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Cape Town – Local songstress Ashlinn Gray is only 20 years old and she already has a string of hits under her belt.
Known for the ear-worm Battleships, this year also saw the release of the Coke Studio collaboration Need Your Love with Dr Bone and a new single titled Nineteen.
Ashlinn recently made the decision to move to the US at the end of the year for her music. We find out why she’s moving and what she’s up to until then.
Check it out below:
Hi Ashlinn how are you and what are you up to?
I am cool thanks for asking. I’m super busy getting ready for a show on the 12th at The Goodluck Bar as well as working on the new EP.
You’re relocating to the States at the end of the year, tell us a bit about your decision and how it came about?
I’ve decided to go record my new EP there for a while as well as start growing a fan base there. I’m planning some shows with my team there in LA. I’ve always wanted to work in territories other than South Africa and now that I have the opportunity to work a bit there, I am really excited! But that’s not to say I don't think South Africa is home— South Africa will always be my home.
What is your plan with your music once you’re in the States?
I’m hoping to release the new EP and start introducing SA and the world to a newer version of Ashlinn Gray. I’ve been working really hard on the new material and alongside that, I’ve been growing up and realising more and more what my message is and the story I want to share with everyone. This new music is hopefully going to be the next level of my career.
You’ve produced several hits and you’re only 20 years old - what inspires your music and how do you go about writing it?
When I write, it always comes from experiences or feelings I’m facing. There’s always a story within each song I write and often it comes from hardships I’ve gone through. I’m a strong believer that any challenge we face is for growth and I think a lot of my songs have had that as the inspiration. Songwriting usually takes place at my old, out of tune piano at home or with friends in studio. Usually chords come first, then melodies and the lyrics come at any time before, during or after that.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I have a lot of inspirational people I look up to. At the moment it’s a mixture between Lady Gaga, Julia Michaels and Lorde. They all have the special qualities I look up to. Authenticity, empowerment, work ethics as well as killer songwriting skills.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I’d love to write a song with Julia Michaels and work on a song with Twenty One Pilots.
What’s the one thing no one knows about you?
I’m a nerd at heart. I love working out the bill and tips when it comes to going out. I actually enjoy doing maths.
Where can people see you perform before you leave us?
I’m playing at the Goodluck Bar on the 12th of October and I’m planning a few more shows that I’ll be adding to my website as they’re confirmed.
*Catch Ashlinn at The Good Luck Bar this Thursday, 12 October. Click here for more details.
