Head in the cosmos, feet firmly planted to the ground, Edinburgh-born Ailsa McEwan (alias Ailsa and the Seahorses) has always been caught between worlds. Her distinct brand of emotionally-charged ethereal indie speaks to the metaphysical, while grounded by the earthly warmth of hushed, honest vocals. Marrying the atmospherics of dreampop and shoegaze with the singer-songwriter tradition, her music - a blend of mysticism and concrete poetry - sets her apart for its unique and mesmerising sound. Her career so far has seen her play established festivals such as Kelburn Garden Party, as well as appearing in BBC Scotland television series ‘Street Symphony’ with acclaimed singer Emeli Sandé.

Ailsa began her songwriting journey as a teenager making low-fi GarageBand recordings on her brother’s laptop when he left the house. In her early 20’s she took her cosmic bedroom pop to the stage and quickly captivated local audiences. Her songs, centred around hope in the face of mental challenges, channelled the emotional vulnerability of her hero Jeff Buckley, the dreamy melancholia of The Smiths, and the haunting existential poetry of Leonard Cohen. The effect of her quiet, bewitching vocal style - frequently compared to Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star - has been described as “like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold November evening” (Out of the Bedroom).

For a time, Ailsa lived the nomadic life of a street musician and took her music across Europe, her native UK and Canada. Her independent approach to life with a focus on authenticity is reflected in her work; her first release, 2019 4 track EP The Centre of Everything, was recorded almost entirely with a USB microphone in a wardrobe. Despite its DIY ethic, the independent release was warmly received (91 % - The Fountain).

Like her musical idols before her, Ailsa’s travels led her to the creative city of Berlin where she has lived for the past four years. The introspection and solitude of the pandemic years birthed her debut album, Hermit - recorded with a 4-piece band at the Famous Gold Watch Studios and due for release autumn 2o24. The project was made with love and determination. With the help of her bandmates, it was funded through a combination of crowdfunding, and Ailsa’s joint career as a toilet cleaner.

Whether performing intimate solo shows or playing spacey band gigs with a changing line-up of musicians, Ailsa has always kept things real. Taking life in all its beauty and pain, her music, although nostalgic, looks to a brighter future - towards healing and growth. Creating something beautiful from the rubble and sharing it with the world, her songs speak to those who have grown through turbulent times.