Asha Iwanowicz shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Asha, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me joy lately is getting back into sports. I’ve taken up golf in the last year, and I love being outdoors and enjoying the greenery with friends. I’ve gotten into pickleball. I also am training for a race, and I love ball room dancing. I think being active, and moving my body after work is so important since I sit at a desk for such a large portion of my day. I can’t recommend it enough.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Asha. I’m an LA-based composer and music producer. I think what makes me unique is being a woman in a very (still) male-dominated path. I’ve composed music for so many different types of media, from film to ads to art installations. I feel like I’ve done it all. I’m currently about to release another full length album that I have been working on for over two years. It’s incredibly special to me, I feel like it’s the best work I’ve ever done and I’m excited to share it with the world. I’ve always said my music is a bit pop, a bit indie, and a bit spooky/witchy, so I am continuing that vibe with this album, called Ritual Madness.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I had a mentor who told me straight up that I AM a music producer. I couldn’t believe it before then because I didn’t know any female music producers, so it was hard to look up to anyone. But when he told me that I was like, wow, you’re right. I am actively doing it, I’m doing it for a living, and people believe in me. It was only then that I truly began to believe it’s true. But sometimes you just need someone to be in your corner, and tell you that you have talent, and you can define yourself however you choose. You don’t need anyone to do that for you. You don’t have to be paid to be who you are. You can be a composer, an artist, whatever you want, but you can define that for yourself.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
This happened to me recently. I hit up my friend Zach and asked if he was interested in shooting a music video for one of my new songs. We both came up with very similar ideas, and I had not felt so seen in a while! I love when two artistic people merge and we both come to the same realizations and everything seems to mesh in a really organic way. He listened to my ideas, no matter how wacky, I felt like he heard me, didn’t judge me, and if anything, agreed and was enthusiastic to try whatever I wanted to do. I think that sort of collaboration is the best you can hope for when you’re making art.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I believe the biggest lie my industry tells itself and people trying to break in, is that if you just work hard enough things will pay off. Sadly, that’s not always the case. So much of it is luck, being in the right place at the right time, and who you know. Nepotism runs so rampant in the music industry, and sometimes the most talented people are never seen or heard. It breaks my heart for sure. I work really hard, and I take every opportunity that comes my way, but there’s still so much I want to achieve, but without that bit of luck, who knows?
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I would stop doing work that doesn’t fulfill me. I would find passion projects that would leave more of a lasting legacy. I would sit in my studio and make all the music I don’t have time to make because I have bills to pay. I would ask my friends to help make art, collaborate, do crazy and amazing things. Travel the world, meet other people and create things. I would let go of all my inhibitions creatively and just do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashamakesmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashamakesmusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asha-iwanowicz-04920431
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashamakesmusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashamakesmusicx
