Story Behind The Song

The big secret behind the song is that Ainsley is an only child. This was her first "Nashville Row Write" with seasoned songwriting pro's Kelly McKay and Steve Smentek from Vibe City Music. As an emerging performing artist, that began performing at the age of 7, Ainsley has struggled emotionally with the incredible compliment of "being the next Taylor Swift" But over the years her admiration and love for Taylor turned into a comparison game of how she could never live up to the successes of a world dominating superstar. In a twist on the idea that all of today's youth are struggling with the comparison game, be it internet influencers, or superstars, the internet has created a place where youth are unable to forge their own identities without comparing themselves and their own lives to those that are apparently "perfect" online. When Ainsley described the idea that she felt like Taylor's little sister, and could never live up to this powerhouse writing team developed this play on relationships that everyone can relate to. Even thought the song is called "Little Sister" it gaining traction on TikTok and other platforms as a universal message that resonate with blood sibling relationships or others that have strong role models to look up to, Just like Ainsley.

Song Description

In this song Ainsley Costello takes a broad stroke that delivers on exactly what it means to feel like you're fighting to break out of an older sibling's shadow (sisters or brothers can relate). In the age of the internet and social media, growing up under the influence of airbrushed models and influencers, younger generations are all too familiar with feeling overshadowed by someone considered bigger and better. Costello is firmly and confidently leaning into the new music she is creating as she diverts to a rock-edged pop. She is brilliant in melding the best aspects of country-style songwriting with rock and pop musical elements. With drums expertly setting a groove, paired with guitars that are enticing but not distracting or busy, "Little Sister" effortlessly unpacks the song's topic while being approachable for audiences of all ages. Dynamics such as these make rivalry the easy answer, but Ainsley is more interested in making her own mark rather than competing. Who says there's not enough room at the table for everyone? She brilliantly toes the line of yearning for success but striving to be her own person. Costello effortlessly glides through her range, crafting every nuance and inflection she can as she tells a relatable story that stands alongside classic tracks of teenage angst and reflection Ainsley Costello is stirring up a storm with "Little Sister" and it's no surprise that she has finally come into her own.

Lyrics

Big sister did you mean to make it hard on me
You're the favorite that everyone wants me to be
Same hair same eyes but I don't feel as bright
Walking in the shadow of your light

I wanna be like you
But in my own way
I wanna shine like you
But its hard to say

I wanna scream out at the top of my lungs and chase down who I can become
Not be some version of you
And If I fall flat right on my face
At least I know that it's my own mistakes
So when they look at the family picture
I won't just be the little sister

Big sister did you know you mean the world to me?
You paved the way and showed me where this life could lead
But did you know that when they look at me they just see you?
And I totally get it cause in the mirror I do too

I wanna be like you
But in my own way
I wanna shine like you
But its still hard to say

I wanna scream out at the top of my lungs and chase down who I can become
Not be some version of you
And If I fall flat right on my face
At least I know that it's my own mistakes
So when they look at the family picture
I won't just be the little sister

Big sister who'd you turn to
Big sister did you feel like I do
Big sister can you help me through it cause
Big sister who'd you turn to
Big sister dod you feel like I do
Big sister can you help me through it cause


I wanna scream out at the top of my lungs and chase down who I can become
Not be some version of you
And If I fall flat right on my face
At least I know that it's my own mistakes
So when they look at the family picture
I won't just be the little sister