- Music
- 11 Nov 25
Sinéad Ashiokai - On Our Radar Q&A: "When I’m creating music, it’s not for hits or the radio or whatever. I truly just want people to resonate with what I’m saying"
Rising London-based star Sinéad Ashiokai on going viral, being influenced by Nina Simone and the Stones, and performing at the FA Cup final
You’ve gone viral on TikTok several times – how do you feel about entering the industry through this route?
I think it’s pretty good, because I know a lot of the people now that comment on my videos. I feel I have a little community of people that are really excited to see what I’m going to do. That makes me way happier than feeling like I’m just throwing music out there and praying.
Who are your main influences?
I’d say The Rolling Stones, I love their acoustic stuff. I like Jeff Buckley quite a bit as well, but that’s more sonically. Vocally, or in more of an artistic way, I’d say Nina Simone, that sort of genre. I love the way it makes you feel.
You performed ‘Abide With Me’ at the FA Cup Final in Wembley this year. How did that come about?
It was pretty random. I received a call and they were like, ‘We’re looking for a singer for ‘Abide With Me’. Would you like to do it?’ And I was like, ‘I won’t say no!’ It was really fun. I thought I was going to be nervous, but I think I’m more nervous in the pub, than I am in front of people that actually want to hear the music.
What is something that you wish audiences knew about you before seeing you perform?
I suppose it’s more about the music. When I’m creating music, it’s not for hits or the radio or whatever. I truly just want people to resonate with what I’m saying. I think music is really about how it makes people feel. It’s such a universal language, and it’s one of the only things that can bring people from every walk of life together. I just hope people understand how important that is to me. If they’re coming to see me, that’s beautiful.
You’ve teased an original song on social media – any plans to release music soon?
Yeah, there’s definitely plans to release my original stuff. That’ll come next year with some teasers along the way. I also have plans for my first headline gig in December!
• Follow Sinéad on TikTok: @sineadx05
