Sound Of Scotland
In her new album, Scottish singer-songwriter Ainsley Hamill shines a light on Govan’s lesser-known heroes, from both past and present
Singer Ainsley Hamill’s new album celebrates Govan’s unsung heroes
LEAVING your home town to make something of yourself is a trope as old as time. It’s true of Scottish folk singer-songwriter Ainsley Hamill – and it’s also true of some of the subjects of her new album.
Not Just Ship Lands is a collection of songs inspired by the unsung heroes of Govan in Glasgow, rooted in traditional folk, string orchestral arrangements and Ainsley’s rich, sweet voice.
The London-based songwriter worked with Scottish composer Malcolm Lindsay to set the lives of Olympic gold medalist Bella Moore, Antarctic explorer Felix Rooney and “The Daffodil King” of Covent Garden, Peter Barr – all from Govan – to music.
“They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and I think that had a lot to do with it,” she said. “It’s only years later that these people are being noticed and celebrated.”
“Moving to London gave me backbone in a way – it was like reinventing myself. You get perspective on everything when you’re removed from what’s comfortable and that convinced me to make my own music.” Ainsley grew up in Cardross, Argyll, singing in ceilidh bands and playing piano from a young age. With a blossoming love for the Gaelic language inspired by some of her teachers, she earned a first class honours in Scottish music, with Gaelic song as her principal study, at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
She fronted Glasgow folk band Barluath, where she sang traditional and original songs in English and Gaelic; was a BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist; and was nominated for Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards.
Not Just Ship Lands began as a series of commissions from Govan orchestra, The Glasgow Barons, with Ainsley working with local historians to write songs inspired by
wartime heroes of Govan. When working on orchestral arrangements with Malcolm Lindsay, the pair realised they had enough for a full album.
Ainsley’s subjects are linked by birthplace but also by vision, with most seeking out opportunities bigger than themselves and their roots. She is particularly interested in women like activist Mary Barbour and Lizzie Robinson.
“You’ve never seen murder like in a folk time.” song. Big
“These women would not have described themselves as feminists, but their stories were inspirational.
“Most of the women I’ve written about didn’t scream from the rooftops about equality – but they were out there and standing their ground. Very forward-thinking women, and very courageous women as well.”
“People sometimes turn their noses up at folk music, but will happily listen to a true crime podcast or watch a documentary. You’ve never seen murder like in a folk song. Big time. The stories are so juicy!”
With live dates out of the question for the foreseeable future, Ainsley is working with visual artist Ela Orleans on a series of visual companion pieces to the album, to be released on social media.
“Ela is incredible – she’s turned an absolute porridgy mess into something really quite spectacular. I’m looking forward to getting that out into the world as much as the actual music!”
Not Just Ship Lands is out this month and available at ainsleyhamill.com