ESSENCE.com’s “New and Next” column spotlights the brightest new talents we think you should know. This week we meet eclectic singer, song writer and musician ASH whose debut EP, The Perfect EP, is out now.
If you had to describe yourself to someone by using other artists, what would you say?
Sara Bareilles and Erykah Badu.
What story are you telling with your music?
There aren’t many situations in life where the response can’t be love. Life is filled with so many twists and turns and can set us up to doubt, have fear, lose our cool and stop dreaming, however cutting off love and dreaming only cuts off our unique and individual gifts and journey’s we were given to offer the world. Life isn’t the easiest, but it’s definitely purposeful. That is our biggest gift and love carries us through.
Who would you say are your greatest influences?
Musically; Chaka Khan, Steve Perry from Journey, Babyface, Stevie Wonder, N’dambi, Janelle Monae and the list goes on. My lovely mother, every woman who became a sister of mine while attending Spelman College and every experience in life, all make up who I am, they are all my greatest influences.
What do you want a listener to walk away with?
I want listeners to walk away with happiness. I want them to enjoy the project. At the very least I want listeners to love deeper and dream a bit further.
Who or what would be on your all-time music playlist?
My all time music playlist would consist of: Steve Perry, Chaka Khan, ACEG (All Cows Eat Grass), St. Vincent, Stevie Wonder and a few others. There are so many amazing artists in the world.
Finish the sentence: My music is…
Special.