Beth McCarthy is a 17 year old singer/songwriter based in York. She has been performing her acoustic style pop tracks since the age of 13. Early in 2014, she applied for The Voice UK, and was one of the final seven on Team Ricky, coached by Ricky Wilson, frontman of Kaiser Chiefs. She made it through to the knockout rounds before leaving the show. She has completed two UK tours and played numerous shows, including sets at Latitude, Tramlines and Galtres festivals and support slots with bands such as Paper Aeroplanes and The Orchestra (ELO).
Hi Beth! So, this year has been a huge year for your career. Doing The Voice must have been a great experience for you. What inspired you to audition?
I’d watched the first two series of The Voice and really enjoyed it, but was a little hesitant to go for it. I’m not usually a fan of those sorts of talent shows; it’s a very different world to what I’ve been in throughout my career so far and I didn’t want people to think I’d sold out… but I figured what was there to lose? It wouldn’t do any damage to what I’d already achieved and could only help my career. Now seemed the best time to do it, too: whilst I’m young and no one can hold it against me.
After watching the show for two years, and then finally being there, how did you feel when you were eliminated? Did you feel as if it was the end for you, or that you were just getting started?
Of course I was a little gutted. It was such an incredible experience and no one wants that to end. In terms of my music and career, it was the perfect time for me to go out. I didn’t go for The Voice to win it, I went for the experience. I took each round as it came and expected nothing, so when I left, I had everything I could’ve wished for with no ties to the show. One of my favourite quotes is: ‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened’ – rather fitting when I left!
Sometimes the people that you share the experience with can mean more than the actual experience. How was it working with Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs) and how did he impact you during the show?
Honestly, he’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and probably will ever meet. He’s like a big brother to me – we get on dead well. He really understands what I’m about and believed in me through every stage of the competition… even after he chucked me out! He knew what was best for me in the long run and him believing I could make it on my own, without the show, meant more to me than if he’d have put me through to the live shows. It’s really an honour to work with him. The Voice didn’t change my life, Ricky did.
It was clear from the start that you got along with each other very well, and you choosing him as your coach meant that he was the most relatable for you. Was he a big inspiration for you when you were younger?
Of course! Everyone knows ‘Ruby’! Hahaha. I mean their peak in career was a little before my time, but he’s always been an incredible front man and I’ve always found that inspiring. I don’t think I fully appreciated how inspiring he actually is until I got the chance to meet and work with him, though.
Who were some of your other musical inspirations as a child?
Michael Jackson was a very early inspiration, as were Elvis [Presley] and Freddie Mercury. Good performers inspired me more than good musicians and good singers. I must admit, all of my preteen years were inspired by Miley Cyrus. People can slate her all they like, but honestly she’s part of what made me who I am today!
Everyone must have a soft spot for Miley! Considering you have a large variation of inspirations, which artists’ styles reflect in your music?
People often get an Ed Sheeran-esque vibe from my music, which I’d probably agree with! He’s a brilliant songwriter and I take a lot of my lyrical techniques from him. I’m more inspired by the people I see at gigs, though. An artist called Antonio Lulic has made a huge impact on my music.
It sounds like you go to a fair amount of gigs! We’re very interested in live music. Have you been gigging a lot since the show?
More than you can could imagine! Haha. I gigged a lot before the show, but obviously with the increased profile, I’ve had a lot more gigging opportunities, so really it’s been non-stop!
Tell us about one of your favourite gigs.
In four years of gigging it’s hard to choose a favourite! They’re all so different and good in their own way because they all provide new experiences. One of my favourites would have to be my EP launch in July 2013. It was the first gig I’d fully organised by myself – it sold out and everyone who I loved and who had supported me since the beginning was there, so the atmosphere was amazing. My fanbase has grown hugely since then and I’m so grateful and overwhelmed by all the support I’ve had since The Voice, but I’ll always remember those 100 people as the ones who started me out.
Sounds like you’ve had some great experiences gigging! What’s your favourite part of playing your music live?
Being able to connect with people. Performing is just as much a part of music to me as writing, singing and playing, and I’ve always found that being able to relate to someone through their performance is what sets live music apart from songs on a Cd – so that’s what I try to do. It’s so hard to put my thoughts into words without sounding like a bit of a crazy hippie chick, but I think being able to channel your feelings through music, and actually have people understand it and want to be a part of your journey is what I find so amazing and enjoy most about performing live.
A big part of live music is touring, obviously. Is there anyone you are hoping to tour or play with in the near (or far) future?
SO many! I wouldn’t even know where to start. It’s hard because people you’d like to tour with may not be best match musically! For example, I’d love to tour with Haim because they’re so flipping awesome live…but I’m not sure we’d be a great match!
You never know, though, right? I’m sure a lot of exciting tours are in store for you, but what’s been the most exciting part of your career so far?
It’s all been exciting! The Voice was an incredible experience, but I’ve had so many other amazing opportunities aside from that. I’m just loving every minute of what I do. Everything is exciting in its own way as you never know where things will take you.
So, do you know what’s next for you, or are you just letting things flow naturally?
Who knows?! I’m just going to carry on doing what I love: performing, writing… I’m working on a brand new project at the moment which is really exciting, but honestly I couldn’t predict what’s to come. I mean, if you asked me this time last year what I’d be doing now, I wouldn’t have even dreamed it could be anything near what I am doing. I’m just going to take everything as it comes and enjoy the ride! (Come on, I had to end on a cliché!)
Check out one of Beth's original songs titled 'Sixteen'!
To follow Beth on twitter click here
Interview by Lucy Hodgkin