Q&A: Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery Through Asha Jefferies' Ego Ride
BRISBANE’S INDIE-POP ANGEL Asha Jefferies, has captured hearts and minds with her latest musical endeavor, Ego Ride. This debut album represents a triumphant culmination of Jefferies' artistic evolution, offering a poignant reflection on themes of identity, growth, and the pursuit of authenticity. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, including Sheryl Crow, Elastica, and Tom Petty, Jefferies weaves a tapestry of sound that is as dynamic as it is heartfelt.
With Ego Ride, Jefferies invites listeners into a world of introspection and self-exploration. Each track serves as a chapter in her personal narrative, touching on moments of joy, heartbreak, and everything in between. From the grand piano echoes of "Stranger" to the pulsating rhythms of "Keep My Shit Together," Jefferies showcases her versatility as a songwriter and performer, effortlessly transitioning between moments of vulnerability and empowerment.
At the heart of Ego Ride lies a message of resilience and hope—a testament to Jefferies' unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. Through her music, she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery with honesty and grace, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of their own. As she continues to make waves both locally and internationally, Asha Jefferies stands as a shining example of the transformative power of music and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Read below to learn more about the making of the album and what’s next for Asha.
LUNA: Congratulations on the release of Ego Ride! Can you share how the previously released singles fit into the broader themes of the album?
JEFFERIES: Thank you so much! It feels really special to have the full body of work out. Overall, Ego Ride is a story about growth and celebrating it. The different singles all speak to moments of big and beautiful growing pains - ‘Cruise Control’ is about finding the confidence to communicate boundaries and ‘Baby Don’t Fight It’ is about learning how to accept and find peace within change.
LUNA: The album is described as a story of growth and opening. Can you share more about the creative process behind crafting this album and how it reflects your personal journey and experiences?
JEFFERIES: The creative process of making Ego Ride was so magical and fulfilling. The album came about from a big shift in my songwriting. I was in a space of processing a lot of life changes at the time, and started to use songwriting as a very honest way to console in everything. Writing so honestly with no agenda was incredibly freeing and inspired me to record these songs with the same intention. I wanted it to sound live and raw and I wanted recording to feel natural and easy. I think writing this album has taught me a lot about pursuing your happiness and the power of honesty.
LUNA: You've mentioned that Ego Ride is dedicated to your younger self. How did you draw from your past experiences and emotions to create a collection of songs that resonate with authenticity and vulnerability?
JEFFERIES: While making the album and entering a space where I started to feel so much hope and excitement for the future, it made me look back at younger versions of myself. One night after a rehearsal at the studio, I stayed back and played piano by myself. I had this overwhelming ‘pinch me’ moment, that a younger version of me would be so stoked. I was making an album with people that I loved and felt very grateful. I wanted a moment to speak with my younger self and say hey, things get BETTER. I guess it’s easy to feel stuck or like you’ll stay in a certain part of your life forever, but I think what I’m trying to say on this album is that life is always transforming in ways we never really know.
LUNA: The sound of Ego Ride shifts from indie pop to piano ballad to psychedelic indie rock to folktronica. How did you navigate this diverse sonic landscape while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the album?
JEFFERIES: The album was recorded over a 2 and a half year period so I think naturally overtime we seeked different sonic worlds. Something that Sam (who recorded/produced/mixed the record) said to me early on, was that it’s always going to sound like ‘you’ even if it’s in another genre. It inspired me to branch out and expand any limitations I had around the sonic ‘world’ we needed to stay in.
LUNA: You collaborated with Sam Cromack of Ball Park Music on the production and engineering of Ego Ride. Can you share more about your creative partnership and how it influenced the overall sound and direction of the album?
JEFFERIES: As someone that has been a fan of Ball Park Music since I was 13, it was very special making an album and getting to know Sam. He is an incredible songwriter, mentor and genuine music-lover. I found that working with a producer who is also a songwriter like Sam, made the recording approach very unique. He approached recording every song with so much care and empathy and was a massive studio hype - man, instilling so much belief in us as a band.
LUNA: Your music has been compared to acts like Angel Olsen, Big Thief, and Lucy Dacus. How do these artists influence your songwriting and musical style, and how do you strive to create a sound that is uniquely your own?
JEFFERIES: Songwriters like Angel, Adrienne and Lucy are so special to me because they capture a really raw essence of themselves. It inspires me to dig deeper and share from a similar space. I think striving for honesty in songwriting is the best approach to achieve authenticity.
LUNA: What are you most excited for listeners to experience when they hear the album in its entirety?
JEFFERIES: I know it sounds so plainly simple, but I’m just so excited for listeners to hear and absorb the bigger picture of Ego Ride. The highs and lows, the triumphs and losses, the tension and the release, the grit and the softness.
LUNA: You've received acclaim for your previous EP The Pinnacle and singles like "Tank Tops." How do you feel your music has evolved since then, and what can fans expect from this new chapter in your musical journey?
JEFFERIES: I think the biggest change or evolution in my music has been this sonic ‘together’ feeling. This album is so much about finding a community that you belong and feel safe in. Recording the album live in one room with my band created a very united and cohesive energy that I hadn’t felt before within making music. There are definitely more triumphant, band-led and euphoric moments on this album than past releases.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming season?
JEFFERIES: I’m craving adventure so much after our recent trip to the US for SXSW, and am so excited to head over to the UK and Europe next month! My intention for the upcoming season is to soak it all up and allow myself to be inspired.
