Ali Austin
Ali Austin: Bristol's Soulful Sensation
Hailing from Mid-Wales and now firmly rooted in Bristol, Ali Austin has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting new voices in the UK's music scene. Known for her emotive vocals and introspective songwriting, Ali has captivated audiences across the South-West and beyond. With a powerful presence and a growing reputation, her debut single, "I Can't Breathe", released on 1st March 2024, marks an exciting new chapter in her musical journey.
The Early Spark for Music
Ali’s love for music began long before she knew it would become her career. “My earliest memories of truly enjoying singing come from primary school, singing hymns in assembly,” she recalls. Although not religious, the act of singing captivated her from a young age. Another key moment was when her parents gave her her first MP3 player, filled with songs, including tracks from The Carpenters. She fondly remembers walking around the house, headphones in, belting out the songs, even though, as she says, she wasn’t the best singer at the time.
As she grew, Ali began to explore music more seriously, covering songs and eventually experimenting with writing her own material. This was the moment she began to shape her distinctive sound, which blends soulful melodies with powerful, heartfelt lyrics.
Finding Her Voice
One of the pivotal influences in Ali’s decision to pursue music was Adele. “When Adele first came on the scene, that was a real turning point for me,” she reflects. “Hearing her music made me realise that singing was what I truly wanted to do.” Since then, she has found inspiration in a range of artists, from Olivia Dean, Amy Winehouse, and Yebba, to newer voices like Cleo Sol and RAYE. “RAYE is one of the most influential female artists in the industry right now. I really admire how she’s carving a path for independent female artists,” Ali says, highlighting her admiration for women who take control of their careers.
Ali's journey is also deeply rooted in her family's unwavering support. “My parents have always been my biggest supporters. Whether it was driving me to singing lessons or simply believing in me enough to take the risk and pursue music, I’ll always be grateful for that,” she shares.
A Growing Presence in the Bristol Scene
Ali’s move to Bristol marked the beginning of her serious pursuit of a music career. Despite the setbacks of lockdown, which came shortly after her arrival, she didn’t let it deter her. Instead, she focused on honing her craft, completing a degree in music and later pursuing a master’s degree. In the past couple of years, Ali has made a name for herself, performing at venues across the city, supporting local artists, and even headlining a sold-out show at the iconic *Bristol Louisiana*.
Her music has garnered airplay on Future Hits Radio and BBC Radio Cymru, and she was featured in an artist spotlight by Bristol 24/7, further solidifying her growing reputation. The release of her debut single, "I Can't Breathe", was met with enthusiasm and celebration, with Ali marking the occasion by performing and giving a live interview on BCfm's Rebel on the Radio. It’s clear that Ali is rapidly establishing herself as a standout talent in Bristol’s vibrant music scene.
A Unique Sound
Musically, Ali’s style falls firmly within the realms of soul and R&B, with a particular emphasis on emotive vocals and rich, layered melodies. "I’ve always been drawn to music where the vocal carries the emotion, and that’s something I try to bring into my own songs," she explains. Her voice is undoubtedly the centrepiece of her music, an instrument capable of conveying a depth of feeling that resonates with listeners.
Despite her musical roots in soul and R&B, Ali refuses to confine herself to a single genre. “Lyrically, my music tends to be quite reflective, touching on themes of longing, love, and the world around me. I just try to write from a place of honesty,” she says, capturing the vulnerability that makes her music so relatable.
One of her favourite songs to perform is “Insane”, a track that evolved over time and encapsulates her essence as an artist. “Even though I wrote it a long time ago, I rediscovered it in the archives and kept evolving it until it became what it is today,” she shares. The song’s raw emotion and vulnerability have made it a fan favourite and a standout in her live performances.
The Creative Process
Ali’s approach to songwriting is fluid and spontaneous, allowing her creativity to flourish without being confined to a specific process. “I have a few different approaches to songwriting, and I just go with whatever feels most natural at the time,” she says. One method she enjoys is sitting at the piano and letting the music unfold, finding melodies and lyrics in tandem. “With Insane, for example, the melody for the chorus just came to me naturally. That line and melody hit me first, and then I found some chords to fit around it,” she recalls.
Once the foundation is laid, Ali works with a guitarist to refine the instrumentation and structure of the song, ensuring that every element aligns with her vision.
The Meaning Behind "Insane"
“Insane” is a song that reflects the chaos and uncertainty of late adolescence, capturing the overwhelming stress of growing up. Looking back on the track, Ali recognises it as a form of self-expression that allowed her to process her emotions. “Strangely enough, I don’t think I even realised that was what the song was about at the time. I guess, subconsciously, it was my way of processing everything and getting it out of my system,” she explains. The song’s nostalgic yet intense energy strikes a chord with listeners, perfectly encapsulating the turbulence of youth.
The Future of Ali Austin
With her debut single now out in the world, Ali Austin is ready to take her music to even greater heights. Her emotive storytelling, powerful vocals, and unique blend of soul and R&B are resonating with a growing audience, and there’s no doubt that her star will continue to rise. For Ali, this is just the beginning. “It’s been an exciting journey so far,” she says, with an undeniable sense of optimism for what’s to come. With new music in the works and collaborations on the horizon, Ali Austin is undoubtedly an artist to watch in 2024 and beyond.