Brisbane singer-songwriter, Aislinn Sharp brings literal meaning to the term 'pop psychology'.
Aislinn leans on her extensive background as a registered psychologist to create buoyant pop music that is relatable for listeners. “I write music first because I love it, and when I perform I really love connecting with the audience and being able to share stories through my music,” Aislinn explains.“The fact that I love telling stories, and I also think about the impact of my songs on other people so when I'm writing I like to think I might be adding something as they're connecting to the music.”
With a number of releases under her belt already, Aislinn is relaunching her music in 2020 to mark her new working relationship with Melbourne-based producer Pat Gabriel (PattyBoomba).
Aislinn has released an updated version of her 2017 single 'The Wall', which featured Joel Turner. “This next song is actually a remix of my last song 'The Wall',” she says.
“Obviously being done with Joel Turner, it had a more hip hop-inspired flavour to it but we took the creative challenge of re-imagining it into a more electronic pop track.
“I'm really excited to share this different take on the song, and also this is our way of saying this is the start of working with Patty to release new songs this year.”
For Aislinn, the challenge of reworking 'The Wall' proved to be a satisfying process of puzzle-solving. “I didn't know how it was going to go because I actually haven't taken an existing track and seen if we can blitz it into a new style,” she explains.
“It was a really fun and creative process to do it. The vocals are the original vocal takes from the version with Joel, and it was interesting at the end of mixing it in to fit the new style of music because initially it took a bit of work to find that right balance and getting it to fit.
“Everything with music, when you create something new, it's a learning process as much as having an end song that people can enjoy.
“I actually love the communication and the problem solving and the brain-teasing aspect of trying to figure out these things to make it work; I actually get a lot of satisfaction from that.”
Aislinn also lends her respective talents as a singer-songwriter and psychologist to causes that champion mental health, serving proudly as an R U OK ambassador and supporter of the newly-established Support Act well-being helpline for those working in the music industry.
“I really think about how things can inspire people,” Aislinn says. “Later this year I'm hoping to release an R U OK-themed song to connect with people.
“Having Support Act provide their new well-being helpline allows musicians to be able to call and seek support from either a counsellor, social worker or a psychologist; specialised people who are trained to help people with mental health.”
