By Elizabeth Broughton

Last updated at 13:50, Monday, 09 August 2010

A Cumbrian singer has been turning heads across the Continent after headlining a major summer festival as she bids to re-ignite her music career.

Devonne Mattinson

Devonne Mattinson, 20, has just returned home to Aspatria after stealing the show at Latvia’s Baltic Beach Party festival.

The former Nelson Thomlinson School pupil was the festival’s headline act, taking to the stage for an early morning set with popular DJ Dario G.

“I’ve just got back from recording with DJs who are quite well-known in Eastern Europe and I’ve done a re-mix with Dario G of one of his songs,” explained Devonne, who sings as Devonne Ashton.

“We’ve released a single and we performed a world exclusive at a really big festival over there.

“Dario G is really famous over in Latvia and we went on until about 6am.

“He DJ’d and I was the singer for his famous songs.”

Despite the fact that she’s yet to be signed, Devonne’s single with Dario G – Lights Off – is being released across Europe and she hopes that it could lead to bigger things.

As a teenager she was signed by a Blackpool-based management company after winning Carlisle’s Reach for the Stars competition in 2005. That led to appearances as a support act for big-name artists such as Girls Aloud and Daniel Bedingfield – now she’s keen to experience for more of the same.

“I like all different kinds of music and I just do my own thing now,” said Devonne, who is now managed by her father, World Gurning Championship legend Tommy Mattinson, and former 911 heart-throb Spike.

“Singing is all I’ve ever known. I’ve got more gigs with Dario G coming up in Latvia and I’ve got gigs of my own.

“My friends are really used to it because I’ve been singing since I was at school, so it’s just normal for me to be off here and there.”

As well as performing with Dario G, Devonne performs locally at weddings and parties when she’s back in Aspatria.

“I’ve got a really wide range of songs I can perform.

“I really enjoy the dance side of things but in the future I’d also like to progress with my own singing, without a DJ, and do a more RnB style,” she added.

Devonne can be contacted about performances through her manager Tommy on 07812 029454.

First published at 11:22, Monday, 09 August 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk