited said: “We will really miss Rhys as he embarks on his musical career but wish him all the very best.
“He is incredibly talented, with such a warm, bubbly personality and destined to make it big!”
Follow Rhys on Instagram at @rhysheaven
