Aimée: ‘It’s so important to create opportunities for the next generation of young Irish singers’
Having just released a live studio version of her Christmas song, ‘Grafton Street Lights’, we speak with Aimée about creating opportunities for others, vulnerability in songwriting, and dealing with grief at Christmas time.
Irish singer-songwriter Aimée has been all about bringing pop music back to ‘90s since her debut back in 2018, but her Christmas single ‘Grafton Street Lights’ pares her sound back a little, leaning into the softness of a seasonal ballad that will resonate with anyone missing home or their loved ones this time of year.
The song speaks to that sense of missing home that’s sent into overdrive once the festive season rolls around, a time when you would take the dreary rainclouds of Dublin over the sun-soaked vistas of Los Angeles, a time where family and friends are your only priority.
Originally released last year with a music video compiled of clips of special moments, airport reunions, and surprise appearances sent in from fans across the world. This year, Aimée has rereleased the track, making it all the more moving with a live studio version accompanied in the studio by 20 incredibly talented young Irish singers.
“Living in LA last year, I felt like I didn’t get to celebrate the song properly, being so far away from home and not getting a chance to truly be here and experience it in Ireland,” Aimée explains her decision to give the song more life this year. “It means a lot that I get to be here and see how much the song has impacted people. It has given the song a new life for me! I hope I can do something to keep it going each year.”
Back in October, Aimée put a call out on her Instagram for aspiring young singers to send through applications to join her in the studio, and with a massive volume of auditions to choose from, the Dublin singer knew this project was something very special. “ We were supposed to choose ten singers, but with over 400 incredible audition clips, we ended up choosing 20. It was so difficult—I wished I could have had them all!” she says. “I think it’s really important to create opportunities for the next generation of young singers here in Ireland, especially because we have so much young talent.”
“Seeing their little faces walk into the recording studio with such excitement made all the work behind the scenes so worth it. That’s what it’s all about. I’ve worked with lots of different people all over the world, but these kids were some of the most professional, punctual, and talented people I’ve ever worked with. I hope we have many more opportunities to sing together!”
I ask Aimée about missing people at this time of year. “Like anyone who deals with grief on a daily basis, Christmas can sting that little bit harder. The magic of Christmas is in doing the simplest things with your family and loved ones. So, when people are missing, it sort of feels incomplete. For me, that missing piece is my Mam.”
“I just try my best to be grateful for those who are still here and focus my energy on enjoying time with them and all the magical little things that make Christmas so lovely.”
Tell us about your start in the industry. Was a career in the music business always something you aspired to?
Yes, I always knew that I would be a singer. From a very young age, my family could tell music wasn’t just a hobby to me—it was an obsession. I just needed to break through my fear of singing in front of people, which is why I began my career by posting singing videos online. That gave me the confidence to play my first small gig, and it just grew and grew. I haven’t looked back.
What is your approach to songwriting?
I write what I feel that day. Whatever is on my mind, I like to get it out while it’s fresh so the writing feels really honest and raw. Usually, I walk into the session with the title already in my head and build from that. Each session is different, but the one thing that never changes is that I always write from experience.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably releasing ‘Grafton Street Lights’, as it was my first independent release. Getting to perform it live on Grafton Street this year for the turning on of the lights was magic.
Who are some of your big sonic inspirations?
Anything Max Martin has touched. My roots are very Swedish and nostalgic pop—Britney, Christina, Mariah, and so many more. I grew up studying these female icons, trying to replicate their notes and how they performed. I take little pieces of inspiration from them all and still do to this day. It’s important to always stay learning and find new inspiration.
What are your thoughts on the Irish music scene?
I think we have some of the most talented people in the world right here on this island. Unfortunately, a lot of musicians feel that they need to leave Ireland to make it and to find big opportunities. That’s why it’s so important to create opportunities for artists here in Ireland. This is why it’s crucial for radio to support Irish music, for the live industry to give opportunities to Irish artists, and for people to support Irish music by streaming their favourite songs or buying a ticket to a gig. All of it really makes such a difference.
What is the main piece of advice you would give an up-and-comer in the industry?
Be exactly who you are. If anyone tries to change you or your little quirks, ignore them. They are the little pieces of magic that make you stand out from the rest. Be yourself and remember: rejection is just redirection.
What do you hope your music evokes in the listener?
I just hope when they listen to my music, they can relate to it in some way and feel like, “Oh, this song was made for me!” That was always my favourite part about discovering new music growing up.
What’s your favourite lyric from a song that you love?
“When there’s no one else, look inside yourself. Like your oldest friend, just trust the voice within. Then you’ll find the strength that will guide your way. You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within.” — Christina Aguilera
Who is your dream collaborator?
Christina Aguilera. I would simply retire because nothing would ever top it!
Who are three up-and-coming acts we should have on our radar, Irish or otherwise?
Every single one of the 20 young singers who were part of ‘Grafton Street Lights – Live Studio Version’. They are all stars!
Do you have plans for your next release?
I am working on something totally different and a little out of my comfort zone for next year. But it feels right—it feels like something I’ve been holding back on trying for a few years now. Watch this space!
Finally, what is it about making music that sets your soul on fire?
How music brings people together. It takes us out of reality and makes us reflect for a few minutes. There’s only one thing in the world that is guaranteed to have an effect on every human, and that’s the power of music.
Photography by Ryan Douglas.
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