Music / Spotlight
From gigging around the city to her long-awaited debut single: Ali Austin is unafraid
Following a string of live shows over the past year, with performances at Sofar Sounds and Sips and Sounds and support slots with the likes of Nile Robinson and her own headline show at The Louisiana, Ali Austin is a regular on the local music scene.
It;s been a long wait for the singer’s debut single, I Can’t Breathe, which was released on March 1, showcasing her soulful vocals and intriguing charm.
Austin’s inspirations are evident in the debut track, with hints of Olivia Dean, Yebba, and Lianne La Havas all lending their style to the song.
is needed now More than ever
The singer-songwriting talks to Bristol24/7 about her debut release, her first festival performance and breaking into the industry as a grassroots artist.
Where in Bristol are you based?
I live in north Bristol, very close to Gloucester Road.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe the genre of my music as soul/R&B; however, I do think that there’s an element of pop there and a touch of a singer/songwriter sound.
For me the vocals are what drives my music, they help to tell a story and express emotion, they are as important as the lyrics or structure of the song.
What influences your music?
My personal experiences are a source of influence for my music, things I’m going through, and situations I’ve been through in the past, my music gives me the space to share these stories from a creative point of view. I look further than just my own experience but the experience of those around me. I’m able to use these observations of my surroundings to tell a story.
I grew up listening to artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse, I think their music has hugely influenced the music that I make today. Musicians I’ve drawn inspiration from more recently include Olivia Dean, Yebba and Lianne La Havas.
I’ve always listened to a variety of musical styles and never felt I should limit my music to just one genre, I’m sure my love for other genres and music has crept its way into my music to some degree.
What’s your favourite memory of your career so far?
The first ever headline I did, must be my favourite to date. It was at The Louisiana last August, and it’s one I will never forget. The whole room was packed out, and people were even joining in to sing my songs which was a surreal experience!
I felt so much love and support that night and it felt like a real chance to showcase the type of music that I was going to break into. I also recently went live on the radio, which was a very nerve-racking thing to do but so so fun!
What’s the response been to the music/art you’ve put out there so far?
I have just very recently released my debut single I Can’t Breathe at the beginning of March. It has been a very long time coming, as I wanted to make sure what I put out was absolutely representative of what I want to share as an artist.
I’m so glad that it is now out, the reception has been only positive so far and I’m working on more songs to be released.
The unreleased music that I have performed at gigs has had a very positive response, people seem to be enjoying what I’m creating so I’m excited to see the response once it’s fully released!
How have you found breaking into the music industry for grassroots artists?
The past year or so has really involved me getting myself out there, gigging and performing my own material and working on my artist development.
Previous years for me, were about developing my singing and exploring the writing process, only really in the past year have I been establishing myself in the Bristol music scene, for me, it was just about getting that one gig which snowballed everything.
I have found breaking into the music industry a mostly positive experience so far. I have been able to work with and meet so many other talented people who continue to inspire me.
Where’s your favourite place to perform and attend a gig in Bristol?
Bristol has a great music scene and I love so many of its venues. I always love watching the gigs that are put on at The Gallimaufry.
The Louisiana, Exchange and the Golden Lion are also really great, and I have had some amazing times playing them.
Who’s your dream artist to work with?
Olivia Dean who I have already mentioned; is an incredibly talented musician, and truly inspires me and my music. If I ever had the opportunity one day to work with her then I’m sure that would be a dream come true.
Who have you got your eye on at the moment?
I’ve recently been listening to a lot of Benjamin Clementine, I’m very excited about the idea of seeing him live one day.
He’s a composer, pianist and songwriter, inspired by classical music encapsulating a contemporary classical, alternative sound. He has beautiful soulful vocals, and I think more people should know about him.
Are there any artists you think deserve more appreciation/acknowledgement?
An indie/folk artist based in Bristol called Sarah Ann Ree, I’m patiently waiting for her EP to come out! She’s an amazing artist, with a beautiful voice and beautiful songs.
She is someone I would recommend everyone to experience listening to live! I’m lucky to have opened for her back in September.
What’s next for you?
I am in the process of recording my next single, which I’m hoping to be out soon, I’m very excited about this one, it has been very popular when I’ve performed it at gigs.
Those who have attended my gigs may know which one I’m talking about! I am also performing my first festival this spring, Solara Festival, looking forward to that!
Solara Festival takes place on April 26 to 28 at Walton Castle in Clevedon and tickets are available at https://www.solarafestival.com/tickets
Main photo: Ali Austin
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