Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashla C.r.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I suppose I learn best by example; being present in the various music scenes of Los Angeles has taught me most of what I know when it comes to musicianship, taste, performance, and production. It’s an ever-present teacher, if you remain open to its changing state and allow yourself to move with it organically.
I wouldn’t have sped up the process if given the opportunity to. There should be an emphasis on patience, it’s a powerful tool. Sit with what you are doing, let it evolve.
Ashla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Ashla, and I am the front woman of art-folk band Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit. We craft lush folktales out of instruments, on a search for the sound of a mystic 21st century.
We found our way here through different backgrounds doom-metal, jazz, classical, punk, and indie musical projects. Together we creep back in time towards traditional American aesthetics. The project is comprised of acoustic guitar, mandolin, viola, synth, bass, and drums.
Our debut single “Meadowlands” from our forthcoming mini-album One Thousand Flowers Pressed in the Book of Hands is a meditation on Transcendentalism. The song is lyrically inspired by Walt Whitman and Søren Kierkegaard, enveloped in a sonic tapestry of finger-picked guitar, haunting bass, and shimmering drums. It points toward a future of hope. It points to you, to join us!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Creating accessible, free-form “third spaces” for artists is the key to supporting artist communities. DIY venues and performance spaces pop up across the city of LA in a number of ways — I’ve seen punk shows in after-hours churches, baseball fields, parking lots, and laundromats. While these unconventional venues are a-rockin’, there would be a considerable uplifting of artist communities if independent venues were invested in and kept alive. All this to say – find your local, DIY venue and buy a ticket!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“Buddhist Bubblegum: Esotericism in the Creative Process of Arthur Russell” by Matt Marble massively expanded my perception of music composition and production. Arthur Russell’s Buddhist and musical philosophy blend in an intricate and inspiring way – his work acting as a mantric prayer and pop anthem simultaneously. I see music making and spiritual devotion as one and the same after reading this book.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Portrait: Melissa Niles
Live shots: Jane Shin