California native Ashley Reed releases her highly anticipated second single, "Waves." She was developing a passion for various genres at a young age from her family's radio station in the High Desert of California. She also began developing her foundations as a singer and started writing her songs early on in her life.
Her latest release, "Waves," is truly a treat to the ears. "Waves" introduces listeners to Reed's rich, soulful, and impressive vocal abilities. This track showcases Reed's passion for beautiful melodies and atmospheric arrangement. "Waves" opens with a soft, smooth electric guitar quickly establishes a mid-tempo Pop beat over spacious drum breaks that not only draws listeners in but captivates them for the entire song.
This slick production fused with Reed's authentic and vulnerable lyrics allows listeners to easily relate to her powerful message of not getting lost in someone/something. Featuring bold lyrics such as "I thought if I pushed back the tide, I wouldn't drown in your waves," "these waves crush my soul no longer consumed," and her catchy chorus lyrics "Never gonna be I don't wanna be never gonna be you" further proves her ability and strength as not only a songwriter but also a storyteller.
This track is a brilliant artistic expression leaving an emotional impact on fans as Reed dives deep into telling her truth. "Waves" raises the bar for Reed herself and puts her into an elevated category of artists. Her dedication to being bold and authentic to herself as an artist has made her one to watch for.
Congratulations on the release of "Waves," could you tell us more about the initial inspiration behind the track?
Thank you! Initially, I put together a playlist of songs I was liking at the moment. Songs that gave me a certain feeling that I couldn't quite figure out. Just to give me inspiration for a certain sound that I was looking for. I came up with the first verse the night before I went into the studio. Then in studio, my producer Christopher "C-Ray" Roberts built around that verse and melody and that set the tone for the rest of the song.
You mentioned that your love for music was born on your family's radio station. Could you tell us how growing up in that environment has changed you as an artist? Has it affected the way you create music today?
I feel like I was very lucky growing up in my family's radio station. I was exposed to all different genres of music. Classic rock, pop, R&B, Motown, etc.
Having that as a young age was key for my ability to jump into different genres of music. It also solidified my taste in music. I liked what I liked and I didn't care what people thought. I have a wide range of tastes from Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, and NSYNC to Evanescence, Fiona Apple, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. I even like some country music. I learned all that early on and it has shaped me as an artist. I am me and I create what I create; unapologetically.
It seems that music has always been part of your life. When did you know you wanted to pursue it as a career?
I've known I wanted to pursue it as a career as long as I can remember. I would write songs and poems in elementary school and try and put together little singing groups with my friends or cousins. Then I tried working with musicians as I got older, even tried being in a band. They always fell through but I kept pushing along and now I'm here.
We found ourselves captivated by your unique sound. When recording “Waves” what was the creative direction for the ultimate feeling and message you wanted to deliver to your audience?
2020 basically left us in this extended time of reflection. That's how it was for me. A time to reflect on past hurts, and unresolved feelings. Being overwhelmed with those feelings day today because that's all that was in front of you. Writing this song was more therapeutic than anything. But as the song evolved it became more subjective and relatable to the audience. It was even pointed out to me how "Waves" could be about dealing with someone else's addictions. The beauty of music right?
2020 has been a challenging year for most, what has kept you inspired throughout the year? What can listeners anticipate to hear next from you?
I find it easier to write when I'm going through hard times anyway. I get a lot inspiration from those deep feelings. This year has just been more fuel to my fire. There was a feeling of urgency though. I needed to get these thoughts and feelings out of my head so I wasn't drowning in them.
I was being forced to sit still and have even more time to just create and figure out what I want my next single to be or the next several singles. I was inspired by the different possibilities and directions I could take myself. I don't like putting myself in a box creatively.
My next single is a continuation of that self-reflection. It was a song I started before the pandemic and then I finished it in the middle of the pandemic. It's very personal, raw and full of emotion. It's about dealing with depression and what triggers you. A song I feel everyone can relate to at this point even in some small way. The most important message though is that there's a silver lining. There's always hope. I felt that in itself was important to deliver to my audience.