Ainslie Allen tours new album Betty _{by Madelaine Empson}

Ainslie Allen has made huge waves in the country music scene throughout her storied career. Now, the 2018 NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year and seven-time finalist for the NZ Gold Guitar Awards 2019 has released her debut album Betty.

“From a young age I’ve had the privilege of being a professional in the music industry”, Allen explains. “I have mainly been hired to sing covers, although I have been writing songs for years. I feel it is time to share my own stories and sing my own songs.”

Two years in the making through COVID lockdowns, rescheduled tours, and even a newborn, Betty is finally out in the world. Of reaching this point and jumping over so many hurdles, Allen says “I’m so strong now, I’m very capable, resilient, and feel I can conquer anything that is handed to me”.

Betty replays stories and times throughout Allen’s life journey and is named after her nan, who passed away in 2015. She describes Betty as “stunning, stylish, honest, sharp, genuine, loving, hardworking, determined, generous, and one of the strongest women I have ever known”.

“I hold so many beautiful memories of my nan, and I wanted to honour her. Betty’s wairua is scattered throughout this album.”

Heading out onto the road this month, Allen will perform The Betty Tour at Carterton Events Centre on the 25^th and the Upper Hutt Cossie Club on the 27^th of February.