Emerging as one of the most captivating voices in contemporary music, ASH is redefining the alternative R&B scene with her unique artistic vision. Following the successful releases of her debut single, ‘Infatuated’, and sophomore track, ‘Reverse Psychology’, ASH is back with her highly anticipated seven-track EP, Holding Water. Seamlessly blending genres such as R&B, alternative, indie, rock, and neo-soul, the EP showcases ASH’s multi-faceted talent and expansive creative potential.
ASH’s music weaves elements from various genres, crafting a sound that is entirely her own. With, Holding Water, she continues to push boundaries, creating an immersive sonic experience that transcends traditional genre constraints.
Raised in the vibrant international community of Beijing, ASH’s journey to becoming an artist was shaped by her diverse upbringing. A classically trained pianist since the age of four, she later taught herself guitar, bass, and drums during her teenage years. Her love for music blossomed alongside her academic pursuits, leading her to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where she balanced her passion for the performing arts with academic excellence. After earning a scholarship to The New School in New York City to pursue a Master’s in Music, ASH fully immersed herself in the world of music production. It was during this time that the demo for, Holding Water, caught the attention of Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer Jeff Ellis, known for his work with Frank Ocean, Doja Cat, and Kali Uchis.
On the release of, Holding Water, ASH shares, “For my very first project, I wanted to reflect on some of my very first vividly emotional experiences in life. Beginning this project in 2020 came at a time when I was able to step back and tend to my soul the way I always needed to through music. I leaned into writing and producing to release old knots. Over these few years, the most potent lesson I learned was that letting go of my need for emotional agency was the only thing that could create space for the mental freedom I craved. Holding Water illustrates the moment in time where you can admire the reflection of the sky in your hands before the water inevitably falls away. The EP taps into my moody ponderings on transience and acceptance and I hope it fossilizes the confluences I’ve dwelled on so that you can venture all the paths I’ve taken to meet me here.”
With, Holding Water, ASH cements her place as a bold new voice in music, bringing a deeply personal, genre-defying project to listeners around the world. This EP is a testament to her limitless potential as a multi-hyphenate artist, and with her powerful storytelling and innovative sound, ASH is set to leave an indelible mark on the contemporary music landscape.
BEHIND THE TRACKS & ALL LYRICS
INTRO: A wading pool as you enter the world of, Holding Water.
Infatuated: An unrequited first love story. ASH sinks into the heaviness and devastation of being consumed by a desire for someone else.
Pearl: An introspective anthem on giving time and energy to your wants and needs above others. In this track, ASH leans into her unique electronic production style as she ventures through transcendent confrontations with self-assurance, desire, and freedom.
Blue Interlude: A poignant lullaby stuck in limbo between passion and dread. An emotional interlude as much as a structural one, this track evokes a sense of longing and melancholy that is so raw and universally human, even if only felt for a brief moment.
Reverse Psychology: A downpour of emotional release when finally leaving a repetitive cycle of turmoil. With an intoxicating beat, looped vocal harmonies, and delicate guitar, ASH reflects on the push and pull of energy between two people as they approach the final moments of their relationship.
These Clouds: A ponderance on gloomy days and how to create your own cocoon of comfort through them. Combining her usual vocal harmonies with softly tasteful instrumentation and a lush sax solo, ASH invites you into her space of relaxation and reflection.
Holding Water: A heartfelt reminder about trusting your creative intuition and letting go of the things that don’t define you. In this entirely a cappella track, ASH’s vocal prowess rings clear in its versatility as she pours out her hopes and fears, finding her identity through her writing.
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