01Profile
A Abbie McCarthy Photo
Abbie McCarthy
DJ / Presenter — Kent
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Abbie McCarthy, Kent.
Describe your style in three words?
Suit and trainers.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I have two favourite gigs of all time! The first is Prince at the O2 in 2007, as part of his record-breaking 21-night residency there. What a show that was! Packed full of hits, special medleys and some deep cuts too, I was just totally mesmerised by the whole show.
The second gig that wowed me was Beyoncé at Wembley Stadium on her Formation World Tour. The ultimate superstar who thinks about every detail of a performance to make it an unforgettable experience - the greatest entertainer of our generation, without a doubt.
If you could put any three bands in history on a line up?
OK, I'm going for legends only... Oasis as I never got to see them live! (Noel, Liam, if you're reading this, come on and make up now lads...). Stevie Wonder as his music always puts a smile on my face. And Amy Winehouse, of course, for being a special, unique performer with the most soulful voice, someone who never sounded the same twice.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The indie rock/Myspace movement in the mids '00s, this is when I became fully obsessed with discovering new music and sharing it with my mates.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
It would have to be David Bowie - how incredible would that be? I would love to get some insight into his creative genius, how he reinvented himself time and time again.
Where is your favourite independent venue?
I have made some of the best memories at the Tunbridge Wells Forum, I adore that place, it's a real hub of the Kent community. It's always exciting to see local bands I've played on my BBC Introducing show smash their early shows there - the likes of Slaves, Sports Team and Indoor Pets.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
The amazing team at the Music Venue Trust are all heroes, working hard behind the scenes to protect the future of our grassroots venues around the UK - definitely go check them out and support where you can!
Abbie McCarthy is a presenter and DJ who currently hosts BBC Music Introducing in Kent, which you can listen to here.
You can also hear Abbie regularly covering shows on BBC Radio 1 as well as hosting the popular Live Lounge Uncovered podcast. You can also catch her on your TV, presenting Boxfresh on 4Music or on one of her frequent guest spots for BBC2's MOTDx.
Her championing of new music also extends to a series of live shows she masterminds called Good Karma Club, which will resume throughout the UK in October.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Wannabe' by Spice Girls. On my cassette player, whilst I danced on the stairs at home, pretending I was in the music video. Sporty was always my favourite.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Has It Come To This?' by The Streets. I was obsessed with the 'Original Pirate Material' album.
One record you would keep forever?
'AM' by Arctic Monkeys. I love this record so much that I have the soundwave from the album cover tattooed on the inside of my arm. My favourite band ever.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"I do my hair toss, check my nails, baby how you feelin'? Feeling good as hell!"
From 'Good As Hell' by Lizzo. Lizzo is the best - she makes me feel like a BOSS.
Best song to turn up loud?
'bad guy' by Billie Eilish. Every time! That bassline! Instantly makes me wanna jump up and down and sing along at the top of my lungs.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I don't think it will surprise anyone as I listen to most genres, but I do bloody love Little Mix. You can't beat a really great pop song.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
After a night of raving, I'll always get the taxi driver to put on Magic FM for the journey back. Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Seal, all the classics, please.
Any new bands you’re are into at the moment?
Loads! Been listening to Voodoos quite a bit and MICHELLE from New York are awesome. Also, definitely check out Youth Sector, Bamily, Egyptian Blue, Porij, Do Nothing and SPOORT.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Abbie McCarthy, Kent.
Describe your style in three words?
Suit and trainers.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I have two favourite gigs of all time! The first is Prince at the O2 in 2007, as part of his record-breaking 21-night residency there. What a show that was! Packed full of hits, special medleys and some deep cuts too, I was just totally mesmerised by the whole show.
The second gig that wowed me was Beyoncé at Wembley Stadium on her Formation World Tour. The ultimate superstar who thinks about every detail of a performance to make it an unforgettable experience - the greatest entertainer of our generation, without a doubt.
If you could put any three bands in history on a line up?
OK, I'm going for legends only... Oasis as I never got to see them live! (Noel, Liam, if you're reading this, come on and make up now lads...). Stevie Wonder as his music always puts a smile on my face. And Amy Winehouse, of course, for being a special, unique performer with the most soulful voice, someone who never sounded the same twice.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The indie rock/Myspace movement in the mids '00s, this is when I became fully obsessed with discovering new music and sharing it with my mates.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
It would have to be David Bowie - how incredible would that be? I would love to get some insight into his creative genius, how he reinvented himself time and time again.
Where is your favourite independent venue?
I have made some of the best memories at the Tunbridge Wells Forum, I adore that place, it's a real hub of the Kent community. It's always exciting to see local bands I've played on my BBC Introducing show smash their early shows there - the likes of Slaves, Sports Team and Indoor Pets.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
The amazing team at the Music Venue Trust are all heroes, working hard behind the scenes to protect the future of our grassroots venues around the UK - definitely go check them out and support where you can!
Abbie McCarthy is a presenter and DJ who currently hosts BBC Music Introducing in Kent, which you can listen to here.
You can also hear Abbie regularly covering shows on BBC Radio 1 as well as hosting the popular Live Lounge Uncovered podcast. You can also catch her on your TV, presenting Boxfresh on 4Music or on one of her frequent guest spots for BBC2's MOTDx.
Her championing of new music also extends to a series of live shows she masterminds called Good Karma Club, which will resume throughout the UK in October.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Wannabe' by Spice Girls. On my cassette player, whilst I danced on the stairs at home, pretending I was in the music video. Sporty was always my favourite.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Has It Come To This?' by The Streets. I was obsessed with the 'Original Pirate Material' album.
One record you would keep forever?
'AM' by Arctic Monkeys. I love this record so much that I have the soundwave from the album cover tattooed on the inside of my arm. My favourite band ever.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"I do my hair toss, check my nails, baby how you feelin'? Feeling good as hell!"
From 'Good As Hell' by Lizzo. Lizzo is the best - she makes me feel like a BOSS.
Best song to turn up loud?
'bad guy' by Billie Eilish. Every time! That bassline! Instantly makes me wanna jump up and down and sing along at the top of my lungs.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I don't think it will surprise anyone as I listen to most genres, but I do bloody love Little Mix. You can't beat a really great pop song.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
After a night of raving, I'll always get the taxi driver to put on Magic FM for the journey back. Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Seal, all the classics, please.
Any new bands you’re are into at the moment?
Loads! Been listening to Voodoos quite a bit and MICHELLE from New York are awesome. Also, definitely check out Youth Sector, Bamily, Egyptian Blue, Porij, Do Nothing and SPOORT.