Armed with profound lyrics and a soulful voice to match, Montreal indie musician Ainsley McNeaney has been revered by her fans and press as an engaging and intimate performer. In 2008, True Story Orchestra was officially released by Pet Lion Records at The Music Gallery in Toronto and since then has received much acclaim – Graham Rockingham of the Hamilton Spectator calls McNeaney’s music ‘lyrical, intelligent pop music.’ McNeaney plays regularly with her band and has performed at many reputable venues across Canada and internationally. She has been featured in a short documentary about breaking into the music business and her music has been played on many local college/university stations, indie music podcasts and CBC national radio.
“I am truly experiencing – possibly for the first time – the fluidity and fun of my chosen vocation…”
Thoughts on music, fashion and life!
“My name is Ainsley McNeaney and I am a musician. When I was younger and just getting started, I used to think that that was a pretty serious thing (listen to my first album, True Story Orchestra – all twelve orchestral indie-pop tracks are beautifully intense!). But lately….well, as I work on writing and arranging the songs for my second album, as I get older, as I put more years on the road and many wonderful performances behind me, I feel as though I am truly experiencing – possibly for the first time – the fluidity and fun of my chosen vocation. And this attitude has seeped into all aspects of my life, including the way I approach my sense of fashion. I used to wear pearls and high-heels to school! Now, day-to-day, Iam pretty low key – no make-up, and jeans and a good shoulder bag are really all I need. I like a little bit of whimsy, however, in what I wear, especially when I get onstage – stretch jeans with a cool t-shirt; or, perhaps, something a little sexier: a simple yet unique dress with a pair of dangling earrings (I love bracelets, too, but I can’t wear them when I perform as they hit the piano keys!). I adore the enamel jewelry line from Pinkstix, especially this eclectic vintage flower set – it captures a subtle capriciousness that will enhance my presence onstage and the stories I tell in my songs. As I continue to grow as an artist, I become more and more like myself – what a beautiful surprise!”