Congratulations to Ainsley Hamill who has been nominated in Gaelic Singer of the Year sponsored by Highland Society of London in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024. Vote for Ainsley Hamill now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 30th November in Inverness Leisure. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Ainsley of Ainsley Hamill the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
The Guardian Album of the Month – Not Just Ship Land “Her voice thick with velvet and mirk…hovering between the comforting warmth of The Breath and the whip-smart forlorness of early Adele…Hamill has a big intriguing voice, it’s Scottishness ever-present.”
“One of the best of her generation.” RnR Magazine
Mix Heather Small & Julie Fowlis and you’ve got singer songwriter Ainsley Hamill. One of the UK’s leading and most diverse singers, Ainsley has a long list of nods including the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Finalist and Gaelic Singer of the Year Finalist at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. She represented Scotland at Eurovision in Gothenburg and has appeared at folk festivals the world over, including The Festival Interceltique de Lorient and Celtic Connections for the last 10 years.
2021 sees a new direction for Ainsley with the release of her debut feature album ‘Not Just Ship Land’. Produced by BBC composer Malcolm Lindsay, ‘Not Just Ship Land’, released in March, is inspired by the surroundings and unsung heroes of Govan and Glasgow.
Hailing from the West Coast of Scotland, Ainsley specialises in song writing and songs in Scottish Gaelic and English. Her love of Gaelic song was nurtured whilst studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Trad roots are close to her heart.
For many years Ainsley performed and toured with folk bands Barluath and made appearances with The Unusual Suspects . During this time, her accomplished song writing skills were evident in Barluath’s two studio albums; ‘Source’ and ‘At Dawn of Day’ as well as various singles including ‘Touch the Gate’ and ‘At the Fair’. Ainsley is a current member of folk band Fourth Moon, performing Gaelic, English and her own material, as well as step dancing.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Ainsley’s involvement in traditional music comes from her strong connection to Scotland’s culture and history. Growing up with Gaelic and Scots, she’s always felt drawn to the stories and traditions that come with the music. It’s not just about keeping the past alive—it’s about making it relevant today, which she explores in her work, especially with her soon to be released, new album 'Fable'. For her, traditional music is a way to connect with people, bringing old stories into the present in a way that feels real and relatable.
Any particular career highlights?
Representing Scotland at Eurovision in Gothenburg
Winning the Silver Pendant in Paisley
Getting to play with my amazing band
What are your plans for the future?
In early 2025 Ainsley will be releasing her new album 'Fable'. This new release embodies the essence of storytelling and moral lessons, much like traditional fables do. Each song could be seen as a modern interpretation or reflection of timeless themes found in folklore and fables, including songs in Gaelic, Scottish and self-penned material.
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, Toby Shaer, Sam Kelly, Euan Burton and Signy Jakobsdottir,
Ainsley Hamill Social Media
Website: https://ainsleyhamill.com
Facebook: @ainsleyhamillsinger
Twitter: @ainsleyhamill
Instagram: @ainsleyhamill
YouTube: @ainsleyhamillsinger
TikTok: @ainsleyhamill
The 2024 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 30th November 2024 in Inverness Leisure Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here). Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Bands performing on Saturday 30th November include Julie Fowlis, Skipinnish, Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr, Highland Young Musicians and Arc Fiddlers, An Dannsa Dub, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award winner 2024 Calum McIlroy and more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.
