In the vibrant realm of contemporary music, Áine Deane emerges as a compelling force, captivating audiences with her raw talent and authentic approach to storytelling through song. 

At the age of 22, this singer-songwriter has swiftly ascended from sharing intimate bedroom performances online to standing under the spotlight of major stages. Áine's journey into the music scene gained momentum during her final year at university, where she earnestly cultivated a devoted following on various social media platforms, particularly TikTok, amassing over 250,000 followers. Her debut EP, 'The Handmedowns – EP,' released in July 2022, marked the inception of a remarkable career that has seen her open for acclaimed artists such as James Bay and Casey Lowry, grace the stage at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall supporting Sam Smith, and sell out headline shows. 

Drawing inspiration from musical luminaries like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, Áine's relatable anthems have endeared her to a fervent fan base. Beyond her melodic prowess, her vibrant personality shines through in every TikTok and YouTube video, creating an infectious connection with fans who eagerly anticipate her every creative endeavour. As evidenced by her recent release, 'dating apps / things he should know (demos),' Áine continues to craft music that resonates deeply with her audience, solidifying her status as a musician who values the voices of those who have joined her on this exhilarating journey. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Áine Deane's artistic evolution, the inspirations fueling her creativity, and the exciting chapters that lie ahead.

How did you first get into playing and making music?

I have been playing music for as long as I can remember. I started playing the piano when I was 4 (mainly because my big brothers played, and I wanted to be like them) and then moved onto the flute and the guitar when I was a little older. I actually taught myself how to play guitar when I was 15 and was so terrible for years and years until it finally (sort of) clicked one day. I’m still not very good but I’m learning every day!

Writing music was something I started when I was a kid too, I used to take Hannah Montana songs and rewrite the lyrics, and then I moved on to writing my own songs. Unfortunately, no one needs to hear a 12-year-old writing make-believe breakup songs, so they have stayed in the vault (and will forever!

Who inspired you to make music? In the beginning and current inspirations

My biggest inspiration is Ed Sheeran. His + album was the album that made me fall in love with songwriting, even though I didn’t know it at the time. My mum bought me the sheet music book of the album after a piano exam, and I learnt it all (even though it is definitely not an album made for piano!). I just really fell in love with it. 

As I grew up, I thought that would be the only album that ever made me feel that way, but then Noah Kahan came along with Stick Season and I felt that incredible admiration and love for a body of work again. I think + made me want to be a songwriter and Stick Season made me want to be a better songwriter. I admire them both so much. I also want to flag Taylor Swift here. My love for her is undeniable, she is the most incredible writer, performer, musician. I think she has paved the way for women in the industry and I look up to her so much.

Has your music changed or evolved over time?

Absolutely! I hope so at least! I really hope I’m better than my 12-year-old self, writing songs about a heartbreak she’d never experienced. 

I think that as I get older and experience more things, my writing evolves with that. My songs are all extremely personal, so I think they’ll always adapt and reflect what I’m feeling at the time. I think that with the next music I put out, I want to include a lot of folk influences, so I’m excited to see where my music evolves next.

What inspired the concept of your bookstore tour?

I wanted to create a space where everybody could feel safe and enjoy music without the worries and boundaries that traditional gigs create. I wanted people who hated big crowds, or needed a seat, or were too young for music venues, or didn’t want to be going home late at night to be able to come to a gig and listen to the music and just have a lovely time. 

I think music should be accessible for everyone and I wanted to ensure that fans of my music were all being listened to and heard, and that I was providing them with experiences that they wanted. A lot of them had spoken to me before and asked for gigs where they could bring their younger sisters or daughters, and gigs where they didn’t have to go home late. So that was really important to me. I also wanted to meet everyone and actually have time to chat because you don’t get to do that as much after bigger shows. I wanted to share book recommendations, eat cupcakes and tell everyone all the stories behind how I wrote the songs and just have a lovely afternoon with everyone. They truly were the best weekends ever. 

You recently got back from performing in Manchester - what would you say you found different in the music scene there compared to London?

I think Manchester is so cool. The music scene is fantastic, everyone is just effortlessly cool. Some of my favourite bands have originated from Manchester, so to play in that city was a lot of fun. The crowds are incredible too!

Who would be your dream collaboration right now and why?

Noah Kahan. Any day of the week. Any week of the year. I would love to do a duet with him, it would be the highlight of my life. 

What's your next goal in your music career?

Just to keep making music and playing shows. I love nothing more than writing songs and singing them to people, so I hope I get to do it forever. Everything else is a massive bonus, but the core of it is that I love writing music. 

Catch Aine on Instagram, Spotify and YouTube.

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About the author:

Ellie was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, then made the big leap across the pond in 2019 to study at the University of St. Andrews. There, she fell in love with the worlds of marketing and production and has since helped put on a handful of theatre productions, including ones at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. During her time in the tiny town of St. Andrews, she often escaped to London where she fell in love with its vibrant arts scene and diverse culture. She recently made the move down south and now works in film marketing/brand partnerships. She is passionate about all things fashion, art, music, and entertainment. In her free time, you’ll find her on long runs around Hyde Park or upcycling something in her closet with embroidery or paint.