A Laois musician has been blown away by the fantastic reception locally to his performance on RTÉ's Today show.

Abbeyleix musician Brian Killeen was delighted to close out the show on Wednesday March 25, which saw Dáithí Ó Sé travel to Rosenallis to speak with Laois Locals.

"It was deadly, I'm blessed to have been asked," Mr Killeen told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Ann-Marie Kelly got in touch with me and asked me if I wanted to do it, she is always trying to put local people out for things like this. She's great for encouraging that way, and it was such a great experience, the whole crew was lovely," he said.

Brian has always had a love for music, playing guitar from the age of 8.

"I picked up the guitar when I was young, I've tried to put it down to do other things and I just can't," he laughed.

"I always end up going back to it. I'm very lucky to play with incredible people. I gig a lot with Fiachra Murphy, he is one of the best bass players in the country. He's a gentle giant, and he helps me with my ideas and teaches me a lot. He can even help me with guitar when he doesn't play it himself," he laughed.

"I grew up wanting to be the guy in the background that you barely see, who comes out during a song for a solo and then disappears to the back again after. Then I fell in love with songwriting," Brian said.

Brian performed an original song called 'Lost' he had written two years ago. 

"I wrote this song in the back of a van," he laughed.

Pictured: Fiachra Murphy and Brian Killeen- Brian and Figs

"I had the idea of turning a van into a studio, I did it and I began writing in it. The song came from nowhere. I'm my own worst enemy in a lot of ways, I'm not recording my music but I'm posting to Youtube," Brian said.

"I write a lot, but I don't put a lot of it out. When I worked in music as a day job it harder, I like it more that I can do it as a passion now, rather than as a means of living," he explained.

Brian and Fiachra gig locally under their own names and Brian and Figs.

The Abbeyleix man is quite versatile in sound, with influences from the Beatles, Collin Hay, Oasis, Blur and more.

"Ten years ago I would have said my goal is to play Glastonbury, but now my goal is to keep it enjoyable for myself, to keep playing and releasing music. People are so nice on YouTube, it's very encouraging."

Mr Killeen praised Laois for its rich music scene, particularly strong in Abbeyleix.

Pictured: Fiachra and Brian performing

"There really is a great music scene here, particularly in this town. I grew up playing here, and everyone you talk to is obsessed with music in some way.

"Amanda Kelly held open mic nights, and has done so much locally in relation to the arts. She brought John Spillane down here a few years ago," he said.

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"Everyone is so supportive, and there's a lot of young talent in particular. There are loads of young bands and new talent coming up, it's great to see," he finished.

Brian and Fiachra will be performing in Whelan's Ballyroan on Saturday April 4. For more music and performance dates from the pair see their Instagram and YouTube pages.