Australian folk songwriter Ernest Aines has announced his new single, “Just Once”, which arrives on the 23rdMay. Aines will also embark upon his fourth tour of the UK this May and June.
“Just Once” is a song about unseen love – the ache of standing in the background while someone you love is mesmerised by their own reflection. It captures the quiet desperation of wanting to be chosen, just once.
With raw vulnerability, the lyrics explore emotional distance, the longing to feel deeply connected, and the frustration of carrying the weight of love alone. From the haunting line, “You’re an anaesthetist – what a waste without love if I don’t feel it,” to the repeated plea, “I can’t do it all by myself,” this track is a slow-burning confession of invisible devotion and unreciprocated hope.
Aines returns to the UK for his fourth tour in just 18 months this spring. Known for his spellbinding voice, intricate guitar work, and emotionally rich songwriting, Ernest has been steadily building a devoted following across the country. This tour will take him to some of the UK’s most atmospheric venues – from churches to concert halls – perfectly suited to his intimate, soul-stirring performances.
A highlight of this tour will be a performance at Cardiff’s beautiful concert hall, as well as returning to Liverpool, where he’s been warmly embraced by local audiences. The BBC has once again invited him to perform live, this time in their own performance space. Following sold-out shows in Sheffield and Oxford on his last visit, Ernest is excited to return with. A wave of new music.
His new single, “Just Once”, will be released early in the tour, giving UK audiences the first change to experience it live – along with more unreleased songs that shimmer with emotion and texture on his electric guitar.
About Ernest Aines
Ernest Aines, nominated for Australian Artist of the Year at the Folk Alliance Awards in both 2023 and 2024, is an award-winning Melbourne-based indie-folk singer-songwriter whose soulful voice, intricate fingerpicking, and emotive storytelling have drawn comparisons to the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Bon Iver and Nick Drake, while Americana UKlikened him to Paul Simon and Jeff Buckley.
Critical acclaim for his album ‘Spiral Bound’ solidified his status as a luminary in folk music, earning praise from critics for its lyricism and creativity. Ernest has played renowned stages, including the Folk Alliance International (FAI) and a special tribute show for The Library of Congress, where his performances left lasting impressions. Armed with only a guitar and a stomp box, he is a master of the stage.
Ernest’s three recent UK tours boasted sold-out venues and rave reviews, affirming his reputation as a captivating live performer. Americana UK praised his music for its delicate balance between introspection and exuberance, and a standing ovation in Liverpool led to a coveted BBC invitation to play live. Additionally, Ernest performed at the huge Cambridge Folk Festival, where he was quickly booked to play for the next season of Celtic Connections in Glasgow.
UK Live Dates
MAY
18th – The Dart Music Fest, Dartmouth
20th – Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth
22nd – St Mary’s Church, Bathwick
24th – The Deanery Theatre, Swindon
28th – SJE Arts, Oxford
31st – Concert Hall, Cardiff
JUNE
2nd – Main House, Birmingham
3rd – The Y, Leicester
5th – Victoria Hall, Bolton
6th – All Hallows, Liverpool
7th – Victoria Hall, Sheffield
10th – St Giles Camberwell, London
Tickets are available here.