A$H. on Top Charting Debut Album, Self-Care & Being a Spelman Woman

From growing up in a "woke" household and becoming a Spelman woman to touring with Janelle Monae, opening for PJ Morton and having her debut album, 'It's Just Art' hit #4 on the iTunes R&B charts, A$H. is one of those rare artists making their own lane and looking dope while doing it.

Which is why she's got next in our 2019 interview series. With a unique sound of genre-blending synth-pop and urban music, infused with 80’s nostalgia, A$H. is well on her way to going down as legend. Check in below for her story, insight on 'It's Just Art' and how just how important self-care is to the creative process. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 😉

** Photo credit: @alliehine + @lennoxave

How does your upbringing influence your sound today?

I grew up in a very musical home. My mother is an incredible singer. In fact, when she was 18 she was solicited by Nina Simone and Max Roach to go on the road with them for exposure, but her parents said no. She opened for Eddie Kendricks and Jerry Butler when they performed in her city and she sang on so many notable stages that I would end up turning this interview over to her. So, yes, I began singing very early. Pop, soul, funk, country, all genres were blasting through the speakers at home. That was my introduction to music. She was my first influence.

When did you know you were made for music?

I knew I was made for music when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I started girl groups and sang locally. I scanned phone books for numbers to record labels and managers. I was mentally, in it like a manager.  I had the bones for the business as a kid.

"I’m honored and proud to be a Spelman woman"

- A$H.

I know you’re into self-care. What impact, if any does it have on your creative process?

Self-care is very important. I’m wired differently. If I don’t give my mind and body an outlet to sweat or meditate or read, I don’t know how I’d stay sane. I have to check in with myself. I have to recharge and refresh in order to be re-inspired to create more music and live my best life.

Out of all the colleges you could’ve gone to, what influenced your decision to attend Spelman?

When I was a freshman in high school, I told my mom I wanted to visit Spelman College. I grew up in a very “woke” home so I was aware of the #1 HBCU and as a teen, my goal was to graduate and connect with the level of black excellence that came out of Atlanta. When my mother drove me to Atlanta, I was mesmerized. The campus was stunning, sprinkled with the most beautiful black women who were the next doctors, lawyers, engineers, authors, artists, activists and the list goes on.

Shout out to my Spelman sister Stacey Abrams. The ladies had so much class and edge. It was my Wakanda experience in a sense. I went back to school after that visit, made a 4.2 gpa and applied.  I was honored and delighted on my acceptance, as it’s a private college and highly competitive. Graduated 4 years later having had a full scholarship, sisters for life and an experience I couldn’t have dreamed up. So, I’m honored and proud to be a Spelman woman.

What’s the biggest thing you learned while touring with Janelle Monae for several years?

Touring with Janelle Monae for years was a beautiful experience. I watched her walk and perform in her truth, and like a family we followed her as she shared her story with the world. I’m so grateful to have had that opportunity and one of the beautiful things I admire about her is her authenticity and unapologetic fearlessness.

" Art is broad and I feel I was able to hit many different vibes within the album"

- A$H.

The Living Room Tour, where you performed in eclectic homes to connect intimately with your fans was a dope idea! What sparked it?

As an independent artist, I’ve learned to be resourceful. I decided to pick 6 cities, gas up a Suburban and take my band on the road. I thought, if I could fill up some living rooms, I then create my own venues. I was able to see who was vibing with the music. I had a few friends volunteer their living rooms and it just took off from there. All I wanted to do was connect with fans.

Aside from your debut album ‘It’s Just Art’ cracking #4 on the iTunes R&B charts, what has the response been like in real life?

Going #4 was so dope. The love that is being shown is amazing! I definitely feel like I’m dreaming. People have been sharing their favorite songs from the album via social media. Listeners are really looking forward to the live show and I can’t wait to share the album on stage.

What type of vibes were you going for with the project?

This album was really all about letting myself go. I wanted to expose every aspect of my voice, from rhyming to R&B to pop. An album gives you that space to really explore within whatever story you’re telling. I wanted people to feel a mood, want to dance, get in their bag, everything. We’re all multidimensional. Art is broad and I feel I was able to hit many different vibes within the album, yet remain true to my perspective and voice as the artist people were first exposed to years ago.

" If I don’t give my mind and body an outlet to sweat or meditate or read, I don’t know how I’d stay sane"

- A$H.

Overall, where do you want to take your career?

To the moon.

You have many accolades behind your name, yet remain so humble about it. What keeps you grounded?

It’s a luxury to do what I’m doing.  I could’ve been dealt a hand that wouldn’t allow me to pursue a career in music. I know that I’m blessed and the fact that I’ve been granted this life keeps me extremely grateful and grounded.