A strong connection to Gaelic and traditional singing
Blend Heather Small and Julie Fowlis, and you get singer and songwriter Ainsley Hamill - one of the UK’s most distinctive and versatile vocalists, known for her remarkable voice, storytelling, and emotionally charged style.
Ainsley Hamill hails from the west coast of Scotland and has built a career defined by authenticity and the blend of traditional Scottish folk music with a modern touch.
With roots in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ainsley has a strong connection to Gaelic and traditional singing, performing, among other things, in Gaelic.
She began her career as a founding member of the folk band Barluath, but in recent years Ainsley Hamill has been focusing on her solo career. She also regularly performs with the band Fourth Moon, with whom she appeared at Tønder Festival in 2022.
In early 2025, Ainsley Hamill released her third studio album, ‘Fable’, produced by Sam Kelly. Drawing inspiration from Scottish folklore and myths, Hamill combines traditional Gaelic and Scottish songs with her own compositions. Each track weaves a narrative that resonates with ancient stories and contemporary relevance.
Ainsley Hamill will appear at Tønder Festival with her trio, comprised of herself, Toby Shaer, and Sam Kelly.
She will also be performing as part of the new songwriter circle focusing on music created and performed in minority languages.
