Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

I’ve seen the Light and am putting my faith in JC..

Magherafel­t’s rising pop star releases debut EP and I believe it’s going to increase his followers

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Iwrite that bands and singers are ‘going to be huge’ way too much. It’s a bad habit the likes of me picks up along the way and it’s kinda unhelpful – especially as it’s such a vague thing to say. It could mean the act in question are going to be good enough to make a living out of music (no mean feat) – or at least be in a position to release a debut record people care about.

Or maybe it means they’re capable of playing to reasonable crowds (back when gigs were a thing) around the UK – before selling out medium sized venues back home – which would also be a result. Rarely does it ever mean what it implies – that I reckon they’ve got what it takes to end up genuine superstars. Which is why I should learn to zip-it. So trust me – this is the last time I’ll say it… and the most I’ve ever meant it. JC Stewart, from Magherafel­t, is going to be huge.

Consider the evidence. Eight tracks with over a million streams on Spotify alone. To contextual­ise that a little – three of his tracks have been listened to on that platform WAY more than any track by The Divine Comedy or Therapy? – just as an example. As a songwriter, JC co-wrote a track on that Lewis Capaldi album – you know, the one that’s sold a zillion copies.

He’s had casual clips of him mucking about go viral and enjoyed some repost action online from one Jennifer Aniston (look up his lockdown themed Friends cover). Oh – and he’s irritating­ly handsome, without having the good grace to be anything other than an absolute gentleman, loaded with charm and self deprecatin­g wit. It’d be hard to like the guy if he wasn’t so sound.

And yes – I’m getting to the music. His debut EP on a major label was released last week, following a mess of sporadic singles over the last few years.

is a lesson in how

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