Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Toman
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I think music is instilled in my DNA, it’s always been apart of who I am. I’ve been singing as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I got super heavy in the R&B scene of Houston and literally was singing anywhere and everywhere until I made sure the city knew my name. In 2018 I was awarded Houston Press “Best New Artist” and around that time started splitting my time between Houston and LA. Fast forward to now, I’ve had song credits with Disney, Chaka Khan, Netflix, Hulu etc. I started growing as a songwriter and found it was actually a gift I always had, but didn’t discover it until later on in life. Today, I am a recording artist, songwriter and run and operate my own business where I work with artists on co-writing, songwriting, consulting, mentoring etc. I can definitely say I wear many hats, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I definitely would not describe the road as “smooth!” There have been many ups and downs along the journey- but it’s been a quite a beautiful one despite the bumps along the road. Regards of the ups and downs, I believe I am walking in purpose and doing what I am called to do! I truly can’t imagine doing anything other than music.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I’ve always remained true to who I am and never tried to fit into the mold or do what’s “trendy.” I’ve always remained true to my authentic sound, and I think every song I make has an “Ashley stamp” on it, where you can tell it’s me.
I think even though im a versatile artist, there’s this cohesive sound in my artistry that just makes sense with who I am as an artist/songwriter. I don’t think it’s necessarily one thing per se that sets me apart, I think my story in general is just a unique one and nobody else can be Ashley the way I can!
I pour everything into my pen and have a unique sound that sets me apart from any other writer, while combining my roots of country and mixing it with pop and R&B that makes up the eclectic sound that makes me who I am, and for that alone, I think it sets me apart from any other artist.
How do you think about happiness?
I think happiness is an internal thing, and you can make that decision to be happy regardless of what’s happening around you. It’s a decision you make, which is easier said than done- to not let outside things deter you from your inner light. I think the trick is to not let the darkness around you or what darkness may be going on in this world to ever steal your light. Even if the circumstance is heavy or dark, I try and remain positive and full or light and love internally. But to answer what makes me happy, number one is my faith in God. I know with every fiber in my being that without my faith, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I’ve dealt with alot of pain and trauma in my life, but I’ve never allowed it to deter my happiness or to steal my light. I also find happiness in friends, family, music, comedy, laughing and being around as much love and light as possible. Knowing im walking in purpose is also a huge part of my happiness. There are of course moments I am not happy, but I choose to walk in light and never let the pain I endure to ever steal that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: AshleyToman
- Twitter: @ashleytoman
- Youtube: AshleyToman
