Come out to Churchill’s at 8 pm Sunday, July 26 for the first annual Jitney Fundraising Concert. Get your tickets now here because this isn’t going to be an old fashioned PBS telethon. We’re looking to throw a great rock concert with many of the finest and most fun musicians South Florida has to offer.  Among the fantastic musicians playing is Ainara who hopped on to The Jitney to answer some of our questions.

How would you describe your music? Genre? Influences? Comparable bands?

Ainara: My music is the weekend trip you take with close friends after not seeing each other for a stretch of time. There a lot of storytelling, some tomfoolery, and honesty that comes closeness. I’ve been saying Americana when it comes to genres, but my background is heavily influenced by classic rock, classical music, and 90/2000’s alternative. I find myself getting comparisons to HAIM, Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, and Fleetwood Mac.

How has your sound evolved over time? Or the last couple of years?

My sound is more sure of itself. A lot of that developed more with time on the guitar. Once I started to live in the progression then I could really play with my melodies and explore more there. I also attribute collaborations to expanding my willingness to experiment and create something that may not be traditional, but still meaning.  

What can people expect from this particular performance?

As a duo performance, folks can expect some fun interplay between electric and acoustic guitars, songs that invite you to sing, and a couple quirky friends having a great time sharing a full project that’s taken over a year to complete.

How has Miami shaped your music? And who are some of your favorite local bands?

Miami is like a record store in that, if you look hard enough, you’ll find most all music being performed. Mariachi, Cumbia, Miami Bass, Trip hop, Jazz, bluegrass, hardcore, singer-songwriter and more. All that to say, what Miami cares about is you doing something with your full heart and doing it well. We are a city where real recognizes real, and even then you’ll likely not hear applause, see a tip, or get people to stop talking at some venues. So you’ve gotta do what you love with your full heart, you’re the first listener. Local bands that I’ve been keeping up with is quite an extensive list: Tess Grey, Alexa and the Old Fashioneds, TWYN, VVILHELM, theLAB, Viloria, Homicide Jenny, Anemoia, Tremora, Eddy Gatoe, The Reverie, ABANDWAITINGONANAME, Juke, and it goes on.

What’s next after this show?

The album is getting mastered now, my cover artist just sent me an update of the work and planning the release! So that and maybe a little east coast exploration. 

Describe your music in three words.

Cinematic, fun, and earnest.

Finish this sentence: “The Miami music scene is __________.”

blooming!