Ashaley is an independent psychedelic folk artist based in Los Angeles, CA. Her debut EP “Battle Lines” is a collaboration with award winning sound engineer Neil Baldock, with sounds ranging from classic country to psychedelic rock, indie folk, and roots Americana. After spending 8 years immersed in the Nashville music scene and touring internationally with the band The Lowry Sisters, Ashaley (Ashley Lowry) took her experiences with her back to her hometown of Los Angeles, teaming up with New Zealand’s top engineer, and New Zealand’s top musicians. A sound emerged that mixed Nashville’s songwriting craftsmanship with New Zealand’s progressive musicianship, and added Los Angeles’s sunshine and free spirit.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Ashaley: I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and decided to become a musician when I picked up my father’s 2 volume sheet music for The Beatles, and learned “Baby, You’re a Rich Man”.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Ashaley: I came up with the name Ashaley by taking my first name and combining it with the Sanskrit word Asha, which means truth and righteousness, an underlining theme in my music.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Ashaley: Online music sharing is a subjective issue. Since the beginning of recorded music, every new technology has made musicians fear it will take away their income. Instead of being mad at the new technology I try to evolve with it. I have my music available for free online right now at www.ashaley.com, in exchange for an email, or for a donation.
Exposed Vocals: 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?
Ashaley: ReverbNation.com has been helpful for booking. Opportunities for small local bands may seem bleak, but the opportunities are there if you put the focus on the business side of your career.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Ashaley: To me there are a few different phases in song writing. Some I have done all in one setting, some are a process that takes years. Inspiration comes when I am focusing on my emotions. I generally write by learning the melody and chords I hear in my head. Structuring the song is more of a conscious puzzle that comes less instantaneously. Sometimes I start with the lyrics, sometimes I do lyrics last. Lyrics are much more time consuming for me, and when i get stuck on lyrics I take the song to a lyricist. I love to cowrite with people who I feel comfortable with and our energies connect.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Ashaley:
www.ashaley.com
Bandcamp www.ashaley.bandcamp.com
Itunes
Spotify
Youtube
Soundcloud,
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Ashaley: I would invest into my business by funding my record label Princess Mother Records. I would spend the money on touring expenses, PR, creating markets locally and globally.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Ashaley: The best way to promote your music is to get it heard. Word of mouth is always the best advertising.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Ashaley: I’m very exciting to be performing at The Hotel Cafe Friday June 10th, at 8pm. It will be celebrating the release of my debut EP, “Battle Lines”. The entire process of creating this record was a dream come true. I’m proud to say that my vision was not only executed, but the people who were a part of creating it with me took it to another level that I couldn’t have even imagined.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Ashaley: I think in this stage of my career, and the stage of the readers of this blog, thinking of plan B’s is counter productive.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Ashaley: Balance is key, being focused is key. At the moment I keep my bills as low as possible, and work a flexible job. The time I’m not using to work to live, I invest into my music career.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Ashaley: My fans should look forward to my show on June 10th at 8pm at the Hotel Cafe, featuring the incredible musicians who played on the record. Also in 2016 fan’s should look forward to new recordings, tours, and being a part of helping us expose the music.