aimee bayles

Aimee bayles & the kicking horse

featuring Tristan Clark & Rob Ritchie

... is the newest project from New York City–based singer, songwriter, and recording artist Aimee Bayles. Formed with Canadian musicians Tristan Clark and Rob Ritchie, the trio brings together Bayles’ soulful, vocal-forward songwriting with Clark and Ritchie’s rich instrumental sensibilities, creating a sound rooted in folk tradition with a modern, cinematic edge. Their debut releases are planned for 2026, introducing a body of work shaped by Bayles’ southern upbringing, her classical training, and a lifelong reverence for storytellers like Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Dolly Parton, and Alison Krauss.

Originally from Virginia, Bayles grew up steeped in church music, learned folk guitar from her pastor father, and trained as an opera singer before emerging as a folk-leaning artist in New York. Her 2019 album ENOUGH traces the tension and beauty of life between her rural roots and the city, while her 2022 EP Flowers For Love And Loss offers an intimate exploration of grief, including two songs written after losing each of her parents.

Bayles has also released several Christmas singles—among them a collaboration with NYC folk artist Matt Sucich, an original with guitarist Seth Johnson, and her own “Tropical Christmas”—and performs regularly at venues throughout New York City.

Her work has been shaped by longtime collaborators including producer Kiyoshi Matsuyama; engineer, mixer, and mastering engineer Danielle Warman of Chiller Sound (Bruce Springsteen, Phish); and Grammy Award–winner Joe LaPorta of Sterling Sound (David Bowie). As she steps into this new chapter with Aimee Bayles & The Kicking Horse, Bayles continues to expand her voice as a songwriter grounded in story, soul, and place.

Flowers for love and loss

Available Everywhere

ENOUGH

Available Everywhere

BOOKINGS

The band can be reached for booking & other inquiries at aimee@aimeebayles.com

images by Drew Bordeaux