Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Toman.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think music has always been in my DNA. I was always singing from as early as I could talk. It was always kind of one thing that led to another that led me to where I’m at now, which is the beautiful thing about our journeys.
I started in musical theater as a kid which led me to perform at TUTS (theatre under the stars) which led me to sing on the Debra Duncan Show in 5th grade which then led me to sing country (after hearing a girl yodel) which led me to Nashville in college which then led me back to Houston where I got heavy in the R&B music scene which led me to LA which led me to write for Chaka Khan & Disney, etc. which THEN led me to start my own songwriting business while simultaneously still independently releasing music. It’s been a crazy yet very beautiful journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Lol, smooth is definitely not the word I would describe the journey as. It’s been quite bumpy with many highs and lows. I think anyone who’s been doing this for the majority of their lives would agree that there are moments when we want to give up a lot. But the thing is, I don’t quit. I think that may be the ingredient to succeed- which is the perseverance to keep going. Anything worth having is never easy. Music is my love. I know I’m destined to do this. So, the answer is no- the journey hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it. It’s been the thing that has kept me going because it genuinely is the reason I believe I am on this earth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist, I am a songwriter, I am a visionary, I am a creative, I am a business-owner, I am a vessel of light, I am an empath, I am my lyricist, the list goes on. But in short- I am a professional singer-songwriter who is now a business owner who helps artists with development, songwriting, co-writing, consultations, vocal coaching and arranging and mentorships.
I think what sets me apart from others in my artistry- is my drive and my ability to connect with my music. I think everything I create is cohesive in a way where it was never necessarily planned to be that way, it just becomes that. Anything I create has an “Ashley stamp” on it, meaning my music is never trying to sound like anyone else other than me. It took me a while to get there, but I’m very confident in my sound and my lyrics. I want to tell a genuine story and make music I connect to which will in turn, make music my audience can connect to.
I believe what sets me apart as a business owner dealing with aspiring artists and creatives is that I have been there myself, I too have worked with people that maybe didn’t necessarily give me that thing I needed when I was younger, so I always want to give artists the time and energy they deserve. I take the time to listen to my clients and hear them out when it comes to their vision and how we want to bring it to life.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Houston is an amazing city! I’d say what I like best is the diversity in the city. There are so many sub-cities in Houston- where there are so many different vibes in every area. You can honestly find anything you’re looking for. The food is top-notch, the live music is incredible and there’s a sense of community within the music scene where even though it’s one of the biggest cities in the world, everyone in the music & art/creative scene pretty much knows each other. It isn’t hard to find events and get involved in different communities in Houston. There’s this perfect mix of southern hospitality mixed with the “Hollywood vibe” which is perfect for me, because I spent many years in LA, and I still do love Hollywood-type events and getting dolled up and going to a red carpet and feeling “bougie” yet still having that southern hospitality.
The only downfall is the awful heat! Luckily it’s my favorite season (fall/winter) coming up so we’re good for now, lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ashleytoman
- Instagram: AshleyToman
- Facebook: AshleyTomanMusic
- Twitter: @ashleytoman
- Youtube: AshleyToman
