A Quick Q&A With Ailsa Tully
Welsh singer-songwriter Ailsa Tully creates intricate melodies that are complimented by honest, poetic lyricism and ethereal lo-fi beats; whispering her songs into your ear, she's best listened to through a good set of headphones, not that old Bluetooth speaker. Usually accompanied onstage by her all-female band, Ailsa's songwriting is brought to life through a blend of emotional melodies and neurotic basslines. Following the release of her latest single, 'Edge', we caught up with Ailsa for a quick Q & A...
Your lyrics seem very honest - do you write from a personal perspective, or are you writing objectively?
I try to write as honestly as possible so my lyrics are always from a personal perspective. It took me a while to access honesty in my lyrics - I would try to obscure and disguise my intention because I was scared of being vulnerable, but now I feel my best songwriting is the most raw lyrically.
How do your surroundings influence your musical output?
Two places very profoundly inspire my music, the music scene in South London/being surrounded by incredible musical friends there, and my home in the welsh mountains which keeps me grounded.
'Edge' is a perfect combination of lo-fi guitar and introspective lyricism - what inspired your latest release?
‘Edge’ is a tongue in cheek exploration of being mildly neurotic. I was sitting by Kings Cross canal on a summers evening ‘relaxing’ and I was just so jealous of everyone who wasn't stuck in an anxious state like I was. Sonically I wanted it to be quite scruffy and lofi, so I used field recordings to capture the sounds of London hubbub, but I’m a sucker for dreamy guitars and breathy vocals so they wash all over the mix. I definitely feel like the soundscape in ‘Edge’ is the most personal I have achieved yet, due to self recording, mixing and producing it.
What have you been getting up to during isolation?
I have been playing a lot more classical Cello (or trying), making odd tasting elderflower cordial and mixing new songs. Basically I am heading into early retirement.
What are your post-lockdown plans? Recording more? Are you excited to get back on the road?
I am really excited to gig again with my band, I miss the energy of performing and just visiting different places. I have had more time to record so releasing new music and celebrating with some shows would be absolutely dreamy. I also miss seeing gigs and am desperate to be in a covid free crowd basking in the glory of some live music.
Lastly, what is inspiring you lately? Any particular music, films or books?
Like so many I’m reading ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’ which is consuming me and reshaping my thinking. It’s an amazing book, I highly recommend it.
