Ainsley Hamill
“My time at RCS was invaluable in preparing me for the professional music world. The rigorous training and exposure to a wide range of musical styles and techniques helped me develop a versatile skill set. Numerous performance opportunities and collaborations with talented musicians built my confidence and experience.”
Tell us about your background:
I hail from the West Coast of Scotland, an area renowned for its rich musical traditions and beautiful natural landscapes. My musical journey started early, deeply influenced by the cultural heritage of Scotland and a profound love for both Scottish Gaelic and Scots songs. I specialise in songwriting, with a particular emphasis on Gaelic music, reflecting my upbringing and the vibrant musical environment of Scotland.
What sparked your love of the traditional music scene?
My passion for traditional music was kindled by early exposure to Scottish folk music and Gaelic songs. Growing up in a musically rich environment, immersing myself in these traditional sounds felt natural. This passion blossomed during my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where I delved deeper into the traditional music scene and honed my skills in Gaelic song, with the help of Kenna Campbell, Màiri MacInnes, Margaret Bennett and Calum Ross. Performing at highland associations and local ceilidhs from a young age, and witnessing talented performers and wonderful music were profoundly inspiring.
What was it like studying in Glasgow?
Studying in Glasgow, particularly at RCS, was an incredible experience. The city’s vibrant cultural scene provided endless inspiration and opportunities to connect with fellow musicians and artists. Glasgow’s rich musical history and lively contemporary music scene created a dynamic environment that was both challenging and immensely rewarding.
How did your time at RCS prepare you for the world of work?
My time at RCS was invaluable in preparing me for the professional music world. The rigorous training and exposure to a wide range of musical styles and techniques helped me develop a versatile skill set. Numerous performance opportunities and collaborations with talented musicians built my confidence and experience. My first band, Barluath, was formed at RCS, and we recorded our first studio album under the guidance of John Wallace, the then principal, and with sound engineer Bob Whitney. This experience, along with working with the renowned Phil Cunningham, was instrumental in shaping my career. Recording John Wallace’s album post-graduation was another highlight, providing a wonderful professional collaboration with someone I deeply admire. The support and guidance from esteemed faculty members nurtured my growth as a musician and performer.
What have been some of your career highlights?
There have been many highlights in my career. Representing Scotland at Eurovision in Gothenburg was a remarkable experience, showcasing Scottish music on an international stage. Performing at renowned folk festivals including The Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Du Bout du Monde Festival, and Celtic Connections has been a privilege, sharing my music with enthusiastic audiences over the past decade. Being a finalist for both the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year and Gaelic Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards were significant milestones. Recording and releasing my solo works, including ‘Belle of the Ball’, ‘Not Just Ship Land’, and my soon-to-be-released new album ‘Fable’, featuring traditional, Scots, Gaelic, and my own compositions, have been deeply fulfilling.
Is there anything that people might find surprising about you?
Despite my strong roots in traditional music, I am constantly exploring new sounds and ideas. My last album, ‘Not Just Ship Land’, produced by BBC composer Malcolm Lindsay, marked a new direction for me. It blends traditional influences with contemporary themes such as feminism and equality, and unearths forgotten stories and places, along with string orchestra accompaniments. This fusion of old and new reflects my desire to push musical boundaries and create something uniquely personal.
What’s next for you?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my journey of musical exploration. Following the success of ‘Not Just Ship Land’, I plan to work on new material that further blends traditional and contemporary elements. I aim to bring more untold stories and voices to the forefront through my music.
This year, I will be releasing my new album ‘Fable’. This new release embodies the essence of storytelling and moral lessons, much like traditional fables do. Each song can be seen as a modern interpretation or reflection of timeless themes found in folklore and fables. Produced by the extraordinary Sam Kelly of ‘Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys’, this album promises a sonic adventure like no other. Featuring the talents of Alistair Iain Paterson (BA Scottish Music, 2013), Toby Shaer, Signy Jakobsdottir, Euan Burton and Sam Kelly, it’s a collaboration of legends in their own right.
Additionally, I will be performing at various festivals and venues, continuing to connect with audiences and share my evolving musical narrative. Stay updated with my latest projects and performances through my website and social media channels.
For those interested in my music, you can find me on:
Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / O2 mapper / Live Gigs