Áine Deane’s pop has already found her supporting the likes of Lewis Capaldi and Sam Smith as well as becoming a regular fixture on the festival circuits. She plays an intimate gig in the gorgeous surroundings of Blackpool Central Library this Sunday. Daisy Atkinson, who supports Áine with her own acoustic set, puts questions to her fellow musician.
Daisy: What is your favourite song that you’ve written and what did the writing process look like?
Áine: I think Handmedowns will always be my favourite song that I’ve ever written. The idea started in my university bedroom, on FaceTime with my co-writer Oli Fox. It was a song written in between lectures in an attic bedroom and it encompasses everything I was feeling at the time. It felt like word vomit in the best possible way. It was also the first time I had ever written a song with anyone else, so that was a really fun and inspiring experience.
Are there any musicians you take inspiration from with your writing?
I am inspired greatly by Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Noah Kahan. They are all storytellers at the core of their music and that’s what drew me to writing songs myself. I also draw inspiration from Kelsea Ballerini, I love country music and how organic the production is.
@daisyatkinsonmusic noah kahan – northern attitude on lil mandy #cover #noahkahan #northernattitude
I love Noah Kahn too! Is there anywhere you plan to explore while visiting Blackpool?
Wherever we go on tour or to play shows, I’m always looking for the best coffee shop and bakery, so I’ll be on the hunt for that this time! I’ve only ever been to Blackpool once, and it was for a very fleeting visit so I’m excited to see what the town has to offer!
You’ll want to visit Last Light on Edward Street then! Is there a moment you can pinpoint that you’re proudest of so far as a musician?
Everytime I hear someone singing my lyrics back to me I feel unbelievably proud. It could be two people or 200, it’s a mind boggling experience and something I will never take for granted.
Describe your ideal gig setting and what you think makes a great gig for both yourself and the audience.
Half of me wants to say a cute coffee shop or bookstore, with lots of fairy lights and tea and chats – like my bookstore tour last year. That was an incredibly welcoming and warm environment and I loved getting to interact so intimately with the audience. However, the other half of me loves dancing around on stage, and being in a crowded room where people can scream their hearts out. There is something so cathartic about being in a crowd of people you don’t know, and singing at the top of your lungs. Both as an artist and a fan, that is an experience I constantly look forward to. I think different gigs settings provide different experiences, but the main thing really is that live music, in any form, is my favourite thing in the world.
How long have you been doing music and was there something specific that kickstarted your career?
I’ve been playing music all my life. I started with the piano, then I learnt the flute and finally taught myself to play guitar as a teenager. I’ve been writing songs for a very long time – I used to take Hannah Montana songs and change the lyrics, so that’s where I started! Moving my music to a career was really kickstarted by TikTok though. I started posting videos during lockdown whilst at university and that’s where I found my place in the industry.
Do you have any advice for songwriters starting out in the industry?
Write, write, write. Write everyday. Write about everything. Practice truly does make perfect and you can never write too many songs.
What’s your favourite part of the recording/mixing process when in the studio?
I love doing gang vocals – where everyone in the room stands around the microphone and shouts the lyrics in. It creates such a fun vibe and I use them a lot in my music – there’s some great ones in the bridge of The Sisterhood and it’s always such a laugh to get everyone up and chanting.
@ainedeane THE SISTERHOOD 🔮🎀💕✨ #originalsong #sisterhood #songwriter #girls #girlgroup #igotmygirls #ivegotmygirls #friends #friendship #songwriting
Do you feel much pressure having a big audience and if so how do you deal with it?
I just feel incredibly lucky that people enjoy my music. It is a privilege and not one I take lightly. I’m so grateful for every single person who has ever bought a ticket to a show, streamed a song, liked a video, without them I wouldn’t have shows to play!
Daisy Atkinson and Áine Deane Get Loud in Blackpool Central Library this Sunday, 5th May. Tickets here.
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