With her stellar sense of style, gift of songwriting and her appreciation for all genres of music, Ashley will stand high above the rest. Ashley Loren has the potential to change the face of the music industry. And no, “That’s not what she said,” Office fans... it’s true. Read on about this week’s high heeled, magically babelicious artist.
So Ashley, how did it all begin for you?
Music has always been my escape. Despite my love of the art, I was a very shy child and while battling childhood illness, music became my release. I started in musical theater at the age of six, playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid. On stage I could temporarily exist in someone else’s reality and take on the life of anyone I chose. I was free. It may sound a bit cliché, but through the portrayal of other characters onstage, I was able to break out of my own shell and truly find myself. From a very young age, I was aware of what I wanted to do and I was fortunate to have my mom as my constant supporter. I studied piano at four years old, dabbled in guitar and had my first vocal lesson at twelve. By the age of 14, I was wholeheartedly committed to my path and my passion. My work ethic and dedication to my art has benefited me in so many ways. I will never stop dreaming.
Who were your mentors?
Growing up, I found inspiration in everything and anyone I came into contact with, especially those who followed their dreams and pursued their passion. Because of that admiration, I looked up to so many I worked with. Whether it was a celebrity who’s drive and ambition took them to the top, my cast-mates in community theater/musicals or the many teachers who played such an amazing role in my life, I made a point to learn something from everyone.
Who are your mentors now?
Through the years I have become a well-rounded artist as well as businesswoman, and I attribute that to my mom as well as my attorneys, teachers and my production/ product management “team”. Learning comes so easily when you are open to it, and every producer and writer I collaborate with has helped shape me as an artist.
What unique GFF celebs have you worked with so far?
Upon signing with Island Def Jam I have been blessed to work with Jazze Pha, Wynter Gordon, Crystal “Cri$tyle” Johnson, Babygirl, Rock City, B. Cox, Johnta Austin, Jerry Wonda, Redd Stylez, Ursula Yancy and many more… I am also greatly looking forward to working with Tricky Stewart for three weeks in August.
What is your proudest moment in the performing arts so far?
I truly believe in celebrating the little things as one day, you will look back and see how important they were in your journey. That being said, the proudest moment, the biggest moment, in my career thus far was signing a major label recording contract with Island Def Jam Music Group. Signing to a major label is everyone’s dream. It opens up so many doors that the typical up and coming artist is unable to open on their own.
What is “it” about singing that “gets you”?
EVERYTHING!!! With the arts on my side, I can be anyone I want to be. I can explore deeper parts of myself, and become a more open, dynamic part of the community.
Tell us about your American Idol story?
No one can deny that American Idol is a reality show machine that can make your career an overnight success. It was a great experience. I learned so much about what goes into creating such an enormously successful TV show!
What do you have to say to aspiring singers that will audition for AI?
Seize the day and go for it! Never, ever... be unprepared.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? What is THAT!? While I do enjoy relaxing at home, not a day goes by when I am not conducting business, practicing, on stage, or in the recording studio. I always keep myself busy musically. If I have an hour to myself, I’ll write a song or record a melody. You will get nowhere in this business if you don’t have the drive and work ethic to commit to the acquisition of your dreams, and because of that, I am on a constant grind.
What’s your inspiration?
My inspiration in life IS life! Life is too short to do anything other than what makes you happy and I am so blessed to be able to follow my dreams.
What are you currently working on? Any projects in the near future?
With Island Def Jam Music Group, I am currently working on my debut album. We are working on the marketing, and imaging for the project. It is a long process, but when done right, will be nothing short of successful and rewarding. A release date will be announced soon!!
You’re definitely a trendsetter with fashion, how do you put your outfits together for the stage? Do you have help?
Why thank you!! I definitely pride myself in my appearance. When you look great, you feel great, and you do your best work when you are confident about yourself and your look! An outfit can make or break a performance for me, and in this business, you ALWAYS have to be camera ready. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you hardly a day goes by where I am not wearing makeup and some heels! I am so incredibly lucky to have grown up with a mom who has a fantastic sense of style. I owe the majority of my fashion sense to her, and my curiosity for following (and breaking) the monthly fashion trends. For me it isn’t a complicated formula, I just use my “eye” to piece items together and create something that is hip and relevant, yet edgy enough to set me apart from the every day young woman, taking me to the so-called ‘artist’ statement level. My team at IDJ and I are working on finding a great stylist for my debut project, but until then, I do it on my own and I love it!.
What are some funny stories from your career you can share.
My friends always joke that for someone who wears heels on the daily, I am pretty freakin’ clumsy! Without fail, every time I get a pedicure I always stub my big toe within the week. I walk into walls and I am pretty impressed that I have not yet twisted an ankle.
What are your fave songs?
I have so many! They start with all the classics including Frank Sinatra, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. Natalie Cole’s version of “Song For You” will always be a favorite. I love Prince’s “Purple Rain” as well as an innumerable amount of Michael Jackson songs. I love the smooth sound of anything Luther Vandross, and the big ballads of Mariah, Whitney and Celine. There are times I blast country music or musical theater albums as I have an appreciation for so many types of music because of the impact they have had in shaping who I am today.
What are your fave driving songs?
I must say that recently I have been blasting my own album! I find that driving is a fantastic time to listen to my own music. It allows me the time and opportunity to step back, relax and enjoy the art we’re creating during the otherwise constant rush of my day. It also gives me the chance to take a cursory listen to my work and take notes on my likes and dislikes as well as ideas for the next time I get into the booth.
Share some Ashley Loren advice with our future gendance singers?
Always follow your dreams and never let anyone or anything stop you from doing what you love. There should never be a moment you find yourself unprepared. I live by these words from Sir Winston Churchill:
"To each there comes a time in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to their own talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour." - Sir Winston Churchill
Until then you can follow me on www.twitter.com/msashleyloren.
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