March 28, 2024

We have another amazing interview with talented Jen Ash. Jen was born in Lebanon but raised in France , and played professional basketball for many years until she decided to stop her career and moved to the US. 

“Basketball was my 1st passion and teached me hard work, disciple , respect , teamwork …. but i discovered music after and decided to follow my destiny with music . I moved to LA by myself without knowing anyone , such a crazy challenge … after bumping into closed door and rejection in the music industry I decided to get things done by myself, I’ve learned how to write and create music for myself …. it’s been a long journey with ups and down but i’m proud of what i have accomplished so far and I’m not finished…. I’m ready to reach the next level of my career and would love to share my music with the entire world.”

Lisa: Hello Jen! Your transition from a professional basketball player to creating music is very interesting but not uncommon. You say that being a professional athlete gives you a discipline, and we all know that a lot of artists lack in that field, and are more chaotic but very creative. Where do you find the balance between those two?

Jen Ash: I can be sometimes hard on myself coz I’m looking for something perfect … but Nothing is perfect and people are not looking for perfect but for emotions and songs that they can relate to… so I had to work on myself to let go… 

I’ve never been a chaotic person to be honest … I’m more focus on my goals and trying to find a way to take my music to a next level , I would say the chaotic part of me is when I go through bad experiences. I usually take it as an opportunity to share my pain and write a New song. 

Lisa: How do you describe your music to people?

Jen Ash: People often ask me what kind of music , What Gender ? I don’t wanna be stuck in one category , I wanna be free to explore different type of music , depend of my mood and my inspiration …. We don’t control our feelings and emotions so  I usually tell them that the best way to describe my music is probably to listen to it 🙂 Each song has a different vibe . 

Lisa: I really liked your song “I can’t breathe”. Where did you get inspiration to write it?

Jen Ash: I was at home , locked down like everyone else due to Covid , then George Floyd was Murdered … I couldn’t stay Quiet , it broke my heart to see how this country is treating the black community , in Europe I’ve never seen anything like that … I was Angry to see the hate , the violence , the racism etc … 

As an Artist our duty is to speak up …

Lisa: Describe your approach to recording. Do you have any special rituals to get yourself “into the zone”?

Jen Ash: Not Really , what I usually do , I write , record at home , listen to it 1000 times before I go to the studio, change some words tempo etc  , then when I get to the studio things can change as well , we share ideas , listen to each other ideas and make it work it’s a teamwork ! We want the song to be as Great as we can , so I have to stay open minded and listen to different ideas even if they are not the ones I had at the beginning . So I would say my approach to recording is to be flexible , open minded and let the music do the magic.

Lisa: What has been the most challenging after moving to LA?

Jen Ash: After Moving to LA , the most challenging aspect was to Find de confidence within myself … And even today sometime I have doubts and it’s ok but you can get the doubts and the fear get over your head. 

Lisa: Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Jen Ash:I’m fascinated by Ne-Yo. His style is unique !!! It would be a real blessing to work with him 

I just wish we can have more of his music , but since World of Dance he must have been too busy.

Lisa: What non-musical entities and ideas have impacted your music?

Jen Ash: It’s usually Life experience from other or myself that impact , inspire and Define my music. 

Lisa: At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

Jen Ash: I have some memories in my life that are related to specific songs , I want people to relate some parts of their life to my music … I wanna to tell them that they are not alone, that we all feel the same at some point. Music is the best way to tell people : “ I understand what your are going through and I’m with you “.

Lisa: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Jen Ash: We are in a social media Era where followers on Instagram are more valuable than talent. It breaks my heart to see so many talented artists that are not heard coz of theirs activity on social media and its a shame that this industry only care about money and not about developing artist. I grew up in the 90’s where Music had real lyrics … Now some of the big hits are for me not a good example for the People And I’m afraid of the influence of aggressive and non classy lyrics to The younger generation. 

Lisa: What are you working on right now, and what are your plans for the future?

Jen Ash: I try to bring the 90’s RNB back to life to be honest… we all miss it so much. I’m working on new songs , new music video … 

Music never stops … 

I’m looking forwards to be back on stage with the band after this pandemic is over. 

Plans for the future : Never give up , keep working hard until the entire world hears you 🙂 

 

Thank you!

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