Today we’d like to introduce you to Ainsley Donegan.
Hi Ainsley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in music, and both of my parents are musicians. I was singing before I was talking. I’ve always been fairly comfortable on stage. From a very young age, I was bringing waters to my parents from the crowd or singing background vocals from a few feet below them. Music has been a joyful part of my life and community for as long as I can remember. When I got older, I began songwriting and developing my own sound. My primary instrument is upright bass, and I play a lot of classical music in addition to commercial music. As I worked on my songwriting, I picked up other instruments, like electric bass and guitar. I have been very fortunate to have a school and community that has supported me along the way. Music is something that is meant to be shared, and I love getting to share it with the people I love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course it hasn’t! I think the biggest thing I struggle with is the imposter syndrome. I play many instruments and many different kinds of music, and I can often feel like I don’t do any one thing well enough. It has taken a lot of time to recognize my strengths and trust myself. Having friends and colleagues that hype me up has been a huge help with this. Thank you to everyone who has helped me to believe in myself over the years!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My primary instrument is upright bass. I play a lot of classical music in addition to commercial music. I play a lot of jazz in bluegrass on upright, and I often sing while I play. I would say that that is what I am most known for. Playing upright and singing is a difficult combination of things to do at one time, but with a lot of practice it is possible.
I played the Ryman in October opening for Jason Isbell with a group of my closest friends. It was a truly religious experience. I got to hear my own voice reverberate through the auditorium and come right back to hug me. It was incredible. I am so grateful to have gotten to be so vulnerable on such a monumental stage.
I used to do theatre when I was younger, and it taught me many things, but one has stuck with me. When I perform music, I refuse to act. It’s all me. I want it to be real and raw. No filter, no fake smile. It is all genuine. Every moment on the Ryman stage showcased my real joy and my real sorrow. Realness is what will continue to connect us all in music. It does not do me any good to pretend.
I work at Williams Fine Violins where I sell and repair classical instruments. I am very grateful to have gotten that job and do work that is so close to my heart. I even got the privilege of attending the International Society of Bassists Convention with my boss, where I ended up working as well. Being plugged into my classical music community has been so important for me, and I encourage everyone to keep bringing your own seat to the table until you have one reserved. You never know what doors that will open for you.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
You are right where you are supposed to be! Music is such a process. You have to be bad at it before you can be good at it. Give yourself space to suck for a while and love yourself through it. No one is born a rockstar.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ainsleydoneganmusic
- Soundcloud: Ainsley Donegan on Soundcloud
