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Interview with
ASHLEY ELLE

(31st May 2023)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the song writing bug?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a musician. The seven, eight-year-old me would fall asleep at night dreaming about performing my own original music. After I learned how to play the piano and guitar, I got into the world of songwriting. I wrote my first song when I was in sixth grade with my best friend. We were messing around at my piano and started writing. I would sing the melody and she would harmonize. I think I still have it somewhere in my notes app. After that I started to fall more and more in love with the songwriting process.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
In all honesty, I am still trying to find my sound. The new music that is coming out this year is more my sound than ever, but I am always willing to try new sounds/styles. My music lives in the world of indie-pop, but then I also have super singer/songwriter songs as well. I hope fans will resonate with my music because of the story telling and authenticity behind the lyrics. I try to write songs about real, relatable topics, even if that means I have to be super vulnerable.

Which artists music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
Right now, I think the Eras Tour is super inspiring. My entire TikTok is full of Eras Tour content, and I am not mad about it. I think it is so amazing how people around my age got to grow up with Taylor Swift. I’m really hoping I get to go to the show when she’s in Los Angeles so I can experience that surreal moment. It must be so crazy having an entire arena, and thousands of fans camped out outside singing every line to every song back to you.

Your new single “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” is out! Describe its origin and evolution.
I had the opportunity to study abroad this past fall in London. Although it was an amazing experience it was also hard being away from my family in a foreign country. I started writing “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” the day I got home, reflecting on my experience. The story behind the song represents a time when I felt so much pressure and responsibility trying to deal with growing up and the challenges we face. I brought the verses and part of the chorus that I had to my producer Cazz, and he helped me finish the song. We recorded the final vocals back in February and now here we are!

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Is there an EP or Album on the drawing board?
My plan is to put out my first ever EP in the fall of 2023! I am a major perfectionist when it comes to my music. There have been plenty of times where I have changed a fully finished song or even rerecorded certain vocals. I am so lucky my friend, co-writer, and producer, Cazz Brindis just rolls with it haha. I also will sometimes write one of my favorite songs ever and listen to it on repeat, and then I’m like “this isn’t even that good, I could make it better.” I try to remind myself that just because I may be “over it”, it still has another life outside of my bedroom. That being said, the music I am creating now feels really good and authentic. So, if everything goes to plan and I don’t hyper fixate on every little detail, my EP will be out before 2023 ends!

Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I’m excited to consistently put out music this summer and really hoping I can play some live shows too!

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
This question is so hard! There are so many artists alive or dead that I would love to play with. I think right now I would have to choose Gracie Abrams. She was my anthem throughout my high school years and really still is. I honestly think a day doesn’t go by where I am not listening to or singing one of her songs. Although she is relatively new at performing, I think her shows are so intimate and inspiring!

What are your long-term aspirations as a music artist and how are you progressing towards them?
My long-term goal with music is just to create music that speaks to my soul. I hope my music will be able to help those who listen and inspire them as well! This year I am releasing a few singles and then an EP. I am also still writing and recording all the time, trying to make as much music as my heart desires. I plan to start playing shows and diving even further into my career this year!

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With that in mind, what piece of advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Something I am always telling myself is to just go for it. I find that when I start comparing myself to some of my favorite established artists, it can set me back mentally. When I am not trying to be like anyone else or mimic their sound, I feel super confident with my music. If you have a dream, you have to go for it, because you never know what might be just around the corner with some hard work and persistence.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
The best thing about performing is hearing my songs come to life. From writing alone in my bedroom to having a full band behind me is such a surreal experience. I also love when I can look out at the crowd and see people singing some of my lyrics. My career highlight so far was getting to sing with Sheryl Crow. Sheryl and my dad are friends and she kindly let me sing “The First Cut is the Deepest” with her at a party once. Such a crazy experience that I am so grateful for!

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers-
Favourite:
Album: right now, Good Riddance by Gracie Abrams!
Artist: Gracie Abrams or Lennon Stella
Movie: I honestly hate movies. I would much rather watch a TV show!
Place to Visit: I love Europe! Amsterdam was my favorite when I was abroad.
Food: strawberries because when I was five I loved Strawberry Shortcake
Drink: matcha, gives me the energy I need without having a crash like coffee
Tattoo: I have a cursive “JC” on my pinky with my sister. We shared bunk beds when we were little and right before we would fall asleep she would say “Ash?” and I’d say “yeah?” and she would say “just checking”. So now it’s our pinky promise to always check in with each other!

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Follow ASHLEY ELLE
Website – Instagram – YouTube – Tiktok

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Press Release 31st May 2023 (below)

ASHLEY ELLE
drops vulnerable new single
“Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” 

Indie Pop Artist Radiates Authenticity As She Reflects on Anxiety and Depression

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Emerging indie-pop artist Ashley Elle has released her latest single, “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy.” Mastering a level of connection that is seldom achieved through lyricism alone, “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” is a melodically beautiful quest to find some relief from the overwhelming experience of anxiety and depression while navigating through life. Near and dear to her heart, Ashley Elle wrote “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” when she “felt so much pressure and responsibility trying to deal with growing up and the challenges we face.” “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” is now available to stream on digital music platforms worldwide. 

“Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” was penned when Ashley Elle was moving back from living abroad in London and feeling overwhelmed by “struggling with the complexities of life.” Unguarded, comforting, and slightly haunting, the track urgently seeks relief from the overpowering experience of navigating life as a lost young adult.  With a catchy structure and repetition paired with a composition strongly reliant on guitar and piano, “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” feels reliable, reflecting the stability that Ashley Elle yearns for. Perfecting a sound as alluring and authentic as the lyrics, Ashley Elle has an ornate ability to connect with her fans in an intimate way, asking them, “Do you know this feeling?” Expressing desperation for connection, she enables her audience to feel seen as well. With a sense of familiarity and intimacy, listeners cannot help but feel as though Ashley Elle is a close friend, inviting them to seek solace and confide in one another. The song goes beyond emotional expression and allows the listener to feel as though they are trying to navigate through these feelings alongside Ashley. “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” was co-written and produced by Cazz Brindis and is the follow-up to her single “How Do You Stop Loving Someone?”

Ashley Elle was captivated by Taylor Swift’s music and creative artistry from a young age. It was this inspiration that led her to unearth her natural talent and love for music. Her musical journey started with the piano. Soon after, she taught herself to play the guitar. Through songwriting and vocal expression, Ashley Elle found a sense of comfort and emotional release. While initially modest about her undeniable talent, once her dad encouraged her to record in a studio, everything clicked into place. Through working with various producers and unleashing passionate dedication, Ashley Elle developed her addictively captivating sound. Her foremost objective is to connect with her audience, which is evident in the deeply resonant lyrics of her music. Although achieving such a connection often requires her to exhibit a level of vulnerability that can be intimidating, it also sets her apart, placing her in a league of her own. In 2019, her perseverance yielded results when she was signed to a publishing deal. 

Ashley Elle breaks emotional boundaries in “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy,” proving she stands in a class of her own. Radiating an aura of familiarity, she provides listeners with an invitation to work through deep emotional turmoil and not feel so alone. “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” is now available to stream and download on all digital platforms. Follow Ashley Elle’s musical journey and upcoming releases by following her on Instagram @AashleyElle and visiting her website at AshleyElleMusic.com. 

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AMNPLIFY – DB