Youngster’s big break with two festival dates
A 17-YEAR-OLD singer songwriter from Stockton is set to wow crowds at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festival.
Ashlynn Maccarthey, who goes by the stage name Sisi, is performing at the popular pair of festivals this August on BBC’s Introducing Stage. The singer started her musical career only two years ago and her single Next Call gained national support when it was played on Radio 1 and Kiss.
Sisi, who is from Portrack, signed to North-east management Nrthrn Baby Records at the end of last year.
She grew up in a musical family and, despite the stress of preparations for the festivals, said the whole process is “so exciting”.
She said: “I cried when I found out. I couldn’t believe it as it’s something I’ve really been working towards – I didn’t think I’d get it already!
“It’s really exciting. The fact that it’s Reading and Leeds, because so many people go to them, all of the things that can come from it is exciting to think about.”
Although she grew up in a musical family, the Stockton teenager did not have aspirations to be a singer until the first Covid-19 lockdown. When she saw the success she was already achieving, she wanted to continue.
Sisi said: “Before I found my management my family were very supportive. They paid for everything, tried to get me as many shows as possible. They’re amazing.”
The youngster announced the big news on her Instagram page.
She said: “Honestly such a blessing to be able to make my festival debut at Reading and Leeds.”
BBC Music Introducing has previously nurtured the careers of Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine and Celeste. The former famously headlined the Glastonbury Introducing stage in 2011.
Sisi will be performing at Reading on August 26 and at Leeds on August 27.
The festivals sold out completely last year after a two-year break, meaning between a quarter and half a million people descended on the Richfield Avenue and Bramham Park sites.