Ainslie Henderson
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| Ainslie Henderson | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | UK |
| Genre(s) | Acoustic, alternative, indie rock |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Label(s) | Mercury Records (2003) |
Ainslie Thomas Henderson, (born 28 January 1979, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK), is a Scottish singer/songwriter. He is best known for his appearance on the BBC's television programme Fame Academy and his subsequent top 5 UK single, "Keep Me A Secret". In 2006 he released his debut album independently.
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[edit] Fame Academy
In 2002, Henderson was chosen to appear in the first series of the BBC talent/reality show Fame Academy, and was initially one of the favourites to win. During his time at the Academy, he became known for his energetic performances as well as being a prolific songwriter. He wrote "Keep Me a Secret" with Malachi Cush and Sinéad Quinn and "Take Out Time" with Mark Hunter and Saul Davies of James, as well as co-writing "Lullaby" with Lemar Obika. All three tracks would later reach the top 5 in the UK singles chart, the latter two as B-sides. He was voted off the show in the penultimate week, coming 4th.
After his departure from the show, he was signed to Mercury and in March 2003 released a solo single of "Keep Me a Secret" with "Take Out Time" as the B-side, which entered the UK charts at number 5.
Henderson became increasingly unhappy with the direction his musical career was taking with Mercury. The label wanted to capitalise on the Fame Academy brand, so he was expected to appear on children's TV and regional radio stations to promote "Keep Me a Secret". He was also obliged to participate in the nationwide arena tour with his fellow contestants — although it kept the reality TV show brand alive, it pushed him further and further away from the audience he wanted to write for. The label was also unhappy with the tracks he had recorded for his debut album, which they deemed too "risqué" for a Fame Academy-type audience. In late 2003, before releasing the album or a second single, Henderson was dropped. Although he was allowed to retain the rights of the songs he had already written and recorded, they have never been released. He did, however, reveal one track, "Coming Up For Air", on his MySpace profile in 2006. This has since been released officially as a download only track.
[edit] Collaborations
Prior to Fame Academy, Henderson had been a member of rock band Surburbia with guitarist Peter Deane, Alasdair Crooks (bass), Chris Plews (guitar) and Simon Usher (drums). Forming in 1998, they had just secured a record deal with Los Angeles record company City of Angels when the label went bust, and although the band continued to perform together, they split in 2002. One of their songs, "Always", appears on the soundtrack of football simulation video game, FIFA 2004.
In 2004, he visited the US, collaborating with American singer/songwriter Jason Mraz and co-writing the song "Clockwatching" which appears on Mraz's album, Mr. A-Z.
Later that year, he returned to his home city of Edinburgh, joining rock band "The Last September" as guitarist and backing vocalist along with his friend Pete Deane from Suburbia. They performed in London and at several venues in Scotland. He left The Last September in 2005.
[edit] Debut album
After a three year break from his solo career, Henderson revealed new material to the public for the first time with the creation of a Myspace profile in early 2006, featuring new tracks "Day Trip" and "While They Wait". He performed a number of new songs whilst supporting Unkle Bob on several gigs around central Scotland in the following months. Henderson released his debut album, Growing Flowers By Candlelight, on July 15, 2006, on his own independent label Amphibian Husbandry.
Henderson supported the British band Marillion on two dates during their UK tour in May 2007.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Singles
"Keep Me A Secret" (Mercury, March 2003) #5 UK
[edit] Albums
"Growing Flowers By Candlelight" (Amphibian Husbandry, July 2006)
