How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
I had been a member of the Exposed Vocals free ‘matchmaking’ service for a few months – I saw an advert there and thought – why not?
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Hello, I’m Ash (stage name aschelle). I grew up in Brighton & Hove in England. It is a wonderful bohemian city and musos are like rats here – you are never more than 7ft away from one. I have been in bands since school – or a roadie so rock/pop music is always been something very natural to me. I don’t remember consciously thinking ‘I wanna be a pop/rock star’ but I have been writing songs since I was about 7 years old so I never really decided to be an artist. If I am an artist then that has chosen me (that sounds really pretentious but I hope people will get me!)
How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Well that’s an easy one. My full name is AShleigh CHristian LEck. (ASCHLE) so I just added the other E and L in my name and it became an anagram of my full name.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Yes I do give away my music for free sometimes. I love the fact that so many people are making music now.
It’s just work interferes with my making music (which I would love to do full time). Maybe instead of old fashioned record companies sponsors are the answer – (and I write you a couple of songs about your magnificent double-glazing twice a year!)
Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
SoundCloud is a good place to start. Build an audience by listening to other peoples songs and commenting on them – the other artist will usually return the favour. Also you never stop growing/evolving – it’s organic so just keep your ears open and a mind like a sponge.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I pretend I’m doing something a bit jazzy (which usually works since I normally play keyboards) so just keep smiling. Ooh those F#m 9ths…
Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
No I don’t tour at the moment. Just me on a keyboard would be dead boring. I would like the money to build a theatrical multimedia experience. That’s going to cost a pretty penny to do well so I’ll wait until I can afford it.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Actually – I am really lucky – I usually wake up from an intense dream with at least a riff in my head every couple of weeks. I play them to my friends to make sure I’m not stealing anybody’s tune but that’s always been a no. So I just dream music (don’t you just hate people who talk about their dreams)
Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
I use Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, Spotify and Exposed Vocals.- oh and ReverbNation (putting myself around a bit – it’s not tarty, that’s what you do if you’re unsigned to get maximum exposure).
What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
I don’t think any song is really embarrassing as you must have loved it at at least one time in your life. I’m a pretty eclectic listener so you’ll find anything there from the Carpenters to some really obscure folk song.
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I’d get ****faced for a week – then travel the world – looking for inspiration whether that is good or dark – and try and change the future where it is dark and where I possibly can.
Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
No I’m quite happy with my Sonar X3 Producer DAW. I tend to use virtual synths/effects.
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
That’s why I’m here – ahem. Usually giving a song away on Facebook really helps – just using a basic campaign. Also think about the audience you target. You may like JLo but are you or any of songs like her? Really?
If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
The Beatles on a roof somewhere. Just to say I did it.
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
“World War Zero” – my debut album is scheduled for Autumn 2014 so I’m concentrating fully on that at the moment. I’m not thinking about anything else until the record is released.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I work for the Carers’ Team at the Council – so probably that!
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
It was “Behaviour” by the Pet Shop Boys. The first time I listened to it I thought it was a bit weak compared to their earlier stuff. By the third play I fell in love with it and it is certainly one of my favourite records.
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I don’t very well. I am just thinking “finish two songs a month” for World War Zero LP and that’s it. Otherwise my head would explode.
What should fans look forward to for the rest of 2014 and beyond?
World War Zero Album (look out for surprises) – I had my first radio airplay this week, Released my first video today and have some killer ‘b’ sides lined up. If you are a fan of aschelle you will be entertained.
