Q&A: ASHY

Christchurch-based pop sensation ASHY is on the rise, with over a million streams across her tracks, a slot at Electric Avenue Festival and a dope new single “D.N.L. (Don’t Need Love)” produced by Liam Quinn (Ruel, Guy Sebastain, BOI).

She chats to us about the musical process behind her latest track, her upcoming music, the biggest takeaways from her career so far and more.

We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far from when you first started singing!

Sure thing! When I was 11, I started learning the guitar and I also was asked if I wanted to take singing lessons too and I thought, why not? I started writing songs at 13 and I was involved in a lot of singing and songwriting competitions during my high school years. One of the biggest being the second season of X Factor. I always knew I wanted to pursue a recording career full time so when I was 18 and first year out of high school I started writing, recording and navigating the music industry as an artist. 

Your new single “D.N.L. (Don’t Need Love)” is such an amazing pop banger! Can you tell us about the overall concept of this track?

Thank you so much! That means a lot. This track is about a person in the process of deciding to leave a relationship. I wanted to capture the moment when someone realises they’ve lost themselves in a relationship and the inner battle they have when they decide it’s time to put themselves first. I wanted the song to have a lot of heart and really focus on the individual but have an overall hopeful tone sonically. 

I hope people find comfort in this song and it helps people say what they need to say, whether that be to someone else or to themselves. Or just to have a wee dance party in your car, whichever! 

What were some of your main highlights working on this track?

It’s funny because this song came together very quickly, it just sort of happened in the moment and I really loved that. I was on a writing trip in Sydney working with my producer Liam Quinn and this was my last day. We had spent all morning trying to come up with something from scratch and nothing clicked. That was until we pulled out the guitar, and honestly the song was written so fast it was crazy. I always used to write with a guitar so I think my instincts just kicked in. 

It felt very natural to write this song, I was completely in my element as a songwriter and that was a major highlight for me. And of course getting to make a song in Sydney (one of my favourite cities) with such an incredible producer like Liam. 

We’re so excited to hear more of your music! What can you tell us about your upcoming tracks and will they be a similar sound to “D.N.L.”?

Yay! That’s a good question, I definitely have songs up my sleeve that exist in the “D.N.L.” realm but I also love to switch it up. I love making pop music so whatever I put out it will always be within that genre. I had a lot of fun with “D.N.L.” in terms of bringing out my songwriting & vocal ability and I’m excited to explore that a little more. 

Who are your biggest inspirations in music?

My biggest inspiration has always been Taylor Swift, I always get asked this and I never change my answer haha. My music is really different from hers but I love and respect her songwriting ability and work ethic. 

If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?

I would love to see more of an even playing field overall for positions and opportunities in the industry. There are so many amazing artists & producers that just need to be heard & considered. 

Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?

“Glowing” by alayna is a great song and she is an incredible artist & BENEE’s new track “Plain” is really cool. 

What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?

I actually just went on a trip to Wanaka and then Queenstown. I had never been to either place so it was nice to explore our own backyard, wow we are lucky to be living in such a beautiful place. I loved Wanaka! Also anyone that hasn’t been to Queenstown has to go eat at Fergburger, it’s amazing. 

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?

Be patient. 

It took me a while to adjust to this lesson, as you see people come up in the industry you assume it happens overnight but most of the time these artists have been pursuing it for years and working on their craft. It was important to be easier on myself and accept that I wasn’t going to achieve everything right away and this industry is a machine that is always moving, you’ve just got to be ready when the time comes. 

Take a risk. 

While I’ve been in the industry I’ve more often than not been steered away from taking risks and doing things unconventionally. But sometimes you’ve just got to jump in the deep end, whether that’s releasing a song that is super different for you or sending someone an email to get advice or meeting other people in the industry.

Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?

Be kind to yourself and to others & appreciate the small moments in life. 

Make sure to keep up with ASHY on Instagram (@ashy_music), Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music!