Fast rising pop artist Ashlee Keating is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and model. The Southern New Jersey Native began her career at the tender age of 3 when she appeared as a series regular on Al Alberts TV Showcase on Channel 6 ABC in Philadephia, PA.
Three years later aged 6, Keating starred on Broadway in The Sound Of Music as Gretl Von Trapp alongside Richard Chamberlain and continued on for the National Tour. The star also played the leading role of Annie at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, PA, which broke the box office record.
Aged 10 her focus turned to music and she appeared on CBS Star Search where she was a weekly episode winner in the Junior Singer category. Four years later aged just 14, Ashlee Keating released her first EP. A short while later she was selected by Radio Disney to be a part of the Incubator Program for up and coming artists. Her songs were played on Radio Disney, and she performed at several live shows. She released her holiday single ;Ice Kingdom’ back in 2013 and was on the Radio Disney top holiday songs charts. She also has also opened for Disney superstars Demi Lovato, Keke Palmer, Raven Symone, Jasmine Sullivan, and others.
In 2015, she released her single ‘Red Eye’ and over the past two years Ashlee has been in the studio writing and recording new music. Most recently, she has created a new image and sound for herself and has been working with one of Timbaland’s producer/songwriters, Doug Makuta who is signed to Timbaland’s (Ole-Bluestone Publishing).
Here we speak exclusively to Ashlee Keating about her brand new single ‘Hurt Me So Good’, musical style, tour plans and much, much more;
Growing up who inspired your love of music?
From the time I was 3 years old I always had a natural inclination toward it! Music became my life, something I couldn’t live without. You would never see me without a pair of headphones listening to music! When I was younger I was inspired by the play Annie and I would sing all of the songs as a kid! Not long after that I started becoming very inspired by pop icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, JLO and many others! That kind of started my trend of singing pop music and my love of music never stopped!
Can you remember the first time you realised you were going to become a professional singer?
Believe it or not I was only 10 years old! That was the first time I stepped into a recording studio to record cover songs! I was chosen for the TV show CBS Star Search which led me to doing that at that age and I knew right then and there that pop singing and performing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life! No if, and, or buts!
How would you describe your musical style in three words?
It’s sassy, fierce, and authentic!
What inspired your new single ‘Hurt Me So Good’?
My life experiences. It does in all of my music! This song specifically was inspired by a relationship. The message behind the song is me talking about being with a guy that hurts me so good, but I love the pain so I keep going back to him when I know I shouldn’t.
Do you have any plans to release an album this year?
I have an album completed! Stay tuned for more music releases!
Will you be touring this year?
Me and my team are currently in the process of working on opportunities and hopefully my Keators [fans] will have the opportunity to see me live and on tour this year!
Are you planning any collaborations in the near future?
Collaboration is one of my goals! I’m currently working on opportunities that will come together! Stay tuned!
What do you hope to achieve over the course of your career?
I hope to become a household name and be able to sell out arenas someday! I want to have several hit billboard records! Not only do I want to be a successful pop recording artist, I’d like to use my brand as a threshold to collaborate with other brands such as clothing, jewellery, perfume, and fitness lines etc! Fashion is another passion of mine. I want to be an entrepreneur and philanthropist! With my success, I’d like to be able to really inspire and bring as much light and happiness to the world as I can! Having such a huge impact and platform it is important to me to be able to give back and show others what hard work and determination can accomplish!
And what are your 2018 goals?
I have so many goals for 2018! Releasing the rest of the music I’ve written and recorded is one of them. I would love to expand internationally and grow domestically in my fan base! Have appearances/performances in other countries such as Japan, the UK, and Australia. Going on tour and opening for a known artist would be incredible and having the opportunity to have some of my new music placed in any TV/film would be great!
Make sure you follow Ashlee on Twitter @AshleeKeating to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
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