13-year-old Wicklow singer Niamh Beatrix Smith has released her debut single, Irish Lad. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Irish Lad is described as "an upbeat pop song packed with catchy hooks and a playful nod to Ed Sheeran, as it tells the story of young love blossoming for an Irish lad".
Niamh Beatrix released a Christmas duet, Christmas All Year, with Niamh Noade last year in aid of Make a Wish Ireland and she has appeared as a 2023 Junior Eurovision Irish finalist on East Coast FM, finishing top three in the country.
She has also represented Ireland at the 2022 International Performing Arts Cup in South Africa, winning six gold medals, performed a solo intro on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, and was in the choir for Irish Women in Harmony's 2020 Christmas single.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am 13 years old, have two brothers and speak three languages - English, Irish and Afrikaans. I am originally from South Africa but have lived in Co. Wicklow for more than five years. I went to the Isle of Man this year for the TT races and fell in love with motorbike racing. Davey Todd is my favourite rider. I also got to meet Michael Dunlop when he broke the record of most wins.
How would you describe your music?
I’m just 13 so don’t want to put a label on my kind of music yet. I love experimenting with sounds and lyrics, but people have compared me to Megan Trainor, Taylor Swift and Adele. I guess time will tell what a typical Niamh Beatrix sound would be!
Who are your musical inspirations?
I have a broad taste in music - I listen to Benson Boone, Adele, Olivia Rodrigo, Ed Sheeran(, Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi. And then I also love jazz, blues and soul - Eva Cassidy, Judy Garland, Elvis and Aretha Franklin.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I’ve been to every musical theatre show you can imagine, but sadly I’ve never been to a proper gig. I was too young when we first arrived in Ireland. Recently my parents tried to get tickets for Olivia Rodrigo’s tour, as well as Taylor Swift’s and Benson Boone’s, but all three were sold out too quickly. We’re on the waiting list for Benson’s show so if anyone has tickets they want to sell, let me know!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Coldplay’s Ghost Stories. I bought it for my mum, but I loved Sky Full of Stars.
What’s your favourite song right now?
So American by Olivia Rodrigo and Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"She’s messy, but she’s kind" - She Used to be Mine by Sara Bareilles. If I came with a tagline it would be that.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ur so Pretty by Wasia Project.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website.
Alan Corr
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