ASH ‘Holding Water’ – out now!
ASH is not just another name in the alternative R&B landscape; she is a force reshaping the contours of the genre. With a distinctive blend of bilingual lyricism, experimental production, and a rich variety of influences, ASH’s music straddles R&B, Rock, Indie, and Neo-Soul, creating a genre-fluid sound that is unmistakably her own. Her debut EP, Holding Water, cements her status as a rising artist with a deeply personal and expansive vision, inviting listeners into a world of emotional release and introspection.
Raised in the vibrant, multicultural hub of Beijing, ASH’s artistic journey is as diverse as her music. Her musical foundation began with classical piano at just four years old, eventually expanding to guitar, bass, and drums as she navigated her teenage years. Her international upbringing and self-taught approach to multiple instruments infuse her music with a rich, global flavour.
This eclectic background continued to flourish through her academic endeavours. While studying at the University of Pennsylvania, ASH honed her musical identity while excelling academically. Later, a scholarship to The New School in New York City allowed her to fully immerse herself in music production. It was during this period that her demo for Holding Water caught the attention of Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer Jeff Ellis (known for his work with Frank Ocean, Doja Cat, and Kali Uchis), setting the stage for her current rise in the industry.
With Holding Water, ASH invites listeners on a seven-track journey that delves into personal reflection, emotional release, and transformation. The EP showcases her multifaceted artistry, blending Alternative R&B with genre-bending elements that evoke her range of influences. The result is a soundscape that is not confined by labels but rather floats between sonic worlds, offering a fresh perspective on Alternative R&B.
The EP’s title track, “Holding Water,” is a standout, not just because of its intimate acappella arrangement, but for the message it conveys—trusting one’s creative intuition while letting go of external expectations. In this track, ASH’s raw vocal talent takes centre stage, proving her ability to craft a deeply personal and immersive sonic experience.
The journey through Holding Water begins with an invitation into a world that blends introspection with sonic exploration. The opening track, “Infatuated,” sets the emotional tone with an unrequited love story, where ASH captures the weight of desire through her soulful vocals and emotive production. This exploration of longing is furthered by the track “Pearl,” a self-assured anthem where ASH reflects on prioritising her own needs over others, all while leaning into her signature electronic production style.
The emotional centre of the EP is “Reverse Psychology,” an emotionally charged track that recounts the final stages of a toxic relationship. The track’s intoxicating beat, looped vocal harmonies, and delicate guitar arrangements reveal ASH’s deep understanding of emotional complexity. This level of vulnerability is matched by “These Clouds,” a track that offers a glimpse into ASH’s more introspective side as she reflects on gloomy days, creating a cocoon of comfort through soothing vocal harmonies and a lush saxophone solo.
Then there’s “Blue Interlude,” a short but poignant track that captures the limbo between passion and melancholy. This structural break within the EP mirrors the emotional ups and downs of human experience, evoking a sense of longing that is universal and raw.
ASH’s music is a testament to the power of blending genres and pushing boundaries. Her ability to infuse her work with influences ranging from R&B and Rock to Indie and Neo-Soul sets her apart from the mainstream. With Holding Water, she has carved out a space for herself as an artist who isn’t afraid to explore emotional complexity, vulnerability, and genre fluidity.
As ASH continues to develop her sound, it’s clear that her impact on the contemporary music scene will only grow. Her talent, paired with her innovative approach to music-making, positions her as a leading voice in the next wave of Alternative R&B. Whether she’s exploring the devastation of unrequited love in “Infatuated” or the self-empowerment of “Pearl,” ASH’s storytelling and genre-blurring production invite listeners to experience a world of emotion, depth, and sound that is entirely her own.
With Holding Water, ASH not only introduces herself to the world but also leaves an indelible mark on the music landscape, promising even more boundary-pushing work in the future. This is just the beginning for ASH, a bold new voice redefining what it means to create music without borders.
