Edinburgh-based artist Aino Elina has quite a unique sound, mixing modern pop, folk, indie and electronica together in one amazing package. Her new release Hold On also adds an 80s twist into the mix, due to the epic synths and huge drum beats found within the tune. Learn more about Aino below and make sure you check out the track at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new song titled Hold On. What can you tell us about the track?
Hold On is a song about helping each other through hard times. The idea for the song started as a visual of stormy dark waters, so I built the story around a water theme. I hear music in shapes and colours, so songs usually have a strong visual side for me as well.
How has the reception to Hold On been so far, and where can the track be purchased?
You can find the track in all the usual digital platforms, for example Spotify, YouTube and Bandcamp. I’ve received a lot of good feedback which is always nice to hear, as each of my songs are important to me and a lot of work goes into them. I’d like to especially thank Amazing Radio for being amazing, ha, and for keeping it on their playlist.
Do you have any more singles planned for release? Are there any plans to release a full length album soon?
I will actually be releasing the Finnish version of the same single soon, Jaksaa Jaksaa. It will be part of my album, which I was meant to release a few years ago already, but Covid pushed everything back. I’m hoping it’ll make sense to release it 2024. I have two versions of each song, Finnish and English, so it’ll possibly be a double sided album! When I gig I usually perform mixed versions of the songs as I love singing in Finnish, but it’s nice for the audiences in the UK to also understand what I’m singing about.
Hold On has an electro-pop sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
I love electronic music. Depeche Mode were my favourites growing up, but I also love Tori Amos – I listen and take inspiration from all kinds of music. Lately I’ve been listening to Polo & Pan, the new Kylie album and Confidence Man.
You’re from Edinburgh. What is the local music scene like at the moment?
It’s getting better after Covid again – for a long time it was very hard to find people to come to gigs, but this year has made me optimistic. I’m hoping for next year to be busier still!
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
I will be concentrating on writing new stuff at the beginning of the year, and then I will hopefully play lots of festivals next summer.
Are you excited for the holiday season and Christmas? How do you normally celebrate?
I’m from Finland, all the way from Lapland, and I love Christmas. We celebrate on Christmas eve by eating a massive dinner – after which we open presents. Christmas day is just a day of spending time together relaxing and watching films. So quite similar to local celebrations, just a day early.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
My last gig of the year is this Sunday – 17th December. I’m supporting Pinlight at the Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh.
Any last words for the fans?
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok for Aino Elina updates. I’m also a vocal coach, and in addition to Edinburgh, I also teach online – so you can contact me about lessons too, wherever you’re from! Happy happy holidays to everyone!