Ainsley Friesen

Singer Songwriter Ainsley Friesen has been performing and touring throughout the Prairies and other parts of Canada since her teens. Lessons learned from life’s victories and defeats have infused her writing with a confidence and beauty that grow richer with time. Classically trained in piano and voice, as well as a confident guitarist, she combines warm, clear vocals with powerful and insightful lyrics. Ainsley can be described as alternative folk, with influences ranging from icons such as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez to contemporary artists like Natalie Merchant and Rufus Wainwright. She has released four full length albums and two EPs since she began performing and recording in 1998. Ainsley had some years of performance hiatus, but re-emerged in 2023, after recovering from carpal tunnel surgeries. At that time, she released a large catalogue of her music on streaming platforms. 2024 has been remarkably productive- in June she released an album of songs written on piano, titled “Don’t Expect a Fairy Tale”. It speaks to a journey through misplaced love, only to finally discover home. In August, she released an EP collection of additional catalogue material, “Famous Last Words”. Most recently, in October, Ainsley released a live album, “All Dressed Up”, featuring T. Joe Butler, recorded at Gordie's Coffeehouse in Winnipeg, MB. Butler's distinct and charming guitar melodies complement Ainsley's keen and delicate vocals, circling around the many sentiments of emotion in her songwriting.

“Ainsley has a voice that reaches into your tender
heart, a deep feeling story teller, great piano and
guitar playing.” -Ben Sures

"Ainsley Friesen released her first album in 1998. It was called Scattered…Inspired and set the tone for her subsequent career in music with its introspective lyrics and unique blend of influences: jazz, classical and folk. Friesen’s travelled a lot over those years, but she’s kept Winnipeg as a home base. And she’s been teaming up with musicians there quite a bit lately to perform and record." -Gregory Beatty | July 3, 2014 | Prairie Dog Magazine | Music

PERFORMANCES
Salamander Summer Music Festival (MB)
Brandon Folk Music and Art Festival (MB) • Treesblood
Festival (MB) • Regina Folk Festival (SK) • Pan Am Games
Winnipeg (MB) • Trout Forest Music Festival (ON) • Back 40
Music Festival (MB) • The Works Art and Design Festival (AB)
The Ironwood Stage & Grill, Calgary, AB • Village Guitar and
Amp Co., Saskatoon, SK