Ernest Aines
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2018 | SELF
Music
Press
Fans of blues rooted Americana will find a lot to like with the music of Ernest Aines. The expressive songwriting style finds itself deeply entrenched in a timeless blues rock tradition. The lead vocal is particularly strong on this track. The melody, bass line, and overall groove of the track are outstanding. It reminds me a little of when I first heard the iconic guitarist Johnny Lang just ripping through the guts of blues music (in a good way). Aines has that kind of raw, murky, blunt-driving-force of momentum in his writing. It plods; it pushes; it’s music with soul and depth. Ultimately, it’s worth feeling the soulful depth of this bluesy Americana. - Ear to the Ground
Melbourne, Australia based singer-songwriter Ernest Aines dove headfirst into the acoustic music scene last year with intent; he released his debut EP, Already Found, to a sold out crowd in 2019.
Full of soaring melodies, airy vocals, and delightfully thoughtful lyrics, Already Found offers a wonderful selection of Aines’ musical abilities. His sound might be defined as Caamp meets Bon Iver – light, modern, and definitively heartfelt. Perhaps the highlight of his work are the deftly crafted, evocative stories that feel comfortable and at home on each folky track.
The opening track River Mouth is a stand out, featuring intricate guitar work, perfectly blended harmonies, and a fantastical, well-written storyline. From the very first lines, Aines’ lyrical skill is apparent:
“I was swimming down at the dock to fill the day
And I saw a fit young sailor walking my way
Said he joined the fleet to feel complete
and become a real man
I could see in his eyes he was a little lamb”
For fans of modern singer-songwriter sounds, full of authenticity and emotion, tied together with a wonderfully soulful (but equally as smooth) voice, the work of Ernest Aines on Already Found will likely be a true treat for your ears. - Ark of Music
The live music program showcases the best talent, established and emerging, from Australia and beyond. Whether you book your favourite performers or are willing to discover new artists, being entertained is the name of the game.
Archie Roach is almost a must-see. Ernest Aines is one to watch. Melbourne based, this multi-award-winning contemporary folk singer-songwriter delivers with an inspired and truthful earnestness and eloquent wordplay of his lyrics. He was another artist I was lucky to experience. - Weekend Notes
Discography
All tracks self distributed through Tunecore to all platforms.
2021 July 9 So Far single
2019 You're a Garden single
2019 Seasons single from "Already Found" EP
2019 Already Found - 5 song debut EP
2018 Rivermouth single - a song that has scooped a few notable accolades, including the Apollo Bay Young Songwriter Award and the Cygnet Folk Festival Runner Up Award.
Photos
Bio
"Music with soul and depth", Ear to the Ground
"Truly authentic and expressive", The Ark of Music
Ernest Aines hails from Melbourne, well known on the buskling scene, he plays a lot to huge and appreciative crowds who dance , sing and cheer him on. People try to compare him to the likes of Ray Lamontagne, Bon Iver, Johnny Lang and Jeff Buckley, maybe because he delivers his songs with an inspired and truthful earnestness, as well as a search beyond the formulaic.
During Melbourne's two years of long lockdowns, Aines learned to record himself and emerged with twelve songs ready for overdubs.His first two singles have been mastered by Grammy award-winning "In Rainbows" (Radiohead) producer and engineer, Hugo Nicolson.
His single, “So Far”, for which Aines learnt banjo, was released in 2021 -a foot stomping Americana tune accompanied by a "spaghetti western" style video shot at a local deserted mining village. Aines' 2019 debut EP, "Already Found" has sold around 800 copies and was described by The Ark of Music as "full of soaring melodies, airy vocals and delightfully thoughtful lyrics" by a "remarkable storytelling talent". He is now about to release his second single "Yellowstone", bound for his debut album.
Following 2021's appearance in the virtual realm of the International Folk Alliance Showcase, Aines played for Isol-Aid, and was part of Sounds Australia's team for Global Music Match project. This year he has emerged into the real world playing at The Australia Open, The Grand Prix and the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Over the past few years Aines embarked on his international travels which resulted in performances in Brazil, Japan, Canada and Germany. He aims to travel more over the next couple of years playing at festivals in Canada and the northern USA, for a start.
Aines has a few nods to his songwriting prowess, including winning The Apollo Bay Festival Songwriting Award (Rivermouth) and winning Best Song (Heartwood) in the City of Melbourne Song Competition 2021. Ernest's main social media activity is on Instagram where he has a growing following, currently around 5000 followers and growing fast every time he busks.
Band Members
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