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1. What inspired Ashleigh to pursue a career as a professional musician after experiencing major upheavals in her life?
Q1. When I was 13, I dreamed of becoming either a singer or a lawyer. As a child, I sang in an eisteddfod choir, and during my teens, I took piano lessons for a couple of years, paid for by my part-time job. Coming from a single-parent household without wealth, I was steered towards more practical pursuits. In my early 20s, I had graduated from university, escaped an awful relationship and a toxic job simultaneously, and was abandoned by my friends during this time of hardship. Subsequently, I found myself reevaluating my life. At one point I packed up and moved to Melbourne, an eclectic city known for its food, fashion and music.
I’ve always been a creative person, but suppressing that side of me during five years of work and intense study took its toll. I began to nurture my creativity again, starting with modelling, where I conceptualised, styled, and did my own hair and makeup. I then took a short acting course at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts and a classical singing course at the Victorian College of the Arts. It was during this time that I rediscovered my love for music. I took ad hoc singing lessons for several years and eventually resumed piano lessons a few years ago.
In 2022, I joined the Sing for Your Life program with Drs. Stefanie and Graham Anduri, and represented Australia in the World Championships of Performing Arts, earning two silver medals. Later that year, my world was shattered by my younger brother’s suicide, and I lost my voice for several weeks.
At the end of 2023, I was scouted by The Singers Company through some candid Instagram videos of me singing at home. This connection introduced me to the incredible Roy Hamilton III, who has been a significant source of encouragement. I currently take weekly piano lessons with Mike Rivett and singing lessons with opera singer Henry Pinder, continuously striving to improve my craft. I’m really excited to be releasing my first single, Phoenix.
2. How has Ashleigh’s early exposure to various music genres influenced her unique soulful singing style?
My early exposure to a wide range of music genres has profoundly influenced my unique soulful singing style. Growing up, I immersed myself in diverse musical experiences, from singing in a choir to learning piano and later exploring classical singing and acting. This foundation in classical music was particularly beneficial. At school, I encountered various styles, such as Baroque music, Gregorian chants, and musical theatre, the latter of which which I still enjoy today.
As a teenager, the chart-topping artists of the time, like Beyoncé, Usher, and Alicia Keys, made R&B a significant part of my musical landscape. Moreover, having a parent born in the late 1950s played a pivotal role in shaping my musical tastes, often playing music from that era, introducing me to iconic artists such as Fleetwood Mac and timeless classics like Carole King, which continue to inspire me today.
These varied influences have allowed me to blend elements of pop, soul, and R&B seamlessly into my music. This eclectic background has enriched my songwriting and performance, enabling me to convey deep emotions and connect with my audience on a personal level. The result is a distinctive sound that combines heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and a rich, dynamic vocal range.
3. Which artists have had the most significant impact on Ashleigh’s musical development and why?
Delta Goodrem: Growing up in Australia, Delta Goodrem’s emotional ballads and powerful pop songs were a constant inspiration. She released her debut single when I was 13. Her ability to weave personal experiences into her music, combined with her skills as a singer-songwriter and pianist, helped me find my unique voice. I was enthralled by her unique style and became inspired to take up the piano.
Alicia Keys: Alicia Keys’ blend of R&B, soul, and pop, along with her emotive performances and outstanding piano skills, has profoundly impacted my music. Her storytelling through lyrics inspired me to connect more deeply with my audience.
Joss Stone: Joss Stone’s soulful voice and authenticity showed me the power of being true to oneself. Her eclectic style encouraged me to explore and blend different genres, creating my own unique sound.
More recently, I have discovered Ekaterina Shelehova, whose versatile and expressive voice has captivated me. Her ability to improvise and create original melodies on the spot has been a fresh source of inspiration for my own music. She has the most incredible vocal range!
4. Please tell us more about the new music that will be coming out soon.
My debut single is called ‘Phoenix.’ The track is a blend of pop with soul/R&B influences (though some have suggested ‘indie’), and is due to be released on 29th November 2024.
“Phoenix” co-written by the amazing Christof Jennings and myself, combines ethereal melodies with powerful lyrics, telling a tale of rebirth and resilience. Written after a series of personal hardships, the song reflects my journey through adversity and rise from the ashes. With its captivating chorus and soulful beats, the single showcases my vocal prowess and knack for storytelling.
Produced by Roy Hamilton III of The Singer’s Company (grandson of legendary Roy Hamilton), ‘Phoenix’ is a testament to my creative vision. I have great plans (SPOILER ALERT) for a stunning music video with a Midsummer Night’s Dream vibe, featuring golden, sparkly visuals that echo the song’s theme of rising from the ashes.
“Phoenix is a powerful and heartfelt track representing my personal journey and I hope it resonates with listeners, inspiring them to embrace their own transformations.”
“Phoenix” will be available for streaming and download on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. You can follow me on social media @ashleighanneartist for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.
5. In what ways does Ashleigh showcase her technical capabilities and musical versatility during her live performances?
I demonstrate my vocal range by seamlessly transitioning between different registers, from powerful high notes to rich, deep lows. This versatility keeps the audience engaged and highlights my technical skill. My performances are not just about singing; they are about telling a story. I use emotive delivery to convey the emotions behind each song, making each performance unique and personal.
