We were lucky to catch up with Asha Iwanowicz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Asha, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started with piano lessons at a young age, and once I had a fairly good grasp on music theory and chords, I started playing guitar and writing songs. I was about 15 years old when I decided I wanted to be a film composer and I have been working towards that goal ever since then. I’ve spent years honing my skills, I studied music in college, got a degree in music composition and technology, and I’ve been working in the ad music world for years. This is important because it has taught me how to produce music quickly and efficiently in all sorts of styles. I like to pick up new instruments from all over the world, whether acoustic or digital, and figure out ways to use them in my work. I spend time on YouTube learning new techniques so I can expand my sonic world. Also, a lot of my time is spent experimenting with sounds and making weird stuff with some trial and error. Sometimes I can make something really cool just by recording something like my voice or an instrument and editing the sound in unique ways to create something new. This was such an important part of what I learned from my professors in college and it’s a skill I still use today. One thing I appreciate about music is that although theory-wise music hasn’t really changed in a long time, using computers, synths and other methods can make music sonically limitless.

Asha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

By day I am a jack of all trades composer and producer. I make music for advertising, podcasts, films, you name it. I don’t feel like I have one particular style that I can categorize, but I also love learning about all kinds of music so I never limit myself. People have hired me for all sorts of projects, and I play many instruments and sing so every new thing I learn is a benefit to me and my clients. If I had to describe my work, I would say most music I make is slightly outside the box and it’s what I’m known for. I fell into doing ad music when I moved to New York City, and have been doing it ever since. But that’s not what I want to be remembered for. I also independently release music and would love to be more known for my songwriting. It’s where I can truly express myself. My proudest work are all the albums and EPs I have self-produced. They are a true reflection of me and my abilities.
What I want people to know is that I put so much effort and love into everything I do. I am a perfectionist and I hold myself to a very high standard. I think that is why I’m as successful as I have been.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of what I do is having people tell me that my songs are relatable and that they actively listen to my music. Not just once and then never hear it again, but to put a song of mine on a playlist and listen when they’re feeling sad or when they want to feel a certain way. As an artist I don’t think there is a higher compliment. For the first time this year I released music that people hear and actually sing back to me, they know the words to my songs and that is truly something special. I’m about to release a new album called Magic, and people have told me they are excited for it and that’s never happened to me before, so that is already a reward in and of itself.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is always to create music that makes people stop what they are doing to pay attention. I don’t want to make background music. I want my music to make a statement, to make people feel things, to open their ears to a sonic world and instantly recognize that it’s me. I don’t want to sound like anyone else and I will spend my whole life trying to accomplish this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashamakesmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashamakesmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshaMakesMusic
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/asha-iwanowicz-04920431
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashamakesmusic