We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Page a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My love for singing began in elementary school, where I joined the choir for our two-day Christmas recital. I vividly remember blowing people’s minds with my solo of Kirk Franklin’s ‘Melodies from Heaven’ for 3rd grade chapel and being asked to perform for the High School Chapel the following week. My school also participated in annual state competitions, which led me to formal vocal training and daily lessons throughout middle school. These experiences became the foundation for my musical journey, which continued through school programs, church events, and family gatherings.
Interestingly, my musical pursuits took a backseat after high school as I focused on my dream of attending medical school. However, music remained a part of my life—I played guitar for fun, sang at my church, and even went on tour with my husband’s worship band during college. The pandemic, however, derailed my plans, and I found myself at a crossroads. Jokingly, my husband and I considered going on tour to fund medical school, but life happened. It wasn’t until I left my corporate job that I rediscovered my passion for music. An open mic night with a friend reignited my inspiration, and the following week, my husband and I decided to revive some old songs and perform. That decision changed everything.
Thanks to my husband’s invaluable guidance and expertise, I am grateful that I didn’t face many obstacles in my musical journey. As a well-known producer, engineer, and guitarist, he helped me navigate the industry and achieve remarkable milestones within my first year. I was able to headline my first show, perform at numerous events, and even garnered over 30,000 streams on my debut release. My greatest hurdle in pursuing music was battling imposter syndrome. Coming from a structured field with clear expectations and measures of success, I struggled to gauge my progress and worth within the less-defined world of music. As opportunities arose, I often questioned my place and abilities, despite my evident talent and achievements.
The quote that I live by is “God wastes nothing” and I found that the skills I acquired from my non-musical background gave me a unique edge in the industry. My diverse experiences as a scientist and business student allowed me to navigate the industry from a different perspective. This blend of creative and analytical thinking, I believe, has set me apart in a world where the lines between creatives and traditional workers are often starkly drawn.

Ashley, 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?

Hi friend, my name is ashford…
I am an alternative R&B singer-songwriter from Texas. As an Elder Emo, I strive to embrace vulnerability and poetic storytelling to create an unforgettable experience. I am passionate about creating introspective songs to share my experiences and resonate with listeners. I love blending elements from science and nature into my lyrics to add depth. My signature sound is comprised of lush textures, heavy basslines, and soulful melodies. I want to create a safe place for listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities, find healing, and make the world a better place. My debut single, ‘MOONWALK,’ released on April 30, 2024, showcases my distinct style, blending spacey, atmospheric vibes with my signature lo-fi sound, and highlighting my unique approach to alternative R&B music.
In addition to my recorded music, I provide unique and unforgettable live performances for special events. My performances can feature either a full band or an intimate acoustic set, with my husband accompanying me as my lead guitarist. Both options offer a captivating and memorable experience that showcases the depth and versatility of my music. My husband and I enjoy performing at events where we play covers of crowd favorites from some of our favorite artists, as well as worship sets for church events. As we like to say, “We play whatever pays us well!”
What sets me apart is my ability to blend my scientific background with my artistic talents, resulting in music that is both cerebral and emotive. Whether you’re listening to my recorded music or catching me live, my music is sure to leave you feeling moved and inspired. My husband’s experience as a skilled guitar player and our natural chemistry as a couple add an unmatched dynamic to our live performances. His outstanding ability to create a unique sound complements my own, without overshadowing the essence of my music, resulting in a beautifully harmonious and captivating experience for our audiences.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

To build a successful social media presence, it’s essential to identify and stay true to your niche while exploring various aspects of it. Engage with your potential audience by creating content that reflects your unique personality, interests, and experiences. Authenticity is key, people appreciate vulnerability and honesty. Share your stories, humor, and creative process to give your followers a deeper understanding of your art and its inspiration. Don’t overcomplicate things; focus on creating and sharing content that is meaningful to you. Most importantly, enjoy the process, and don’t be discouraged if growth seems slow at first. Consistency and persistence will pay off in the long run.
When I started my social media journey I had less than 100 followers on TikTok and managed to grow my following by 1000. By making content around my specific niche, I was able to engage with my followers about the complicated emotions and experiences behind my songwriting experience. Sometimes I felt like I was never going to get out of the “200s Jail” as TikTokers love to phrase it, but I stayed persistent, and my engagement started increasing. Your followers want to hear your humor, and experiences, and be a part of your journey any way they can. This allows them to connect with you and better understand the place your art comes from.
I posted a random reel about how I used to achieve “scene hair” by using a Gillette razor to cut my hair. That video is now at 545K views with multiple interactions from people with similar hilarious stories about growing up emo in different cultures and the shared experience of a botched haircut.
Just post the content, you never know who you are reaching with it:
• Pick a niche and stick to it.
• Engage with potential followers.
• Be authentic and true to yourself.
• Share your experiences and process.
• Don’t overthink your content.
• Focus on enjoying the process.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being an artist is such a joy! It’s been my constant companion through the good times and the bad, giving me an outlet to express myself and unpack complicated emotions. Plus, it’s brought me even closer to my husband and fueled my love for science and health. But the most rewarding part is knowing that my music can touch people’s lives and help them find healing. Even if it’s just two people, that’s what matters most. My mission is to spread happiness and healing, whether through medicine, music, or any other means. I have been privileged to meet some amazing people and make amazing friends both in person and across the World Wide Web. I’ve been blessed with a strong support system and am honored to be that to other people as well. And that’s what makes being an artist so special to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesthatroyalty/
• Other: Spotify:
  

  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alternative2what_