One on One in 10: Ashley DuBose USL September 16, 2016 1 On 1 In 10, USL StoriesOne on One in 10September 2016Artist: AshleyTwin Cities, Minnesota Hello, welcome to One on One in 10, where we ask 10 questions to pick the brains of some of the most talented Indie artists from across the country. It’s your girl Mai Mazzi live and on the scene, bringing you the real with today’s movers and shakers that allows you to meet them, one on one. The summer months have officially come to an end, but the way that the weather is set up here on the East coast that fact could easily fool you. I don’t know about anyone else but I cannot wait for the fall to come into effect fully. Hoodies and sweat suits are some of my favorite attire. This month I had the pleasure of chopping it up with the ever so talented Ashley DuBose representing Minnesota. Mazzi: Thank you so much for taking the time out to sit and talk with me.Ashley DuBose: Thank you for having me!Mazzi: What made you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?Ashley DuBose: I used to sing as a kid in my room just making up songs and recording myself. The motivation came from watching MTV and BET. Neither were the best source of inspiration for a kid, but seeing the people on stage performing and the music videos intensified my love for the industry.Mazzi: How do you describe your music?Ashley DuBose: I would say my music is feel good music. It is relatable no matter how you are feeling; if you need inspiration I have a song you can go to, if you are feeling happy there is a song that is celebratory. I write from a place of general life experiences mixed with my own personal experiences.Mazzi: If you had to categorize your music, what genre would it best fit? Ashley DuBose: I like to say that my genre is pop because it is all encompassing. Neo soul, R&B, and hip-hop influences are all in there. When people hear my music they perceive it to be strictly neo soul. In my opinion the genre of neo soul has slowly died out. I would like to make neo soul popular and mainstream again. By melting the aforementioned genres together I am able to grab the attention of each audience, hence implanting my neo soul footprints in their brains. This is a true definition of rhyme and reason! Mazzi: Are you familiar with the term “starving artist”?Ashley DuBose: Yes.Mazzi: How do you cope with major obstacles as they relate to the term?Ashley DuBose: I thank God that I am able to make a living doing music. I was able to leave my 9-5 in May 2015 to pursue dream. It was a grind to get to this point. Being frugal allowed to me attain the satisfaction of not punching a clock. Studio time, printing up cds, and making music videos all couldn’t happen with just a hope and a dream. Money is needed to get farther in the game. Being financially smart helped me out tremendously and allowed me to finance my art with my art. Mazzi: What do you think your greatest opportunity has been so far in your musical career?Ashley DuBose: The biggest opportunity that I have had thus far was being chosen as a contestant on The Voice in 2013. The Voice is an international platform that pushes your voice out to the world. There can only be one winner, but the exposure makes everyone who has graced that stage winners. I have been getting letters and praises from fans all over the world because of being on that show. The Voice has allowed my music to reach the masses. Mazzi: What image do you think your music conveys? Why did you choose this type of image for your music?Ashley DuBose: My music conveys a theme of positivity. I am a role model per say, not that I am trying to be. My little sister asked me why do I always write happy songs. I express myself better when I am happy, so the energy that gets carried through the music is happy. I do not try to put out an image I just express myself and go with the flow. Mazzi: Art and music has an impact on both the young and the old; sometimes the older generation loses respect for the music we listen to today because they cannot comprehend the value of it. What advice can you give to the youth of today seeking to enter the industry in regards to being able to stay relevant for every generation and for any audience?Ashley DuBose: I am kind of like an “old head.” Growing up the adults always told me that I wasn’t your “average” child. I have always embodied the capability to think deeply. I make my songs relatable to adults and sonically I appeal to the younger crowd. There is a universal connection for both generations through those two avenues with the music that I make. Bridging the gap comes easy when you can grab the attention of both generations with one track. My advice for the youth is to be flexible and always think outside of the box when it comes to being able to sell your artistry to multiple audiences. Mazzi: What are your immediate music career goals (1 to 3 years)?Ashley DuBose: I definitely want to get a tour together. My music has reach beyond Minnesota, but I believe that more recognition is attainable when people can come and see you perform. I have mainly been doing my solo work in the Twin cities. Touring to LA, NY, or overseas is definitely in my plans within the next year. I want to come out with another project as well. The artist in me is yearning to create new music. Hopefully that will also come within the next year. Mazzi: Do you have other interests or talents that you would like to share with us? Ashley DuBose: I do voiceovers and commercial acting. I would like to do a sitcom one day. I am also very interested in writing music for other artists. My goal is to some day be the songwriter to some of the best top ten charted songs. Mazzi: How do you like to enjoy your time away from the music? Ashley DuBose: I am a mother and that keeps me busy! My daughter is six years old and at times is like my mini manager. Between being a full time mother and my music I really don’t do too much. I need to get more hobbies! If you are in the area, please check Ashley DuBose out as she will be performing at a fundraiser on September 30th for “Raeisha Williams for City Council” at the Minneapolis Photo Center located at 2400 N 2nd ST #200, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The event will be taking place 6pm to 9pm. Make sure you connect with Ashely DuBose on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleyduboseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamashleydubose/Website: http://ashleydubose.com/ To my readers, thank you for tuning in, and make sure you stay tuned for the next NMNJ “One on One in 10”! 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