My Biog

1998 - 2002

The B*Witched phenomenon began back in the summer of 1998 - just after Sinead had just completed her final training and received her Diploma from the London School of Performing Arts, having spent the past three years in London studying multiple disciplines ranging from music, performance arts, acting and musical theatre. Within a matter of months herself Edele, Keavy & Lindsay had formed, supporting Boyzone on a sell-out UK tour and already impressed their way through numerous showcases to various record labels and producers. B*Witched teamed up with Ray Hedges, the man behind The Nolan Sisters, Take That, Bryan Adams, Emma Bunton, Bros & Zig & Zag amongst many others. The girls sealed a worldwide record deal with Sony Music UK and the rest was history.

B*Witched released their debut single "C'est La Vie" in May 1998. Despite mixed reviews, it reached Number 1 on the UK charts, making them the youngest and first group to do so and also attaining Number 3 in the US Billborad Charts. In addition, the single and album rocketed to No.1 in over 35 countries around Europe, Asia & Australia. Subsequent singles "Rollercoaster", "To You I Belong" and "Blame It on the Weatherman" also followed suit topping not only the UK charts but worldwide in numerous territories including the US, making B*Witched the first Irish group to have its first four singles all enter the charts at Number 1 in the UK. The self-titled debut album, B*Witched, was released in October 1998, reaching Number 1 in the UK charts and eventually being certified double platinum in the UK and in the US, selling in excess of seven million copies globally. Over the year, the band set-out on a worldwind Tour spanning the globe, which eventually saw them settle in the US for over a year – sharing the stage on massive tours with the likes of Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, 98 degrees, Backstreet Boys and Nsync, and many more – all of whom were not household names as of yet.

2003

Having enjoyed meteoric success and nearly two in the US, a third studio album was scheduled for release in mid-2002 to give the band a comeback in the UK, but the new deal with fell through later that year, and the group officially split in September 2002 after Sinéad had made the decision to leave the band. With numerous contacts in the music industry, she focused her creative musical talent towards song writing, and Artist Development - teaming up with major publishing labels in the UK and Ireland, some of which included Peer Music & EMI production teams. It was during the time of her foray in music production that word spread around song-writing circles, and she received an
invitation from the world renowned Murlyn Music (Stockholm). Pelle (MD) had taken a shine towards Sinead and following a meeting in their HQ in Sweden, was partnered with songwriter/producer Jay-Jay. Murlyn had penned hits for every known artist in the business today. Their client roster is a litany of who’s who of the music world traversing genres from Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Ms Dynamite, Girls Aloud, Britney, Celine Dion, Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Ricky Martin and as diverse as Jay-Z.

2003 / 04

Following exploratory discussion with prominent UK music industry figureheads and armed with the backing of Murlyn Music, Sinead embarked on her most challenging adventure to-date since leaving the band. Setting up Maveric (Artist Management), the decision was made to stage a nationwide audition for a new Irish girl band. Numerous bands had since sprouted, but they had yet to rival the success or achievement of B*Witched. Word on the industry grapevine confirmed labels were actively looking to sign a girl band...and so the search began. Sinead and her cohorts believed the timing was right to launch the latest offering from the Irish shores – something edgy, fresh, hard-hitting and cool. Several months on, Minx had arrived, a quartet derived from out of 6,000 hopefuls from around the country. Everything seemed to be working out as planned, with Minx performing at festivals all over Ireland, including O2 in the Park, Childline, and opening support to Blue and Blazing Squad on their sell-out UK arena Tour, the band went on to receive much favour in the Media. Within the first year since Minx’s media launch, an open showcase was staged in Dublin for Major UK and Irish Labels – which resulted in positive interest from Universal Music (UK), Sony & BMG (UK). Numerous meetings ensued between the two parties over a six month period. However, the timing fell at a time when the music industry was in the beginning stages of a massive decline - the impact of online piracy downloads, limited funding and mergers between labels, the band failed to secure the right deal from interested record companies, and so a year and a half later Sinead and the band parted company.

2005 / 06

Not to be disheartened Sinead found enjoyment staying in the entertainment circles, but this time from the other side and teaching music disciplines. 2005 witnessed the emergence of a new type of Talent Academy, one which brought together experts from the field of performance-choreography and her own experience of the industry, and passing on the knowledge and advice onto young aspiring performers. The Star Academy travelled the length and breadth of Ireland, to over 15 locations teaching industry classes, but at the same time on the lookout for any ‘diamonds in the rough’ type performers. It was obvious the craving to involve herself in the Showbiz/Entertainment Industry was far from over! During the period, Sinead contributed as a Showbiz/Entertainment Reporter on RTE’s ID Two – following up all the latest news and gossip in the industry circles, including cinema releases and reviews.

2006 / 07

A decision was made to take a nine-month career break and Sinead opted to further her learning. Turning her back temporarily on the fast pace demands of the showbiz industry, she fulfilled her passion for learning complimentary therapy, with particular focus on Light Therapy, Holistic Massage & Indian Head Massage – and earning her H. Diploma qualification with flying colours. With her studies complete, Sinead earned her fashion wings, after being contracted for a year to work alongside Irelands’ top fashion stylist Sonja Mohlich at the prestigious RTE Guide, and also aided her on numerous high-profile events throughout the Irish fashion calendar – associated with global fashion giants.

2007 / 08

Whilst at a film premiere Sinead was approachedby a TV production company, behind a make-over show for TV3. The show entailed choosing members of the public to undergo a series of changes (both invasive and/or non-invasive surgery), psychological analysis, tailor-made dieting and fashion make-over. Sinead fronted the programme and filmed their journey of transformation from beginning to end. This period marked a turning point in her career, since filming the programme Sinead was approached by several production companies here in Ireland and in the UK. Her remit involved the creative process of developing ideas for TV/Film and pitching them to Media owners/operators for commissioning. She is still actively involved in this to this day.

2009

This year marked a highlight in Sinead’s life with the arrival of her baby daughter, Samarah. Having taken a break from her professional career to focus her attention on her child, Sinead had already mapped-out her next business venture. Back in the spotlight, she announced the opening of Star Academy (Greystones) with grand plans already in the pipeline to roll out a Star Academyin every major town/city across Ireland. Commenting on the possibility of a B*Witched reunion, Sinead has not ruled-out a come-back, and confirmed several UK promoters have approached them to perform at various high profile events. She also confirmed teaming up with ex-Murlyn Music Producer – Jay-Jay, to work on a new exciting music project which has been in development for the past six months. Jay-Jay’s recent hits include The Pussycat Dolls, American Idol winner Jordan Sparks & Britney...so watch this space!

ChARITY aSSOC & voluntary work

Other areas Sinead has been involved includes; Cancer Research Fundraising, Learn to Read Week campaign, Cystic Fibrosis Fundraising & ISPCC fundraising.

Copyright © Sinead O’Carroll 2009. All Rights Reserved

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