Ashe

Ashlyn Rae Willson, born on April 24, 1993, in San Jose, California, and professionally known as Ashe, is a celebrated American singer-songwriter. With a style that blends pop with hints of jazz and indie, Ashe has made a significant impact in the music industry, best known for her 2019 hit single “Moral of the Story,” which gained widespread recognition after being featured in the Netflix film To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020). The song, co-produced by Noah Conrad and Finneas O’Connell, resonated deeply with listeners, climbing the charts and establishing Ashe as a powerful new voice in pop music.

Growing up in a Christian household, Ashe’s early musical influences were shaped by her grandfather, who introduced her to the works of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Jefferson Airplane, broadening her musical horizons beyond the Christian radio stations she was accustomed to. Ashe began piano and vocal lessons at the age of eight, fostering her passion for music early on. Her love for classic artists, particularly Carole King, whom she honored by adding an “e” to her stage name, has deeply influenced her songwriting and performance style.

Ashe pursued her passion for music academically, attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where she graduated in 2015 with a major in contemporary writing and production. Her time at Berklee equipped her with the technical skills and industry knowledge that would later prove invaluable in her career. After graduation, Ashe moved to Nashville, where she began singing demos, catching the attention of Swedish producer Ben Phipps. This led to her first significant collaboration on the track “Sleep Alone” in 2015, marking the beginning of her journey in the music industry.

Ashe quickly gained recognition through a series of collaborations with well-known artists in the dance and electronic music scenes, including Whethan, Louis the Child, and Shaun Frank. Her 2016 single “Can’t Hide” with Whethan reached No. 2 on both the US and Global Spotify Viral 50 charts, further solidifying her presence in the music world. In 2017, her collaboration with Shaun Frank on the single “Let You Get Away” earned her a Juno Award nomination and was later certified gold in Canada.

In 2018, Ashe released her debut EP The Rabbit Hole, which showcased her versatility as an artist. The EP was well-received, and by this time, she had accumulated over 200 million streams and several No. 1 hits on Hype Machine. Ashe continued to build her career, releasing Moral of the Story: Chapter 1 in 2019, a project that included the title track that would become her breakout hit. The success of “Moral of the Story” led to a duet version featuring Niall Horan, further boosting her popularity.

In 2021, Ashe released her debut studio album Ashlyn, followed by her sophomore album Rae in 2022. Both albums were critically acclaimed and highlighted her growth as an artist. However, 2023 proved to be a challenging year for Ashe as she had to cancel her tour, citing mental health concerns. After taking time to focus on her well-being, Ashe returned to the stage in 2024, performing with Niall Horan and announcing her third album, Willson, set to be released in September 2024.

Throughout her career, Ashe has been inspired by a diverse range of artists, including Stevie Nicks, John Mayer, and Bon Iver, and has cited Diane Keaton as a major influence. Her music, characterized by its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melodies, continues to resonate with audiences around the world. As she prepares for the release of her third album, Ashe remains a prominent and influential figure in contemporary pop music.