A Rise in Sterling: Molly Sterling's busy schedule

You’d use the term ‘giggling like a schoolgirl’ but, well, she is a schoolgirl. There’s no doubt that Molly Sterling isn’t quite your average 16-year-old, but the youthful exuberance is still plain to see.

“I’m just chilling in the studio, as you do,” she laughs. “It’s something different every day; I don’t want to get used to it, I hope it stays this fresh and exciting.”
The Nenagh-born singer is combining her burgeoning musical career with her studies in St. Andrew’s College in Booterstown: “It’s a bit of a juggling act,” she admits. The artistic and academic have collided, too, with her participation in the Hot Press MIX course.
“I’m trying to get as much experience as I can while I have time on my side,” she explains. “I think it would be stupid for an artist to be ignorant about the business side of the industry – you need to have a decent idea of how it works.”
While picking the brains of guest lecturers and learning from their experiences are identified as invaluable lessons, later this month will see Molly and her fellow students doing what they do best, and performing in the Odessa Club at a gig organised by members of the course.
“I actually haven’t seen anyone else performing yet, so I’m excited about that. It’s a nice atmosphere, and everyone’s enthusiastic. I really haven’t gigged too much yet, so it’s something to look forward to.”
Of course, it’s far from Dame Court that Molly will find herself soon, as she gears up to perform with up to 200 million pairs of eyes watching in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
“I’m ready for it,” she confidently states. “But I don’t think anything could fully prepare me. The team I have around me are helping – my vocal coach has given me mental exercises, for instance – but there’s not much point in expecting anything.”
It could be an intimidating proposition, but then new experiences are par for the course. Indeed, at 16, has Molly even been to licensed premises before?
“Er… I don’t know if I’m allowed to answer that question!” she laughs, before coolly adding: “I have an eclectic mix of friends, so I’ll be comfortable.”
An impressively diplomatic answer…
“Sure, I was thinking of going into politics,” she quips. “Music just got in the way.”