Interviews We Interview Ainslie Wills
We Interview Ainslie Wills
With her latest single Fighting Kind receiving generous airplay on the J and an upcoming single release and launch at The Workers Club in Fitzroy on Saturday 21 May, AAA caught up with the darling Ainslie Wills.
What can we expect from your forthcoming album, You Go Your Way, I’ll Go Mine?
Well compared to my last EP 'Somebody For Everyone', the LP is a lot more textural and has more of a cinematic sound to it. It also marks my first collaborative effort with regards to the song writing process. I was lucky enough to write half of the songs from the album with my guitarist and long-time musical partner Lawrence Folvig who is amazing at creating moods and atmospheric landscapes for melodies to sit over.
So I guess you’re what you’d call an Unearthed Alumni, how did Triple J and the Unearthed program help you as an artist?
Well from day dot triple j has been 100% supportive of my music which is awesome. I was unearthed in 2007 when I had just finished writing, producing and recording my first EP, having that kind of support definitely opened up opportunities I wouldn't have got otherwise. It also gave me an indication that there were more people other than my mum and dad that were into what I did as a musician.
Your music is the perfect combination of 70s rock and contemporary jazz, is this the sound you were going for?
Wow, thanks, that is quite specific and interesting because I studied jazz for three years back in 2003 and that study has definitely permeated my musical choices although I new back while I was studying that I wanted to try and nmerge lots of different styles together as that is what is reflected in the sounds and artists I listen to.
How did your piano get the name ‘Beverly’?
I drove quite a long distance to pick up my Rhodes electric piano 'Beverly', having seen that one was being sold via the trading post. Given that she was born in 1977, I just felt like she needed an old-school name, Beverly was the most appropriate.
You’ll be launching your new single at The Workers Club on the 21 of May, what can fans expect from an Ainslie Wills show?
An honest, electric and melodic live translation of the songs that myself and Lawrence have given the utmost musical care to.
Do you think growing up in what can only be described as the cultural hub of Australia, has influenced your music?
Growing up in Melbourne and being surrounded by such talented, creative artists has definitely been inspiring and has influenced my song writing in a big way. It is so important to be seeing live music constantly, you won't always have a life-changing and inspiring experience but seeing a wide variety of artists definitely shapes what you do yourself as an artist.
With your album coming out in late 2012 are there any plans for a national tour?
Definitely! I am hoping to do a national tour after the album comes out in September this year. Can't wait!
If Ainslie Wills were an animal, what animal would you be?
Well, my star sign is Leo, so I would have to say I would be a lion... roooarrr!
WORDS ELOISE TOSH- AAA BACKSTAGE
