American Songwriter recently partnered with Artist For Artist for its annual VIP Promotion, sending one lucky winner from our contests to Austin, TX to get the full VIP treatment across SXSW Music Week.
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Ainae was selected as the winner for her song, “Weekend Lover.” She will attend all Artist For Artist events in style, starting with Take Action x SXSW at Mohawk & Empire and The Fiji House at The Belmont.
American Songwriter caught up with her to get the story behind her song.
How long have you been songwriting?
11 years
Why did you enter American Songwriter’s VIP EXPERIENCE Promotion?
Something kept telling me I needed to be at SXSW this year. I even looked into volunteering, but honestly, the costs were holding me back. When I saw this contest promotion last week, it felt like perfect timing. I took a chance and submitted my song, trying not to overthink it.
What does this opportunity mean to you and your career?
This means everything to me right now. The past year has been transformative – creating music between Norway and DC, evolving my sound and pushing my own creative boundaries. I had my eyes set on being at SXSW this year, but honestly didn’t think it would happen. Then finding out I won the day before my birthday? That kind of blessing feels like a divine reminder to keep going. ‘Weekend Lover’ is the first of many songs off my upcoming EP, and seeing it connect with people in such a meaningful way feels surreal. SXSW represents this incredible next step – a space where artists come together to push boundaries and share their vision. This feels like the perfect moment to share what’s next.
What was the inspiration behind your song “Weekend Lover”?
‘Weekend Lover’ came from this realization that I was putting so much pressure on every decision in life to be permanent and perfect. I started embracing the beauty in temporary moments – whether it’s a connection, a feeling, or a choice. Working with Saint Ciré, we created this cinematic world where you can escape the weight of everyday life and fall into pure fantasy. The production is atmospheric and warm, like those movie scenes where the main character finally lets go and just lives in the moment. It’s both a club anthem and an invitation to be present – to dance, to feel, to connect, without worrying about what comes next. The song celebrates those fleeting moments that might only last a weekend but stay with you forever. It’s about giving yourself permission to just be, to explore, to feel alive without the pressure of permanence.
Are you planning to release any new music this year?
‘Weekend Lover’ is just the beginning – it’s the first single from my upcoming EP, and there’s so much more music coming throughout the year. Each song feels like a different piece of my story, and I can’t wait to share them all.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?
I grew up inspired by artists who transform the ordinary into something extraordinary – Amy Winehouse, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jamiroquai, Steve Lacy, Victoria Monét, and Frank Ocean. Each of them sees the world in such a unique way – taking everyday moments and showing us angles we never thought to look for. Steve Lacy’s work on Ravyn Lenae’s ‘Crush’ EP showed me how production and storytelling can create these intimate sonic worlds with only a few elements. Victoria Monét’s evolution from songwriter to artist proves how powerful it is when you stay true to your vision. What draws me to all these artists is how they take everyday moments and paint them in ways that make you see life differently – whether it’s Frank Ocean’s vivid metaphors, Ms. Lauryn Hill’s raw honesty, or Amy Winehouse’s unapologetic storytelling. They challenge me to dig deeper and find new angles in my own storytelling.
What would you tell other artists who are considering entering the contest?
Put yourself out there! You never know where it will take you. Since attending LIMPI in Norway, I’ve realized we owe it to ourselves to get out of our comfort zone and just go after things – even if it’s as simple as pitching your songs to a songwriting contest. You never know which opportunity will be the one that opens new doors. So take that chance – your music deserves to be heard.
Check out the winning song below:
Click Here to win two (2) round trip coach vouchers to Fiji provided by Fiji Airways in celebration of The Fiji House.
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