Fresh off a 20-date tour of the UK, Ainslie Wills and key collaborator Lawrence Folvig performed a stunning acoustic version of ‘Running Second’ live on Mornings with Alex Pye.

With her music fast-catching the attention of UK audiences, Ainslie discussed how surreal the whole experience has been, especially performing under the same roof as so many of her heroes at the London Palladium.  They delved into the quirks between Melbourne and Sydney audiences, especially in comparison to the crowds Ainslie encountered in the UK.

“In the UK, if they felt like they really enjoyed it they would come up afterwards and tell you and have a chat… I think that happens here too, but it was kind of overwhelmingly so over there.”

Beyond touring, Lawrence and Ainslie let us in on how they first started working together while studying jazz at VCA in Melbourne. Over the years, their early collaborative efforts have evolved into a writing partnership that’s become more and more involved and open as time has passed. It’s allowed Ainslie to focus her lyrics on themes that are more open to the listener, commentaries on the human condition that she hopes anyone can find cathartic.

On ‘Running Second’, Ainslie had this to say:

“I was inspired by my niece who is a really great swimmer, she was talking about trying to beat her personal best. The idea stuck in my head and I started playing a short musical representation that led, over years and years, to what ‘Running Second’ now is. What I want to write about is issues that affect everybody, and commentate on something, so people can hopefully feel some kind of catharsis through listening.”

Hear the full interview above, as well as Ainslie and Lawrence’s gorgeous rendition of ‘Running Second’ live in the studio.