Ainslie Allen has released the single 'You Think You're (Better Than Me)?' from her upcoming album 'Betty.’ Nina Lesperance from SOUNZ caught up with the Ainslie to talk about her upcoming work.
Ko Puketapu me Manawaru tōku Maunga
Ko Te Arai tōku Awa
Ko Horouta me Tākitimu tōku Wāka
Ko Rongowhakaata tōku Iwi
on my Mum's side, we are Irish.
Congratulations on the release of your new single. Can you tell us about your new single ‘You Think You’re (Better Than Me)?'
It's the 3rd single release from my forthcoming album 'Betty' due for release later this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfWi0B6SVAM
What inspired your upcoming album ‘Betty’?
My whānau are who inspire me, 'Betty' was my Nan's name, I have a 9-year-old Emerson, and now a 5-week-old, I want to leave behind some sort of legacy for my tamariki. It was very important for me, to make this album sound world-class and authentically country, so I waited till I could work with the producer who I had admired from afar.
Can you tell the SOUNZ about your alt-country writing style?
I've been writing since I was 9, it's always been something I could do, it's an art form, about creating something that resonates with you, keeping true to myself and beliefs is paramount.
What was it like having Ben Edwards work on your album?
It was a dream come true, he was so accommodating, funny, and genuine, nothing was a drama, and he was open to my ideas. We had a ball creating this body of work, can't wait till 'Betty' is released.
Congratulations on having your new single be chosen as part of the NZ on Air NewTracks for June 2021. Two of your other singles have been chosen for this in the past. How does this achievement influence your work?
It's very nice to be recognised by NZ on Air, all I want is to be remembered for writing good tunes and creating music that will live on, much longer than me.
How has connecting with your Māori roots influenced your music?
I'm more connected now than ever before, there is still so much to learn still, but to know I have whānau who support me, and I can learn from, is a blessing, and what everyone needs, I love my Rongowhakaata whānau so much.