“I FEEL incredible, that was one of the best moments I have experienced for sure.”

That’s what it felt like for Reading-born Tayo Sound to play at his hometown festival for the first time yesterday. 

The 19-year-old from Tilehurst has gone from busking on the streets of Reading to performing in front of dozens of fans in the space of just two years. 

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Speaking to the Chronicle less than an hour after performing on the BBC Introducing stage, Tayo said: “To have people yelling my name, singing the lyrics back to me… that was incredible. 

Reading Chronicle:

“There were a lot of people from school in the crowd but the thing that blew me away was the number of people I didn’t know… 

“I was like ‘who are these people?’ I was expecting it to just be school friends. 

“It was really great to see everybody from school again and they’re all so proud so it means a lot.”

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Growing up in a musical household and learning to play the guitar at church, Tayo entered talent shows at Birch Copse primary school in his early years. 

He then started busking aged just 14 in Reading town centre and all around Berkshire, and when he left Little Heath secondary school he pursued street performing full-time. 

Reading Chronicle:

“It was difficult at times because I was a really shy kid and I was really nervous”, Tayo said.

“But the love of music and the enjoyment of playing my songs spurred me on. 

“It [busking] taught me a lot about confidence and perseverance as well.”

READ MORE: Updates as they came in from Reading Festival

Busking enabled Tayo to save enough money to buy recording equipment, which meant he was able to send demos around the music industry. 

He released all his songs during lockdown including his favourite ‘Cold Feet’, an indie-pop track he describes as “the most emotional” song he’s written. 

Since England’s coronavirus rules were relaxed he has been able to play more gigs, including at Reading’s very own Purple Turtle and even at Silverstone. 

His performance at Reading Festival was just the latest step in a music career with a lot of promise. 

Speaking about his ambitions for the future, Tayo said: “Performing live is the most important thing to me. 

“Today I think was really important. 

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“I was watching Ed Sheeran on the same stage 10 years ago, so I think this was an important step. 

“As long as I can keep that going for as long as possible and climb the ranks… but I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. 

“Obviously it would be great to headline [Reading] one day. It would be amazing to be on the main stage somewhere.”