Introducing #107 - Ailsa Tully
Let us introduce you to Welsh songwriter Ailsa Tully - who has just released her new single ‘Parasite’ via Dalliance Recordings - home to the likes of Gia Margaret, Wilsen and Common Holly. Similar to her previous track ‘Drive’ - ‘Parasite’ enchants us once again with Alisa’s unique and mystical sound. She took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Ailsa, how are you? You have just released your track ‘Parasite’ - can you tell us what it is about?
Hey! I am doing well thank you. Parasite is about my experiences of working with a manipulative and controlling person earlier in my musical career. It explores the insidious manner in which sexism takes form, in this case, in the music industry. I was very unhappy and angry when I wrote this, I suppose ‘Parasite’ was about trying to gain control of a situation.
It is your second release now via Dalliance Recordings, home to the likes of Gia Margaret and Common Holly. How does it feel to be part of that family?
It is an absolute pleasure to be with Dalliance and very inspiring to be amongst such an incredible roster of artists! When they approached me it felt like a really good fit for my music, I have had experiences with labels/management where people seem to like your music but then want to change everything you are doing to fit into what they envisage. Dalliance have been really respectful of my process and musical direction.
You wrote your first songs on a cello, what was those first songs like? What were they about?
The cello was my first instrument so when I started to write songs it felt natural to use it almost like a guitar to accompany my voice. This was the time I was trying to find my feet with writing. My songs were very complicated with long meandering melodies and flowery lyrics (me and my Dad were listening to too much of ‘The Incredible String Band’).
Do you feel that early access to classical music helped shape your sound?
Yes, being in choirs has imprinted a love of choral music onto me that has really shaped my own sound world. I am a big fan of Hildegard von Bingen and that very early pure choral style. However when I was in orchestras I found it quite stressful because I was/am a terrible sight reader so I’d just be trying to copy the cellist next to me.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to you before?
Someone once described it as choral grunge which makes me sound pretty intense - on my last release I was described as folk/indie/electronic which is interesting as the only electronic element was a recording of a car engine!
Who are your key musical influences?
I love Rozi Plain, her approach to music seems very organic and collaborative. My Dad has profoundly impacted how I write, there is a romantic folk inflection in his compositions that is very moving. But mainly I would have to say the friends I made at Goldsmiths, who are an inspiring and supportive creative community of musicians. We keep each other sane.
Now this track is out in the world, what next for you?
New songs! I have been working through a back catalogue of songs I perform live and have finally recorded them all. They are due to be released in the spring and in the meantime I am writing and recording new music. I have been wandering around with a Zoom recorder bashing things, sitting under bird feeders to try and capture the sound of wings and just generally trying to find interesting sounds to inspire new work.