StreetWave Media presents an exclusive interview with Pop / Indie / Alternative artist, Emily Ashton located in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. After our interview, check out the music linked below…
What made you decide to jump into the music industry or music business?
My name is Emily Ashton, I’m an American Singer / Songwriter and I first began making music In 2020 during the COVID lockdown. However, it wouldn’t be until February of 2023 for me to release my debut single “Blue” with DK Records.
“Blue” and “As it Seems” were both released as leading single on my debut E.P (Extended Play) ‘The Archives’.
What do you think makes you stand out from all the other aspiring and upcoming artists in your genre of music?
Honestly, I just make music as a form of therapy. Creating and translating something from my brain that resonates with even just a few people around the world is enough for me to feel understood and not alone.
If you could collaborate with ANY artist/band… Who would you choose and why?
I’d have to collaborate with Mazzy Star because I’ve had the song “Fade Into You” on repeat for years now. It’s such a comforting sound and I would love to make something beautiful and ethereal together.
What do you think is your biggest Advantage and your biggest Disadvantage about being an Indie artist
The biggest advantage is being able to live a double life in a way. I can pour my heart and soul into music whenever I want, and walk around as a normal member of society. The biggest disadvantage is not being taken seriously in the music industry and arranging concerts / touring without a major label.
Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
I’m under the scope of DK Records right now. Which is perfect because I get to make what I want and send it in to be approved, copyrighted, and released. I really like working with DK Records right now because the control is really in my hands and I don’t have to put my name on anything I don’t feel certain about. In the future if it was ever a possibility I would definitely consider a major record label, only after I’ve paved my way a little in the industry.
Out of all the songs you’ve released, what do you think is your best song and why?
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is my most streamed song to date on Spotify, but “Home to Another One” is my personal favorite. Both songs are on my latest E.P. (Extended Play) ‘How’s it Gonna End?’ “Home to Another One” (h2ao) was so much fun to make and I love the way it sounds, I could play it on repeat and never get tired of it. ‘Home to Another One’ transports me back to a state of mind with a lot of conflicting emotions like doubt and wanting to be loved even if there wasn’t any reciprocation.
Do you miss the era of CD sales OR do you prefer the new wave of music streaming? Explain…
It’s a double edged sword because I would love to design a sick looking CD. But music streaming online allows me to reach a bunch of different corners of the world that perhaps wouldn’t be possible with a CD solely.
Between creating in the studio OR performing live on stage, which is your most enjoyable one and why?
I’ve had a few live performances so far in my career and I definitely prefer being able to connect with people and fans that love my music. Nothing feels better than hearing people recite lyrics I wrote while crying in my bedroom alone. It’s a win for everyone there, we are all heard for a moment.
During your entire journey through the music business, what would you consider your Worst experience?
The worst experience from the music industry is primarily the hate I receive online. Not everyone wants to be the next popstar or win a Grammy. At least for me it’s creating a time capsule of emotion that never fades. So it hurts incredibly deep to receive hate on a project I poured my heart into. Another thing would be comparison, especially if a new artist has a similar sound to an already established one. Sometimes I can get some crazy backlash from fandoms for drawing inspiration from their favorite artist.
What would you consider the most successful or proudest moment in your music career, so far?
I can’t choose between my last performance or what I’m currently working on right now. Both will be with me forever. The last time I was on stage the connection I had with the audience had me in tears for hours afterwards. I cannot express the gratitude I have for those who support me enough to show up and sing my songs, it’s really surreal.
If any, what discourages you the Most about music industry these days?
There are a lot of trends and it sometimes feels like if you don’t fit in a certain box then maybe you won’t go as far in your career as people in more mainstream genres.
What inspires you the Most about the music industry these days?
How people are beginning to branch out from mainstream music and create something that feels original/authentic to them.
. If you weren’t in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?
I kinda live two lives in a way. I attend university while pursuing music and I am completing a bachelors in science.
In your own opinion, what is the current music scene like in your local area?
There is a lot of rap local to me. I like switching things up with acoustic melodies that feel like nature or outer space. I love distinct and intergalactic sounds and really incorporated that on my newest E.P. ‘How’s it Gonna End’ in the leading single “When Did the World Stop Spinning?”
What is your latest release and where fans can find it?
After releasing my first E.P. ‘The Archives’ and receiving great feedback on the tracks “As it Seems”, “Blue”, and “Archive Surfing / The End” I knew that whatever came after that needed to be ten times better. ‘How’s it Gonna End?’ is by far my absolute favorite thing I’ve ever released. There are only three tracks and that’s because I wanted it to feel like it all flowed into each other for six minutes. There’s a beginning, middle, and end that circles back beautifully.
The opening track “When Did the World Stop Spinnin?” is an ode to my BPD ( Borderline Personality Disorder) which causes me to feel like the world has quite literally stopped spinning. It also tells the story of a toxic relationship from the middle to the end and how even after the relationship has ended, being left feeling stuck and unable to move on.
The second track “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” captures the feeling of heartbreak and wanting to deny its existence and forget all together. It recounts a time in my life where I met someone really special but the timing in life was off. My favorite line from it is “yet another wish resigned” because there are so many times throughout our lives where we have to let go of the thing we want most.
Lastly, “Home to Another One” tells the disappointing tale of circling back to the beginning and caving in when you least expect it. “Home to Another One” creates a capsule for out of character actions. Actions made in the face of loneliness, new lows and regret. The end of “Home to Another One” is what makes it so special. It seals off with acceptance of the end, finally able to reminisce in peace and treasure memories for what they are worth.
What is on your agenda or what can fans expect to see from you in 2024?
I truly cannot wait for what 2024 has in store. I am currently working on a debut album and already have the track-list together. Right now there are 20 tracks. What I can say about the upcoming album is that towards the end of the track-list there will be a “Blue Pt. 2” and a full version of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” In the first half of 2024, I will be doing a few media appearances while finishing up my debut album. As far as the rest of 2024, we are aiming to arrange multiple live performances!
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