We caught up with LA artist, producer and singer-songwriter Asha following the release of the stunning ‘House With A View’
Over the last few years, LA-based artist, producer and songwriter Asha has been steadily establishing her distinctively poised brand of alternative pop that deftly incorporates elements of hip-hop, dark pop and world music to create a cocktail of sounds that feels uniquely her own, coated in the artist’s rousing sense of charisma and personality.
Later this year, the artist will release her new album Magic, and the first taste that we have of the new release comes in the form of her stunning new single ‘House With A View’. The track continues to shine a spotlight of the gentle power of Asha’s sound and her personable vocals and lyrics. There is a real sense of poignancy that permeates the sound throughout, both through the intricacy of the wonderfully crafted instrumental and the softness in the way that she delivers her words. ‘House With A View’ is an excellent advertisement for what is to come from the artist, and hints that the artist’s upcoming album may just be the catapult moment that we have been waiting for.
Who TF is Asha?
Asha is my solo project where I make whatever I want. No inhibitions. I’d say at this point Asha has become a character, a public version of me.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music since I was a kid, started songwriting very young, maybe around 11 or 12, and got fully invested in becoming a musician by the time I was 14. So over 20 years now.
Why do you make music?
I was made for it. It’s always been a release for me. I get upset about something so I write a song about it. I have a lot to say to the world and writing music is the most natural way for me to be able to express myself.
What are your biggest influences
I have a wide range of musical influences. Some of my biggest influences over the years have been Trent Reznor, Radiohead, Fiona Apple, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bjork. Recently I’ve gotten into a lot of old disco music, and I’m into artists like Jungle, Polo And Pan, and Charli XCX. But I also love Fleetwood Mac and Billie Holiday. I dig world music and hip hop. I’m inspired by bits and pieces of everything.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
I would say all the positive reviews of House With a View and the music video we created. It’s been wonderful becoming friends with people who want to support me and my dreams and help me achieve them. This is the most professional looking release I’ve ever had and it took a lot of help to get here.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
For this album I’d say it’s a bit of Lana Del Rey meets Radiohead meets Fleetwood Mac meets Death Cab for Cutie.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
My dream is to play a show where the crowd knows the words to my songs.
We love your new single ‘House With A View’, what more can you tell us about it?
‘House With A View’ is about a relationship I had with someone who I thought was going to be the person I created a life with, and grappling with the end of that relationship. It’s the song I wrote when I realized that I would rather create a life alone than be with someone who doesn’t deserve me, and that I don’t need anybody else to have the things I want for my future.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
A few more music videos and a full album release!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
I would say my friends, some people have told me they have this song on repeat right now, so I’m grateful for that!
