Fran O’Hanlon acquired the name AJIMAL in the aftermath of being caught up in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. Whilst working at a field hospital during his medical studies, he found himself in the presence of an infamous former voodoo priest, from whom he would later derive the moniker.
From the age of 4, he began, somewhat begrudgingly, learning to play classical piano but veered away from this and only returned to the instrument in his early twenties. Leaning on electronic, classical and folk influences, AJIMAL’s second album, ‘As It Grows Dark / Light’, showcases captivating songwriting with intimate vocals that weave an otherworldly soundscape of electronica alongside his rich orchestral arrangements.
Hailing from Newcastle, Fran qualified as a doctor whilst recording his first album, Childhood. He continues to work as a doctor and specialises in palliative care. One of the winners of the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, he has supported the likes of Kathryn Joseph, Van Morrison, Lucy Rose, Loney Dear, James Vincent McMorrow, The 1975 and Nadine Shah, with a live show that encompasses elements of soaring grandeur and pin-drop intimacy.
“Exquisitely delicate, complex dream pop“ The Times
“Setting a new benchmark for sensitive pop.” The Line of Best Fit
“Touches of Bon Iver and Jeff Buckley ring true, however AJIMAL sculpts an illimitable soundscape that is entirely his own.” Crack in the Road
“Idiosyncratic, heart-wrenching songs.” NME