Through Ainsley Farrell's "Dirt" + Interview

As a music enthusiast and writer, I encounter unexpected discoveries and chance meetings regularly. One such instance arose when an old acquaintance reintroduced me to the captivating melodies of Ainsley Farrell. Little did I anticipate that this reunion would lead to hosting Ainsley and her exceptional ensemble at a Live Session @ Tiki La La several months later.

Hailing from Sydney yet infused with the essence of California in her musical style, Ainsley Farrell has been captivating audiences since the release of her single "Walls" in 2018. However, it was her most recent album, "Dirt," that truly seized my attention and ignited a desire to delve deeper into her musical landscape. Garnering the accolade of Album of The Week on both FBI Radio and 2SER Radio, "Dirt" appears poised to endure, resonating even more profoundly in the year 2024.

Crafted amidst the coastal beauty of New South Wales under the expert guidance of acclaimed producer Tim Harvey, "Dirt" stands as a testament to Farrell's artistic evolution. In her own words, the album explores themes of anxiety, loss, and restlessness, drawing inspiration from a spectrum of personal experiences ranging from existential ponderings to the complexities of human relationships.

Experiencing the raw energy and authenticity of their performance only deepened my admiration for Farrell's artistry and her skill in translating intricate emotions into musical catharsis.

Now, as I sit down to interview Ainsley about "Dirt" and her thriving music community.

Hey Ainsley, How are you?, and where are you currently based and speaking to us from?

Hi Jonny! I’m good! Thank you. I’m currently based in the Eora/ Sydney area and speaking to you from my couch.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your album 'Dirt', and the message you aimed to convey through it?

Dirt was inspired by a collection of things, from panic attacks, homesickness, and escapism to creepy men and personal relationships. I think the message is very personal and probably felt differently by listeners. It’s been really nice hearing what the songs mean for different people.

Were you writing/recording music in the US before arriving in Australia?

Yeah, I’ve been writing music since I first picked up a guitar in 8th grade. I didn’t know how to read guitar tabs at that point so just played by trial and error and sung lyrics on top of that. I recorded a lot of demos on Garageband throughout high school and college, but it wasn’t until I arrived in Australia that I started recording my first album in a studio with the plan of releasing it into the world. 

'Dirt' has been out for a little bit now, and it feels to me like a staple album that people will be listening to for years to come! Are you working on new music, and or have any plans for a new record?

That’s so nice to hear, thank you ☺ I’ve been writing more over the past year and just starting to think about recording again and getting really excited about these new songs. I have a solid EP worth of songs, but have a feeling it’ll turn into a full-length album by the time I go to record. 

Could you describe your creative process when crafting heavily lyrical songs?

Some of the best lyrics come to me when I’m in a very emotional state, whether that’s sad, angry, or anxious. Some songs take me months to sing through them without crying. But it’s those more immediate, unprocessed emotions that gives me a lot to write about in that moment. 

What role do your bandmates play in shaping the sound and direction of your music?

I think it depends on the song, but I’ll usually show them a demo or play a new song during rehearsal and see what drums and bass Tom and Arne come up with. They’re both well-seasoned musicians with really creative and complementary ideas for the songs. It’s really nice to hear the songs come together and be heightened by their drum and bass parts. Maia, who plays lead guitar for me live, adds in some extra parts that aren’t on the album which are really tasteful and stunning. I feel inspired to write heavier songs because they’re so fun to play with the band, but love being able to play quitter stripped back songs too. 

How do you ensure authenticity and raw expression in your performances and recordings?

I try not to think too hard about performances and just show up with little expectations and with the outlook of being present and enjoying the moment. Tapping into some of the emotions that brought out the songs in the first place helps me feel present and process it all in new ways.

Have you faced any challenges being primarily a solo artist in Sydney's music scene, and how have you overcome them?

I think one of the main challenges as a solo artist is funding everything myself compared to a band that splits the cost of everything. Australian major cities are spread so far apart, which makes it a bit more expensive to tour. I would love to play full band shows in other cities, but can’t afford the band costs of travel at the moment.

Who do you primarily work with for Production / Mixing?

I’ve worked with different people for each project, which has been great to see a variety of approaches and ideas. Tim Harvey helped produce and mixed Dirt. He was really lovely to work with and so thoughtful - highly recommend. I’ve always co-produced and would love to be more hands on with mixing for this next project though. 

Can you share a memorable moment from one of your live performances where you felt a strong connection with your audience?

My song Leaving has this huge climactic ending where I’ve heard people in the audience scream or cheer as it nears the end. It’s really nice to know the audience is locked in and on the journey with us. 

Can you give us some insight into your local music community, and what you are most proud of?

It feels like a very supportive environment of musicians who are very open about mental health and the struggles of being an artist. I’m proud of all my music friends who just keep going through the rollercoaster and keep creating and performing in an industry that seems like its often working against us. I’m proud of the people running venues that put artists first and are completely in love with local music and keeping it alive and thriving. Same with local radio and regular gig attendees! 

Are there any other artists, creatives, bands you want to put forward that our readers should get around?

I have so many, but here’s a few - The Darling Hearts, Casual Fan, Nick Griffith, Hana Stretton, Mannequin Radio (just saw them live, they rock), e4444e, Allegra Krieger, Villagerrr, and Truth Club. 

What can fans expect from you in the near future, in terms of new music or upcoming performances?

I don’t have any gigs locked in at the moment. We played a whole bunch of shows during the first half of this year, which was so nice, but I’m excited to focus more of my time on writing and demoing and thinking about recording this next project later this year.