Q&A: A New Voice in Alternative R&B, ASH Emerges From Cultural Crossroads
EMERGING FROM THE DYNAMIC CULTURAL INTERSECTIONS OF BEIJING AND NEW YORK CITY — alternative R&B artist ASH has made a striking entrance into the music scene with her debut single, “Infatuated.” This hauntingly beautiful track is set to leave a lasting impression, as it introduces listeners to ASH’s unique and innovative sound: a fusion of alternative R&B, rock, indie, and neo-soul. With “Infatuated,” ASH delivers a powerful and soul-stirring performance that not only captivates but also solidifies her position as a rising star in the music industry.
ASH’s debut is more than just a new song — it's the opening statement of a promising career that defies conventional genre boundaries. The first release from her upcoming EP, Holding Water, “Infatuated” showcases her exceptional talent in both musical composition and lyrical depth. The track delves into the emotional complexities of unrequited love and heartbreak, themes that are universal yet deeply personal. Through a blend of intricate production elements, including haunting harmonies, slick synths, and a resonant bass line, ASH creates a sound that is melancholic yet undeniably captivating. This emotional depth, paired with her genre-blending approach, positions ASH as a fresh and exciting voice in the alternative R&B landscape.
What sets ASH apart is her ability to merge her rich cultural heritage with her classical music education, crafting a sound that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly innovative. Her music transcends genre conventions, creating a distinctive sonic universe that feels entirely original. The seamless integration of R&B, rock, indie, and neo-soul influences in her work not only reflects her diverse background but also her artistic versatility. ASH's music videos further amplify this unique vision, serving as vivid visual extensions of her songs. Rendered in striking Technicolor, these videos transform her music into a cohesive artistic experience that engages both the ears and the eyes.
As ASH prepares to release her first full project, Holding Water, she is diligently creating a soundtrack that highlights her remarkable range as an artist. The EP, entirely composed, written, produced, and performed by ASH, promises to be a comprehensive display of her musical and visual artistry. This project is set to push the boundaries of what alternative R&B can be, offering a glimpse into the future of a genre that is continually evolving. With “Infatuated,” ASH has already made a powerful statement, one that heralds the arrival of a new and distinctive voice in contemporary music.
Continue reading below to find out more about ASH, her musical influences, the importance of songwriting, and what upcoming projects she has in the works.
LUNA: ASH, you’ve described your forthcoming debut project, Holding Water, as a culmination of your personal and musical journey. Can you share the inspiration behind the album and how it reflects your growth as an artist?
ASH: The inspiration behind Holding Water is my continuously evolving relationship with control and acceptance. Because it’s my first project, it especially holds a lot of my reflections on my adolescent experiences and the often overwhelming emotions that come with them. I wanted to reflect that kind of turbulence and moodiness artistically.
LUNA: Your debut single, “Infatuated,” explores complex emotions related to first love and heartbreak. Can you elaborate on the personal experiences or stories that influenced the songwriting for this track?
ASH: Everyone has their own experience of first love — mine was one where they were my first love but I wasn’t theirs. I’m sure those who have the same experience can relate, but it became about way more than just young love. That innocent experience became intertwined with feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness in knowing I’d never have the same importance to them that they had to me.
LUNA: With your unique blend of alternative R&B, bilingual lyricism, and electronic production, how did you develop your distinctive musical style? What were some of the key influences and experiences that shaped your sound?
ASH: Growing up overseas while being an internet kid definitely helped me form a very diverse, boundless, and experimental understanding of music. As I was listening to pop radio music from both China and the US, I was also simultaneously able to discover incredibly unique, genre-breaking artists online, like FKA Twigs and Frank Ocean. It introduced me to a kind of musical artistry that didn’t feel like it was about topping charts but about creating a really intimate, personal sound. I think this kind of freedom of sonic exploration that came with the internet along with a foundation of hearing music from different parts of the world hugely shaped the way I’ve explored my own style.
LUNA: You’ve mentioned a background in classical piano and self-taught skills in guitar, bass, and drums. How have these diverse musical skills contributed to your approach to songwriting and production for Holding Water?
ASH: I actually used to always feel inadequate in that I could dabble in several instruments but not feel motivated to master one. However, as I started producing and making my own music, I realized what I once thought were limitations was actually allowing me to create my own unique toolset that I could pull from. I realized not being masterful at any one thing allowed me to be way more connected to the sounds themselves because I was coming at these instruments with a childlike curiosity.
LUNA: Balancing traditional academics with your passion for music must have been challenging. How did your academic journey, including your time at Penn and The New School, influence your creative vision and artistic development?
ASH: I often felt quite aimless and uninspired in traditional academics, and though that was difficult, I’m very grateful for it because I needed to break through it to find my artistic voice and drive. My time at Penn gave me the foundational knowledge I needed — basic academic skills, but also in interpersonal relationships and self-discovery — that became crucial for my confidence in building my career, while my time at The New School allowed me to explore my music seriously for the first time within a structured space.
LUNA: You composed, wrote, produced, and performed Holding Water entirely on your own. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in taking on all these roles, and how did you overcome them?
ASH: I think the biggest challenge was honestly not overwhelming myself with how much I wanted to do and how much I didn’t know. I’m kind of a control freak when it comes to my art so I knew I wanted to do it all myself, but given I had such little experience, I had a constant task of grounding myself while making the music. I soon learned that the only way I felt better about the unknown was just keeping my head down and doing the tangible learning and exploring. As I continued to do that, I continued to develop more skills, and the more skills I became acquainted with, the more confident I became in my overall ability to figure things out.
LUNA: “Infatuated” has been described as moody and shimmering, with a powerful blend of sultry vocals and intricate production. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this track and how you achieved this specific sound?
ASH: My creative process is very much led by my intuition and emotions so I never know what exactly I plan to create until I’m inside the process. “Infatuated” all started with that heavy bassline that immediately evoked such a heavy, sinking feeling to me. From there it was about leaning into that emotion in each element of the production and writing until it felt like it had formed its own world to completion.
LUNA: Working with Grammy award–winning mixing engineer Jeff Ellis is a significant milestone. How did his involvement impact the final sound of Holding Water and your approach to the project?
ASH: I mentioned that I generally like to do everything myself, but a big part of the learning process was also knowing my limitations. The incredible opportunity I had to outsource my mixing to someone who really knows their stuff was one of the best decisions I could’ve made for the project. Jeff also works from a place of emotional intuition and he was able to tap into all the emotions I was trying to evoke in the project and bring them to life.
LUNA: You grew up in an international community in Beijing and later moved to New York City. How has your multicultural background influenced your music and lyrical themes?
ASH: I think my multicultural background in general gave me a really vast, open understanding of the world from a young age and having this as my artistic stage certainly influences the way I create my art. I’ve always felt that I was creating my music for audiences in China, the States, and everywhere in between, and I think that has certainly made me develop my sound in a way that emphasizes the energy and emotional atmosphere of the music in a way that is authentically and universally human.
LUNA: Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of your music career? Are there any particular artistic goals or new directions you’re excited to explore in upcoming projects?
ASH: I’ve described my first project as a very introductory project to me and my artistry, meaning it gives a palatable taste of all the different avenues and styles of my work. For my next project, I’ve been delving much deeper into my artistry and it has been incredibly fun for me to explore. I can’t wait to keep discovering more of my sound and to share a more vivid and fearless iteration of my world built on the foundation of this first project.
