Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Arkels.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started recording original music in Louisville, Kentucky in 2007. When I moved to Miami in 2012, my plan was to record an album and move to LA. Things didn’t go to plan and I ended up stuck in a bad record contract with no music and little hope of recording an album. After 2 years I was able to get free from the contract and I began performing in Miami as a full-time musician. I moved to South Beach and set up a home recording studio. During the pandemic I began live streaming and started releasing songs that I had recorded over the years on Soundcloud and YouTube. I had been continuing my education over the years so I was in a good position as a small business owner to benefit from the financial opportunities that were present in that season and I invested in my music. I had several songs reproduced to commercial level quality and created a series of music video projects and single releases over the following years. In 2026, nearly five years after my first commercial self-release I have launched my complete album, self-titled, AZSH. Each song on the album represents a season of growth and a part of my story. I’ve already written the next full album which I’m working on and hope to release in a year or so. I also continue to work on music videos to support the music. I’m currently completing my masters degree from Media squaring and production at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Art and self-expression are incredibly meaningful to me and while my music is only one part of my multi-faceted life, the roots run deep and I plan to continue developing my own craft.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve faced a lot of challenges on the path of being an artist.
One of the greatest struggles is trying to make sense of any pursuit of artistic endeavor.
It’s good to remember that art is art for the sake of art. Art doesn’t need to be made for commercial success or financial sustainability.
Like most artists I wanted to make my music “successful” which I think means minimally, sustainable, and optimally, profitable!
I learned a lot about business, marketing, and of course, music and the business of music. All the things that I felt I needed to learn in order to try and approach my art in a way that it could become sustainable, left me not working on my art.
I had to learn time management and how to live a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Along the way I’ve grown leaps and bounds. I’m not the same person I was. My thoughts, aspirations, reasoning, hopes and dreams, resolve, faith, and relationships have all evolved.
It’s good to remember that it’s not the destination or the accolades that point to your success but the character, capabilities, and community that we build along the way.
Financially speaking I’m more invested in my music than ever. I certainly have not hit “breakeven,” and who knows if I ever will.
What I know for sure is that the investment has made me who I am today and while I have a long way to go (as I think we all do), I’m proud of that woman. I’m embracing my Rebel Joy. If you’re not sure what that is, listen to the AZSH album whereever you stream.
Here’s the link:
https://hypeddit.com/azsh1/endlesssummer
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Dance pop music with purpose
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Search for communities in your area and show up ready to meet people. Be friendly, open, collaborative, confident, brave. Shout out others who are doing well. Champion them. You get what you give. We have more access than ever to wisdom from mentors you could never reach. Subscribe, follow, engage. If a community doesn’t exist that you’re searching for, create it! “If you build it they will come”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://azshmusic.com
- Instagram: Https://instagram.com/azshmusic
- Facebook: Https://facebook.com/azshmusic
- Youtube: Https://YouTube.com/azshmusic
- Other: https://hypeddit.com/azsh1/endlesssummer
