FLIXTON singer songwriter Rick Kevill may only just be starting out in music, but this affable 23-year-old is already attracting iacclaim from across “the pond” and he’s also landed a slot at one of the UK’s top pop festivals.

After seeing him perform at the South By South West music festival in America in March an industry big wig proclaimed: “There must be something in the water in Manchester” after listening to a performance of his song, By The River.

The video can be viewed on youtube and if you watch it you’ll be able to see what all the fuss is about.

Next month Rick is performing at another prestigious live gig, Kendal Calling, where he’ll be sharing the bill with Primal Scream, no less.

He said: “Just to be on the same line-up as them is amazing. it’s really exciting and that’s definitely a highlight of my whole life so far. Playing at that festival will be great.”

Musically, Rick is influenced by the likes of Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Coldplay and The National.

He’s an electrician by trade and has left his day job on hold to pursue a career in music. Rick hopes what he’s doing will inspire others to follow suit.

Rick said: “There’s a lot of people I know who write music and they never take the risk. i’ve said to a couple of those people I’d help them produce their records and if they take that leap of faith and do it, I’d be happy to help them.”

* Anyone interested in finding out more about Rick Kevill and his music should visit facebook.com/rickkevillmusic and you can download and listen to By The River on itunes for 79p.