Culture
22 Jun 20

Irish Women in Harmony for Safe Ireland: Aimée discusses growing up as a musician in Ireland

"When women come together and help each other, magic happens."

Burgeoning pop star Aimée has made a name for herself by sprinkling single releases across 2019 and 2020. Without the release of an album, it's remarkable that Aimée has the kind of fanbase she's garnered –e but we are living in the Internet age and 'going viral' can happen in less than 24 hours. As such, the young Dubliner has amassed millions of streams in an astonishingly short period.

"As a kid, I would mostly look to American female artists, thinking you had to live in America to 'make it' as an artist," she says. "But I'll never forget hearing Dolores' voice on the radio, singing 'Linger', when I was 5 or 6. I asked my Mam about her. I was so amazed to hear that it was an Irish woman singing, and that really inspired me."

Dolores O'Riordan left a searing impression on a young Aimée, who would go on to craft relentlessly catchy, wonderfully crafted feminist pop tunes like 'Don't Call Me Pretty' and 'Break Me', an emotional track about dealing with anxiety.

"I was so honoured to be considered for something so special like this," Aimée beams. "I have always been a huge advocate for women coming together and supporting one another. I knew before we even started that it would be magical, and then when I heard it would aid Safe Ireland, I was extremely excited to be involved."

During COVID-19, domestic violence centres have seen an alarming spike in calls from women in frightening home situations. Charities like Safe Ireland are more crucial than ever, Aimée notes, "because it's important for people who find themselves in this kind of domestic situation to know that there are ways to get help and get out of the situation.

"We just want to get the message out to everyone (especially those in scary situations at home) that they are not alone. They have support...we as Irish female artists want to show that when we come together and help each other, magic happens."