Today we’d like to introduce you to Asher Alexander.
Hi Asher, 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?
March 11th, 2022 marked a monumental turning point in my life as I stepped into the spotlight under the moniker ‘Asher Alexander’ with the release of my debut album ‘Crimson’. Having produced music since I was fifteen, all ten tracks in the album were written and composed by me, with the help of my musical confidant and older brother, Andrew, within the confines of my bedroom studio.
I grew up constantly being mesmerized by my brother’s unwavering passion for music, particularly his obsession with the guitar. He’d often extend invitations for us to collaborate on recording covers together, creating memories that still resonate, like our raw acoustic rendition of Jon Bellion’s “All Time Low,” which is still floating somewhere on our Facebook profiles. Little did I know then, his love for music was subtly infusing into my being, gradually shaping my own musical identity and passion for this art form. Over time, our shared admiration for artists like John Mayer, Frank Ocean, Bon Iver, and The 1975 forged an unspoken connection, binding us in a shared musical journey. This exposure ignited my own path into music, leading me to explore instruments such as the ukulele, acoustic guitar, piano, and violin between the ages of six and twelve.
As the years passed, I delved deeper, immersing myself in music production during my high school years, where I was constantly experimenting with different genres and soundscapes in search of my own. This musical passion ultimately led to the release of my album ‘Crimson’ which has garnered over 28,000 streams to date. Subsequently, the grind has not stopped, and my latest single, ‘Violet Haze,’ is now available on every major streaming platform worldwide. In the grand tapestry of my artistic ambition, I aspire to continuously prove that local independent artists have the potential and talent to create world-class music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Undoubtedly, the journey has been anything but smooth, yet I firmly believe that adversity is ultimately what gives a profound meaning to art. Enduring magnum opuses of artists that have stood the test of time rarely convey mild emotions or surface-level themes but rather connote an intense and profound internal struggle.
For me personally, my music often embodies the romanticism of intense emotions—be it the depths of depression, the ache of loneliness, the grip of anxiety, the ecstasy of love, or the tranquility of serenity. Through my compositions, I often find myself delving into the complexities of these states, each note a reflection of the turmoil within. Like every other artist with a fiery passion to succeed in one or another, a constant personal battle I confront is the relentless comparison to other artists, which always leads to the perplexing question of how my art could be better.
Though I am proactively working on overcoming these challenges and recognize that such struggles are an inherent part of the artist’s journey, it remains a poignant struggle throughout my musical journey. To summarize this on a lighter note, I often find myself deeply resonating with Mia (played by Emma Stone) from La La Land. For those who have seen the movie, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Being an independent artist also involves learning the ropes and navigating the intricacies of music distribution, release strategies, marketing, content creation, graphic design, and A&R. While I necessarily wouldn’t exactly label these experiences as struggles, they have presented a steep learning curve that continually challenges me to grow. Nevertheless, I’m very fortunate to have my brother Andrew by my side, whose invaluable support has been instrumental in refining my artistic endeavours in these domains.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Music, which is a cornerstone of my existence, transcends more than a hobby and a passion project for me. My debut album ‘Crimson’ which is a blend of R&B and pop plunges into the depths of romantic intricacies, thematically exploring the highs and lows in a relationship through 3 arcs: “falling for you”, “you transcend me” and “where do we go now?”.
Beyond mere auditory indulgence, I envisioned this album as a refuge for the introspective souls, offering a kaleidoscope of emotions, from euphoria to wistful nostalgia across the 10 tracks which have been meticulously curated to seamlessly flow within each arc of the album.
Embarking on the audacious task of conceptualizing, composing, and producing this album during my senior year in high school has filled me with an indescribable sense of accomplishment and serves as a testament to my dedication and love for this artform. Furthermore, my creative vision extends beyond the realm of music as I’m also deeply intrigued with the visual design aspects of my songs. As such, I personally designed all artworks of my albums and singles including all physical and digital marketing collateral such as the Crimson Album zine (link below) and promotional reels/videos to further enhance the overall visceral experience for my fans.
My artistry is further experimented and refined through the follow-up single to my debut album, titled “Violet Haze,” which was recently released worldwide on all major streaming. Further building upon my lyrical depth and distinctive melodies, “Violet Haze” is a psychedelic 80s pop ballad which will allow listeners to slip into an ethereal and fluorescent romanticization of a past love. Having drawn inspiration from my muses such as Omar Apollo, Frank Ocean, and Prince, this single alchemizes an authentic and fresh sound that is poised to resonate with my fans, who have been supporting me since day one while also extending an invitation to new listeners eager to explore fresh musical horizons.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was pretty quiet and unvocal about my interests with others, except towards my immediate family. I was always up to a project, whether that be making random things relating to my hobbies or just trying out sports I never eventually excelled in.
My interests were all over the map – from speed-stacking (a cup-stacking “sport”) to fingerboards, Legos to origami, and solving almost every Rubik’s Cube variant under the sun. However, looking back – I realized all these hobbies had a common denominator: they demanded persistence, the kind which pushes you to overcome whatever hurdle comes your way. Besides that, I tried out various sports as well, but they did not amount to anything, as I find that I prefer working alone. That being said, I do appreciate and respect the amount of work which athletes put in to succeed because it is downright inspiring.
Eventually, I gradually found my way to music and realized that it was my calling. Whether that would mean taking piano lessons teaching myself the guitar, or how to operate my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), it has definitely been a relentless pursuit for me. In saying that, it is an art form that comes very naturally to me, and it has become a craft that I would want to pour my entire heart and soul into, to ultimately create the best I can and to share it with the rest of the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/asher.alexander
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asher__alexander/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asher.khoo.3
- Linkedin: https://www.tiktok.com/@asherr_alexander_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@asher_alexander
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5IBHOC7U2mLy8qt3AEsJYj?si=XYjQnB64Sc-fq72LuwSb_w
Image Credits
Andrew Khoo
Jaeson Loke
Irvin Ong
