Folk Bands and Artists
Ailsa & the Seahorses
https://soundcloud.com/ailsa-and-the-seahorses
Since emerging onto the Scottish music scene, Ailsa McEwan has captivated audiences with her distinct brand of ethereal indie. Performing under the name Ailsa and the Seahorses, she is known for her independent approach and songs characterised by dreamy guitar chords and hypnotic melodies.
Growing up in Edinburgh, Ailsa’s teenage years were spent immersing herself in the melancholia and jangly guitar-playing of her heroes, The Smiths. On writing her first songs she became one of the new generation of DIY artists making low-fi recordings in their bedrooms. As someone who lacked the confidence for public performances, making music from the solace of a cupboard was ideal for Ailsa, and it was many more years before she would ever sing live.
Her unique sound, both tranquil and haunting, is somewhere between the atmospherics of Mazzy Star and singer-songwriter tradition of Suzanne Vega and Rickie Lee Jones. Her lyrics – a combination of stream of consciousness and narrative – are delivered by her warm, smoky vocal, described by one fan as sounding like “liquid gold”. Growing up however, it was Ailsa’s belief that she did not possess vocal talents that stopped her from pursuing a musical path initially.
Abandoning her teenage dreams of rock stardom, she undertook a degree in journalism with the intent on being the next best thing – a music journalist. In time though, she found a new determination, and aged 20 gave her first live performances. It was not long before she was a seasoned performer busking on the streets of Edinburgh and playing established venues such as the Jazz Bar and Sneaky Petes.
On graduating from university, Ailsa quit her day job to live as a full-time musician, taking her music to the streets of Lisbon and wandering the stunning landscapes of Croatia. On arriving home she returned to her cupboard studio to record her debut EP, The Centre of Everything, due for release July 26th. The 4-track EP is her most refined recording to date, whilst remaining faithful to her low-fi roots.
Following the release of the EP, Ailsa plans to tour extensively. Catch her at Kelburn Garden Party and Lindisfarne Festival this summer.
Genre: Indie folk
