Say hello to our new Songkick interns!

We have a two new Songkick interns to introduce today – Nicola and Stacey, who have recently joined us here at the Songkick London office! If you’re interested in interning here at Songkick, just drop us an email at interns[at]songkick[dot]com and we’ll keep your details on file for future opportunities.

Here’s their quick-fire get-to-know-you:

Nicola Byrne

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Originally from Ireland, I’m one of those annoying people that came to London to ‘study’, when all I really wanted to do is check out the amazing music scene. I’m addicted to live music and amassing tons of random mp3s from blogs that I will never listen to. I’m also a journalism graduate and do a bit of music writing on the side, mostly for the free gigs!

What’s your role at Songkick?

Data warrior!

What was the first concert you went to (that you’re not embarrassed to share..)

I’m embarrassed to share it, but I will anyway. The first big concert I ever went to was Hear’say. Yes, the ‘band’ that won Pop Idol in 2001. Aside from going in the first place, my greatest error was buying a glittery foam hand from the merch stand to wave at the band. The glitter slowly made its way into my sensitive eyes, and by the 6th song, my Mam had to take me home. Cringe-worthy by all accounts.

Any particularly awesome/interesting concert memories/stories to tell?

Daft Punk in Dublin’s Marley Park back in 2006 was the craziest gig I’ve ever been to. It was open-air, and in true Irish fashion, pelted rain throughout. This only served to enhance the amazing remixes and lightshow that we were treated to, making it an almost euphoric experience. I’ve since been waiting for a gig to live up to it, but even the greatest have failed to come close.

Also memorable, was Calvin Harris’ set at Oxegen in ’07. He had just released ‘I Created Disco’ at the time, so the tent was pretty packed. It had been raining all weekend and a huge pool of water had gathered on the badly-constructed roof. The pressure caused a big hole to burst through the roof, creating a miniature waterfall that drowned the crowd, sparkling with the light from the sun outside. It was gorgeous, if a little wet. Calvin stopped the music just to watch (and laugh).

What upcoming concerts/festivals are you looking forward to – any recommendations?

I’m looking forward to the Beacons Festival in August, can’t go wrong with the likes of Theme Park, Clock Opera and Jacuzzi Boys on the same bill! Keeping closer, Hot Chip are bound to put on a good show at Heaven, while I’m looking forward to see what freaky stuff Die Antwoord pull out of the bag in the HMV Forum.

Stacey Speakman

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m a 22-year-old English Language and Linguistics graduate from Sheffield University who’s just moved to London to work for Songkick. I’m obsessed with pop music – Girls Aloud are my all-time favourite band – and I can think of no better way to spend an evening than watching an amazing live show.

What’s your role at Songkick?

I’m a data warrior, helping make sure all the gig listings on Songkick are accurate and complete.

What was the first concert you went to (that you’re not embarrassed to share..)

When I was 10, I saw B*Witched, The Honeyz, Fragma and Lolly in a park in Ipswich. I’d been begging my Mum to get me a ticket for ages, as I was a huge fan of B*Witched and dreamed of seeing them live. And they didn’t disappoint! I couldn’t believe my idols were right there in front of me. I had a day I’ll never forget (which included my 8-year-old sister getting lost in the crowd) and from then on, I was hooked on concert-going.

Any particularly awesome/interesting concert memories/stories to tell?

The most surreal but amazing moment of my life happened at a Katy Perry gig last year, when she picked me, along with about 10 others, to join her on stage during her cover of I Wanna Dance With Somebody. After spending the first few moments jumping around in disbelief like a crazy person, I plucked up the courage to go over to her, and she offered to take a photo with my camera. It was incredible, looking out at the crowd and seeing what the performers see. Another memorable gig was the Oxjam event I organised last year. 2 of the acts, Phoebe Jo Brown and Christina Novelli, did a spontaneous duet, which went better than I could ever have imagined and totally blew me away.

What upcoming concerts/festivals are you looking forward to – any recommendations?

I’m really looking forward to seeing the Showcase Live gig with J Marie Cooper and Ed Drewett at Under The Bridge, Laura Steel at Zigfrid von Underbelly, Rihanna and Jessie J at Wireless Festival, Jessie J again at Newmarket Racecourse, and Kelly Clarkson at Wembley Arena. I’m hoping to get a ticket for Nicki Minaj at the Hammersmith Apollo too – she’s at the top of my must-see list!

Thanks guys!