Rising UK artist Asher Robinson AKA ASH-R joins us on the latest edition of Little Talk. The promising producer, from the heart of London’s east end, takes five ahead of his new release ‘Maureen’ on Frame Music to talk creative process, his pandemic experience and goals for the year ahead. It’s all below!
WWD: How are you, how has the last year been for you?
I’m doing great thanks! It’s been a mental rollercoaster. That’s one way to put it, haha. I’m staying optimistic about it all though, as it still was a great year for me music wise.
WWD: How and when and why did you first get into dance music?
I got into dance music when I was 18. Back in 2012 it was my friend’s birthday and he took me to Cargo in London for a random house night. I had no idea about raves or anything like that, so it was overwhelming experiencing such an atmosphere. Back then I was still listening to Big Sean & Lil Wayne, haha.
I then started going to more nights in Shoreditch & Brick Lane (Basing House, Vibe Bar etc), and those are the nights that really got me truly loving house.
WWD: How much has your native East London scene influenced your sound?
Oh, it’s 100% made me who I am today. I’m so glad I’ve grown up here being exposed to it all. I live near Brick Lane and always have so I’m right in the thick of it.
WWD: You also went to a lot of gospel churches growing up right? What impact did that have on you?
Yes. I was a pastor’s son and all! Personally, for me it’s taught me some great morals that I still use to this day.
I like to think that whoever I meet in the industry, enjoys me being around. That’s what I love when I meet new people in this industry too. We’re all here to enjoy ourselves, so it’s important to be surrounded by good people along the way!
WWD: What is the sound, what is is built on, what are the core elements that makes your own signature sound?
I wish I could tell you haha. I have never forced it on people that I have a sound. People started sending me videos of DJs playing my tracks with the caption – “Hey mate is this your track? Sounds like you”, so I went with it.
What I can tell you though, is that I make my tracks always with the intention of the bass driving. I want to make music that will make you want to move, and I think it’s important more than anything to have a good driving bass for that.
WWD: Tell us about your new EP for Frame Music – what inspired it? Is it weird writing music without playing clubs? And without road testing them and getting feedback?
I always make music with no vision of where I want it played or signed, so no true inspiration really. After I have a folder I then look at which tracks may have a good home too, and Frame suited it perfectly.
It is definitely weird with no clubs, because when I make music I go home inspired after feeling a sound system. I haven’t felt a proper soundsystem in so long, and I miss it so much! I’ve played it at some socially distanced parties so it’s been road tested (sorta), but once again it isn’t the same with no clubs.
WWD: What goals, hopes, dreams and targets do you have for 2021? What else have you got coming up?
I actually have a 5 year plan, and I actually achieved year 1’s plans last year. My next main goal really is to start touring internationally. I was really excited as I had sets from other countries, but COVID took that all away. I see it as a delay rather than a complete dismissal of the opportunity though!
WWD: How different will clubbing be once we’re allowed to return do you think?
I really couldn’t answer. Things have really changed so fast throughout the year, so really it just needs to be taken day by day.
I definitely do see clubs being limited capacity for this year though. I really won’t complain though, I just need a sound system!! Haha.
Thanks for having me!
ASH-R’s “Maureen” EP is out on Frame Music on 29th January
Pre-Order it here – https://www.beatport.com/release/maureen/3246096
https://www.facebook.com/MusicAshr
https://soundcloud.com/ash-r_dj