Aimée: ‘It’s so important to create opportunities for the next generation of young Irish singers’

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.

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 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.