Bio
Currently on tour in the UK and performing at The Great Escape, the indomitable Ainslie Wills returns today with her new single Running Second, available digitally Friday 12 May. The Melbourne-based artist has developed a reputation for her commanding stage presence and has been invited to support the likes of Leon Bridges, Grouplove, Michael Kiwanuka, Hiatus Kaiyote and Vance Joy; in addition to sold out headline shows in Australia and UK.
The release follows her appearance on #1 Dads’ So Soldier and accompanying triple j Like A Version performance, as well as her 2015 genre-bending Oh The Gold EP, a follow-up to 2013’s Australian Music Prize nominated album You Go Your Way, I'll Go Mine.
Running Second showcases Wills reputation for quietly profound lyricism and musical sincerity and will feature on her forthcoming EP, slated for later this year. “The message within it, is dedicated to all of us who feel that for whatever reason, we aren’t good enough,” says Wills.
With her beautifully crafted and honestly told stories, Wills has gathered an army of lifelong converts at home and internationally. Oh The Gold EP was picked up in the UK, becoming Lauren Laverne’s Track Of The Day on her BBC Radio 6 programme and played on Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, also on BBC6.
The past year has also seen Wills’ captivating live show reach great heights, recognised by main stage slots at Falls Festival, NYE On The Hill, Queenscliff Music Festival, WOMADelaide - and a Splendour In The Grass appearance.
In the words of Missy Higgins:"Arh, what a beautiful song. I love the distorted Casio/organ sound you start with and the spacey, bedroom feel to the production. Your voice is perfectly close and restrained and I love the slightly electronic harmonies way in the background."
Victorian Missy Higgins' fans can look forward to being serenaded by the unusual and haunting voice of Ainslie Wills.More »
Describe your music.
I can’t, you’d have to listen. I would like to think that it is melodic, honest and made with lovin’-musical-care.
What is your local music scene like?
Pretty active! There are a lot of great musicians in all genres that aren’t duly recognised. Also, it’s a little segregated between genres; it would be good if there was more of a crossover.
Where and when are you most inspired to write?
It’s a hard one you know, hard question to answer! I am inspired to write when I have seen an awesome gig, or at completely random times.
What can Victorians expect when you hit the stage?
Me, Jim, Andre, Jemima, lots of love and good times.
What was the last album you bought?
I bought four at the same time; Diamond Dogs - David Bowie, Extraordinary Machine - Fiona Apple, Khancoban -self titled and Young Modern - Silverchair.
What do you do when you’re not making and playing music?
I listen to music, I like to cook, I like doing yoga with Wai Lana (a parachute material clad yoga instructor on dvd), I like talking to people and I do like to play Scattergories.
What have you got planned for the future?
More recording, more gigging, more chocolate, I want to go to France eventually. Mostly I just want to keep playing and making music with other people.
Australian music is...
made up of diamonds and stones.
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Ainslie weaves her enchanting musical magic once again on 'Running Second'.
Ainslie weaves her enchanting musical magic once again on 'Running Second'.
Review
A salve for all your social anxieties. That this song can pack so much feeling into its restrained frame is proof of Ainslie's songwriting prowess.
A salve for all your social anxieties. That this song can pack so much feeling into its restrained frame is proof of Ainslie's songwriting prowess.
Review
I have been such a huge fan ever since I saw you support The Paper Kites at Northcote 5 years ago. I adore your voice, your beautifully crafted arrangements and the message of this song is something I can really relate to right now. I can't tell you how great it is to hear from you again, Ainslie!
I have been such a huge fan ever since I saw you support The Paper Kites at Northcote 5 years ago. I adore your voice, your beautifully crafted arrangements and the message of this song is something I can really relate to right now. I can't tell you how great it is to hear from you again, Ainslie!
