Your songwriting is unique, can you reveal what your creative process is? How does your music come to life?

That’s a great question – and the answer is that it varies! A lot of times I’ll have a song “hook” that comes to me, sometimes with a melody behind it. Sometimes, it will be a chorus idea that comes first with a general melody with it. At times, I’ll just have a melody idea that I have to hum into my phone right away before I lose it! I also will have times where I have just lyrics that are written that I then will create a mood/melody and chords to go along with it. It really depends on the tune itself and where it’s leading me on that particular project. I like to keep it as spontaneous and in-the-moment as I can, as I truly feel like the best songs are born that way. In the middle of the night or in the middle of a class, or in the middle of a busy event or show. It always feels like a nice escape! 

Where do you find your inspiration?

Life! Things I’ve been through and experienced. Books, stories, things I’ve heard or noticed or observed, I find inspiration in my friends, family, and more. Feelings, vulnerability, and the truth that others shy away from – sometimes saying it in a song is a great way to get through it, and also a great way to connect to others. All of our battles may be vastly different as humans, but in a way our feelings are the same – we have all “been there” more times than one. Music heals us and can bring us closer as people. You are never truly “alone” in your feelings if you think about it!

Your journey officially began when, at only 13, you convinced your parents to allow you to set up shop on a street corner of Harvard Square in Cambridge where you performed with your guitar for the crowds gathered around you. If you could travel back in time, what would you say to that 13-year-old Ashley?

I would say: “Buckle up, you are in for a rough ride – but try to enjoy the “little moments,” ya know? the ones that don’t seem important at all. I’d tell myself to pay attention to all of it, take it all in. Because those small, “insignificant moments” that most forget, are the truly unforgettable beauty of your life and they will be the stories that become hope wrapped in inspiration. They will be funny anecdotes that you will someday share on stage with an audience who paid to see you play and hear you sing your stories. I’d also tell my younger self that the tough times to come that seem so bad while in the trenches trying to muddle through – that they will all be worth it, every second, every word – they will become the songs that helped you heal and triumph in ways that others will never understand. And last of all I’d tell myself that it’s all ok, you are going to be more than OK! Keep going, keep smiling, don’t let the world make you hard, stay loving, stay kind.

Not only do you have a great talent as a singer-songwriter, but you also have a big heart. Your non-profit Furever Luv raises awareness and funds for an important topic such as animal rescue. Can you tell us more about this initiative?

Thank you so much – you are too kind! I started my organization/non-profit for rescue dogs back in early 2018 after adopting my second pup Ranger. What A LOVING, ADORING, perfect little soul that he is!! There was a true need for a group that could help to support animal shelters that do not get financial aid or funding from state programs. Many of the shelters that we assist are grass-roots run/family-run rescues that have volunteers who work 3 other jobs and more and are helping these beautiful rescue pups out of the goodness of their hearts! Shelters are always getting new dogs coming in, even after adopted dogs go out – it’s a fast revolving door, and many dogs are abandoned and left behind at shelters or worse, the rescues have to go out to find these abandoned pups and bring them to safety at their rescue/shelters. Unfortunately, all of this takes a lot of time and money and for grass-roots shelters, they really need all the help/support they can get! Most are running thin on funds, donations/supplies, and more – and that’s where “Furever Luv” comes in. I collect all year long for several shelters, all kinds of donations from fundraising funds, to necessary medications, supplies, toys, towels, beds, food, blankets, cleaning supplies, you name it! We transport these items to our different area shelters and beyond throughout the state and out of state to help support the rescue dogs. We fill anywhere from 10-15 foot trucks full for each shelter that we support. All for the love of dogs, no paws left behind! I’m so grateful for all my volunteers that step up (from all over) to help support my organization Furever luv in reaching our goals and helping these beautiful rescue dogs in need. We hold events for fundraising and donations as well as collabs with local businesses to bring awareness and exposure to shelters and their dogs (and cats) who are looking for their “furever” homes and families! We try to spotlight these animals and help to support the shelters in finding suitable homes for pets through social media campaigns and more. I’m so grateful for the help and work we have been able to do so far!