Ainslie Wills Biography

It is win after win for artist Ainslie Wills and her key collaborator Lawrence Folvig, now supporting the likes of Vance Joy (AUS), Leon Bridges (US), (AUS) and Lianne La Havas (UK), audiences in both Australia and internationally are eagerly awaiting this phenomenal musician’s next move.

Genre-bending third record Oh The Gold EP was released last year, a follow-up to 2013’s nominated album You Go Your Way, I'll Go Mine. Wills quickly caught the eyes of tastemakers - with lead single Drive being added to full rotation on .

“All the ingredients of mature pop bliss lie in the work of Ainslie Wills,” said The Guardian of an artist who is as diverse and capable as she is true to her own distinctive, progressive pop sound that captures the listener instantly. A hit outside her home country as well, the EP was picked up in the UK, becoming Lauren Laverne’s Track Of The Day on her BBC Radio 6 programme and played twice on Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, also on BBC6.

The past year has also seen Ainslie’s captivating live show reach new heights, recognised by main stage slots at , NYE On The Hill, Queenscliff Music Festival, WOMADelaide – as well as a tour and appearance with #1 Dads, whose track So Soldier has made Ainslie Wills a household name for audiences around the country. Her performance style parallels her songwriting in its strength and conviction; a commanding stage presence matching the lyrical and musical sincerity of her material.

Ainslie Wills and Lawrence Folvig set out to create music that is both musically distinct and earnestly delivered; a feat she achieves through unfalteringly strong vocals and quietly profound lyricism matched with complex, thought-provoking melodies. 2016 promises international forays and the release of more material she has tucked up her sleeve – keep your eyes firmly peeled.

“This is the piece of music I’m most excited about at the moment.” Guy Garvey, BBC6 (UK) “She just keeps releasing stunning songs. That voice! I love it!” Zan Rowe, triple j (AUS) Played on

“...takes the listener through PJ Harvey, Jeff Buckley, St Vincent and Radiohead motifs then importantly emerges as a singular sound for a singular artist, heave with verisimilitude.”

Mikey Cahill, The Herald Sun ‘Oh lordy. We have just found“ our musical saviour. An antidote to the ordinary.’ Frankie Magazine (AUS)

Rolling Stone “All the ingredients of mature pop bliss lie in the work of Ainslie Wills” The Guardian 4/5 ABC Radio National Top Releases of 2015

The Australian Music Prize (The AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. The award made by Australian Music Prize Ltd, a sole-purpose entity sponsored by a variety of music industry figures and record companies. The AMP was established in 2005.

Unlike the more mainstream ARIA music awards, The Amp aims to encourage Australian music of excellence - the prize's stated aim is to "financially reward and increase exposure for an Australian artist (or group of artists) who have produced and commercially released what specially appointed judges vote is the best contemporary music album in any one calendar year". In this sense, The AMP is broadly comparable to the UK's Mercury Music Prize. Performed on Triple J’s ‘Like A Version’ with #1 Dads