Catherine McGuinness.

What were you doing before you came to Spirit Studios?

I’ve got a good few years under my belt teaching on a number of Further Education courses, covering a variety subjects including Media Destination, Live Sound and Studio Skills. I’ve been lucky enough to travel across the UK working in the live sound sector with both artists and audio production companies, and remain active on the Manchester scene.

Any areas of special interest?

My main focus at the moment is sourcing work within the live production and touring industry, specifically within a female lead environment.

What do you get up to outside of teaching?

I love going to gigs without knowing who the artist is or what kind of music they play. It’s like a musical Russian roulette.

I was the lead audio technician for the second stage lunchtime slot at Glastonbury… it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Tell us something people may not know about you

I’m currently working towards my Level One Ski Instructor Qualification with BASI. I want to eventually get to a point where I can work a ski season in the winter and tour with bands in the summer. What a blast that would be!

What’s your proudest career achievement?

My first festival gig after years of lockdowns. I was the lead audio technician for the second stage lunchtime slot at Glastonbury… it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

What’s your favourite album/artist?

At the moment Spotify tells me it’s Blue Wednesday, who is a lo-fi indie artist. I often use lo-fi to help me fall asleep and meditate. Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE is another top contender.

What’s the best gig you’ve been to?

That’s a hard one. Maybe Wombats because of the sound quality, or Kendrick Lamar because it was a free gig AND at Glasto. Billie Eilish… never agian.

What’s your musical guilty pleasure?

Justin Bieber and High School Musical. Sorry not sorry.