Kickstarter

 

About Ashleigh Ashton:  “NO MATTER WHAT LIFE PUTS HER THROUGH, SHE WON’T BREAK IN TWO”

 

 

Though Ashleigh’s career began at age five in the theatre, music has always been her true love.  She received her first guitar on her tenth birthday, and wrote her first song then and there. By thirteen, she was opening for various bands in Chicago area venues, and within a year was being featured as a solo performer in her own shows.  Today, she is 17 and has over 125 original songs written to date.  She has appeared with many local and nationally respected artists in the music industry.  

 

 

Things have not been easy for Ashleigh.  Ashleigh is the second oldest of 7 children.  The large family of 9 has struggled for resources and because of this, Ashleigh has had to work for all that she has.  She has been employed since the age of 9, doing everything from tye-dying t shirts at fairs, working at Jimmy-John’s, a day care worker, as well as singing at bar gigs at night, in order to pay to further her own career.   There have been times when Ashleigh has sung in different establishments 3 or 4 times per week.  She has given as long as 3 hour solo acoustic performances.   The journey has not been an easy one, however, it has made her value what is important in life, her family and her hard work ethic.  Life has always been about people, not things and she feels the best when she can help someone with one of her songs.   

 

 

 

Ashleigh’s first big break came in the summer of 2009, when she travelled to New York to record three original songs, produced by Grammy Award winning producer Barry Goldstein. Barry was awarded his Grammy for the work he did with Les Paul.  Following that, she went on to Castle Nine Studios in Rochester, New York to record her song "Break In Two", co-written and produced by Richard Fink IV and Johnny Cummings. Her song was inspired by all of the people along the way who have told her that her dreams will not come true.  She was bullied in school by both students and a few teachers because she was so focused on her aspirations.  Even a few of her extended family members laughed at Ashleigh, telling her she had her “head in the clouds.”  Ashleigh took lines that people had said to her and used them as lyrics in the song.  At a casting session in 2010 in Chicago, she was introduced to MashPlant.com founder and Executive Producer Jason Brett, who invited Ashleigh to become MashPlant.com’s first Rising Star after listening to her song and falling in love with the message and the messenger.   Today, she uses the song in her “Defy Words That Hurt” Presentation that she gives to junior highs, high schools and colleges.

 

 

Ashleigh balances schoolwork with a rigorous performing schedule at musical venues throughout the Midwest. She’s received numerous regional talent awards, has performed at the Nashville Palace and has appeared as a host on the television show, Nashville Spotlight. In 2010, she was the first Rialto Idol, Junior.  In 2011, Ashleigh danced and sang in a national TMOBILE Commercial, directed by Alfonso Gomez-Reyon, director of GLEE called HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. She also was on the Chicago Acoustic Underground's Radio show in 2011.  Ashleigh has had private auditions for the television shows THE VOICE and GLEE this past year.  Additionally, she is a mentor with the renowned Piven Theater Workshop children’s program, where she has studied acting since the age of nine. In 2011, Ashleigh was a featured player in the PBS program "Fear No Art Chicago" with Piven Theatre.  She also attends Second City's Training Center, where she writes and acts in comedic skits.  One of the things that Ashleigh is most proud of is her work with teens and college students.  Ashleigh is also a motivational speaker for teens. She has given her own one hour presentations at University of Wisconsin and at various high schools to encourage teens to follow their dreams and to share with them tools to overcome the effects of bullying and to believe in their dreams.   Her presentation includes both music and personal stories to help kids deal with difficult life decisions and issues that they face every day.  Ashleigh hopes to inspire other young artists to believe in their self and to follow their dreams!  To book Ashleigh for concerts or her school presentations, please call Michael at Dream Maker Management 708 259 8440 or email ashleighashton@sbcglobal.net .  She is currently booking the current school year.

 

 

 

Addendum:

 

In 2010, Ashleigh met a man named Doug Lid while playing at a gig.  Doug was the President of the Carpenter’s Union and helped Ashleigh get booked into many venues.  Doug was more than a business acquaintance, he became a close family friend, helping to get Ashleigh’s music out there.  In March 2011, Doug passed away.  This was a hard loss for Ashleigh, as Dougie had become her best supporter and biggest fan.  

 

In March 2012, Ashleigh won first place in the F.A.M.E. event held at Billy Dec's Rockit Bar and Grill, which awarded her some recording money to work at Gravity Studios in Chicago. This event was held to help aspiring artists without the means to further their careers, an opportunity in their chosen field. This was a great blessing for Ashleigh, as she has worked so hard to have another song professionally produced.  She was blessed with the opportunity to work with Jameel Harris.  Jameel saw the talent and gifts in Ashleigh’s song writing ability and had agreed to release a new EP for her that she could pay for as she could afford to, even if it would take her a long time to pay off.  Unfortunately, Jameel was killed on April 22, 2012, when he was hit by a drunk driver on his way home from the studio. He leaves behind a wife and 3 young children. Ashleigh is committed to finishing the work that she and Jameel worked so closely on.  Ashleigh is currently raising funds to complete the project.   Thank you so much for helping Ashleigh to complete this project. 

Ashleigh will use the money to complete her PLAYTHING EP.

Money will be spent on studio time, musicians, production, mixing and mastering, and distribution of her new EP.

All donations are very appreciated and help to get her one step closer to completing this project!  THANK YOU for helping, sharing and supporting Ashleigh Ashton!