We were lucky to catch up with Ashton John recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashton , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to be a performer was when I about 5 years old. When I was young, I would spend my summers in Maryland at a campground. Every summer the campground held a talent show/lipsync for the campers. My family always heavily participated in the show as my grandmother was the activities director for the campground. This particularly year, the lion king was very popular, so we decided on a lip sync of “I just can’t wait to be king” where I would get to play simba. My grandmother hand sewed my lion costume and helped me learn all my dance moves. It was the first time I performed in front of a crowd, and from then on it was what I knew I wanted to do forever.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always felt I was, meant to be a performer for as long as I can remember being able to make sound. Entertaining a crowd has always felt like home to me. In high school, I studied music, participated in choir, and I loved performing in the plays and musicals that my school would put on. I was fortunate to have a slew of wonderful arts teachers who truly helped fuel my passion for music and the stage. I also began playing guitar and writing music around this time. After high school I moved to Philadelphia to pursue a BFA in acting at The University of the Arts. Unfortunately after two semesters of school, I suffered some personal turmoil that led to me being forced to drop out but also led to me to picking up my guitar. I began to write and play more and rediscovered my passion for music. I started seeking out open mics and signing up at every chance I got. Any stage that would have me, I was there, even if I had to use a fake id to sneak into the bar (I was only 20 then).
But after years of grinding, I began getting offered gigs, which led to more gigs, and then eventually to paid gigs.
I learned that playing covers was the way to make a living so that’s where I drew my focus. That landed me the opportunity to join a very reputable wedding band, which is what I do now full time along-side performing solo.
I think what people may enjoy most about my performances is the unique quality I try to bring to playing cover songs. I like to play popular tunes both old and new, but I also try to play them in a way that feels fresh. Familiar enough to recognize the song, but different enough to enjoy it from a new perspective.
I am very grateful for the privilege to be able do the thing I love most for a living. My goal is always to provide a positive, high energy, and entertaining experience for anyone I am performing for.

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

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom it grants me. I am fortunate to work nights which allows me to be able to spend every day and most evenings with my children. I’m grateful to have been able to achieve a level in my art that allows me to support my family as well as spend time with them.

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

I have found that best method for building organic followers is consistent posting combined with physical self promotion. If you are in an art form where you have a lot of interfacing, like my work; having a banner, QR code, or just ANY kind of physical representation of your social media is huge plus in your potential to build followers. People are far more likely to give you a follow, like, or listen if there’s an easy link that their phone can take them right to.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonjohnmusic?igsh=aDFnYWU5em1vZzZi&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ashtonjohnmusic
• Soundcloud: https://SoundCloud.com/AshtonJohnmusic

Image Credits

Shawna Rose @snapbugg