Conversations with Eric Ashby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Ashby.

Hi Eric, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Eric Ashby, and I am a singer, producer, and songwriter. Though born in Jefferson City, MO, I was raised most of my life in Chicago, IL. I come from a family where music is a way of life. My parents, Eric and Winifred Ashby, were worship leaders at our church, so there was always music around us. We always had musical instruments in the house and at times I thought we’d be like the Jackson’s and tour the world singing together. Me and my little sister, Kira, would always sing together but eventually my brothers, Leon and Corie, would join in as well (they wouldn’t admit it today, but they did lol!) My brothers and I would often fight over who would be on the drums because we all thought we were better than each other.

Growing up, my brothers played football and were great at it! They were both very athletic and excelled on their teams. Their names made the newspaper headlines and they had city and state recognitions. Me on the other hand, …um…let’s just say…I had the size for football but not the heart for football! LOL! I played for a couple of seasons, and it was fun, but one game I got hurt and I said I was done. My reasoning that I told myself was, “I’ve never seen anyone get hurt while singing on stage!” After that, I joined the jazz band and played the drums. You see, I was too shy to sing in front of anyone besides my family, so I hid behind the drums. During my sophomore year at Percy L. Julian high school, our jazz band had our Christmas concert. That day, our lead singer got sick, but the show had to go on. Our band instructor looked at me and said, “Ashby, it’s on you tonight!”. He had caught me singing in the hallway one day and knew that I knew the material and that I had the vocal ability to lead the songs we had learned for the recital. Honestly, I was afraid but also a little relieved because I was tired of bottling up this gift I had inside of me, and I wanted to let it out. I knew it was always “safe” to sing at church, but I knew that our school was full of “professional roasters”, and I didn’t want to be the new target for them. LOL! I knew the show had to go on. I said a quick prayer and stepped out in between those thick, orange, velvet curtains into the spotlight. The music started playing and I started singing Nat King Cole’s, “The Christmas Song”. The crowd loved it and I have been singing ever since. Overall, music was infused in me at a young age, and I really didn’t know the impact that it would later have on my life.

After I graduated high school in 1999, I attended Iowa State University as a Theater/Performing Arts major. I was new to the campus, and I was welcomed by some upper classmen who were also singers, and they took me under their wings. We later formed a R&B group called “Mission”. Over time we became known campus wide and later spread throughout the mid-west. Our harmony arrangements were like no other. We would post up at the Memorial Union by the piano and the acoustics would carry our voices all through the building. We would later have the opportunity to headline concerts, sing at Sporting Events, and even major club performances. I was on top of the world!

While on the rise, God began to deal with me about the calling and purpose He had designed for my life. I was running from it and trying to run faster away from it every day. I knew God had a plan for me, but I wasn’t ready to obey. I thought to myself, “Man, I’m finally living my dream!” But deep down inside I knew that there was much more that God had for me. I was stubborn and wanted to do my own thing in my own way. I was using my musical gifts, but I knew that I was using it in the wrong way.

There was a series of events that occurred that would cause a complete turn-a-round for my entire life. The most lifechanging event happened during my first year if college. While on campus, I met a young lady, and we had been dating for about 8 months at the time. Our relationship started off great but over time we hit a few “bumps in the road”. I was avoiding the obvious signs to get off that road, but I refused to take any exits. Overriding the toxicity, things turned for the worst. One day we had a big argument, and we broke up. I went to work the next day. While at work, I checked my voicemail messages, and it was her. She was stating that if she died tonight that it would be my fault. I rushed to her dorm room and the door was slightly opened. I could tell that there were no lights on in her room. I proceeded to enter the room and to my surprise, she was sitting on the floor with a knife to her wrist. I immediately rushed to her and tried to take the knife away. She wouldn’t let it go! We continued in this dangerous game of tug-of-war when finally, I felt a sharp pain! It seemed as if time stood still. Everything went silent and I looked down to see the handle of a paring knife sticking out of my stomach. She started freaking out and I told her to call her sister who lived a few doors down the hall. After what I felt was a lifetime, I found myself laying in the back seat of a car bleeding and praying for my life. Here I go again…” Lord, if you get me out of this one, I’ll get my life right with you!” But somehow this time was a little different. I really thought I was going to die. We get to the hospital and the ER nurse examined my wound. I was given 6 stitches and the nurse informed me that the knife wound was a hairline from my abdominal wall, and I would’ve had internal bleeding and eventually died. I said to myself…” I was a hairline from dying!” That was too close for me. I didn’t press any charges because it was truly an unfortunate accident. I have since forgiven that young lady so that I could move on with my life and not be bound by unforgiveness. Honestly, I thank God that it happened because that was the start of a new beginning for me.

From that incident, I made God a promise that I would fully give my life to Him. I left the old me and started the journey to working on the new me. I left Ames, IA, and returned home to Chicago. I would go on to meet my beautiful wife, Tanesha Ashby. She was everything that I was needing and desiring in a woman. She would tell me that in order to truly be successful in my music, I would have to do it God’s way. She was right! I was perverting my gift and wasn’t using it to fullness of its purpose. She reminded me that my music was to uplift, inspire, encourage, and ultimately, bring people into the presence of God. I was so thankful for those words.

From that moment, that has been my mission. The journey began! My wife and I relocated to Kansas City, MO to serve in ministry alongside my parents at Charity Church. I also developed as a recording artist. I always wanted to have a diverse sound that impacted not just “church folk”, but people in general. There’s a whole world of people outside of church that need to hear the good news as well. I feel that I bring a unique “packaging” in my artistry. I grew up listening to Commissioned, Fred Hammond, and Boyz II Men. Then other artist like Brian McKnight and Aaron Sledge, also have influenced my sound as well. I’ve always had a diverse musical appetite that has always challenged me to experiment in multiple genres such as pop, country, urban, and contemporary Christian music.

I am so thankful for the many doors of opportunity that God has opened for me. I received my first national song placement in 2014. I was a co-writer for the song, “Do A Work”-released by national Gospel artist, James Fortune on the “Live Through It” album. Since then, I have gone on to write and collaborate for many projects from local artist to major international companies. I am also a strong advocate for cancer awareness and have partnered with Susan G. Koman (KC), the National Cancer Society (KC), and have partnered with National Sales Directors of Mary Kay Cosmetics to promote awareness with my song, “You Look Better In PINK”. This song has been an anthem for awareness across the Nation.

My goal and desire is to leave this world empty. I want to pour out my heart in every song. The journey that I have been on has been by design. Every step has served a distinct purpose in my life. My prayer is that the lyrics will bring life and restoration to all those who chooses to listen. Whether it’s a relatable song about life, a song about love, or a song about my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, I pray that my heart is felt in every song that is heard.

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?
I had to get over comparison. The music industry is filled with creative artists and sometimes I would fall into comparing myself to someone else.

I then remind myself that I also have what it takes to stand out in the music industry. I may not be the best singer, writer, or producer, but I give it the best that I have and I can live with that. In reality, it’s God writing and singing through me anyway. My prayer every time I go in the studio is, “Lord I am the mic but you are the voice. I am the pen but you are the ink”.

Neither one of those things works without the other. With that being said, I need God to do what I do. Without him, I can’t do anything but he keeps me doing everything. I’m so thankful!!!!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter and I love creating worship music, ballads, anthems, and jingles. I am known for my smooth vocal arrangements and writing. I am proud that I learn from every single song. I always find a way to grow from each project.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I am big on lyrical content. The lyrical content paints the visual of the message in the music. The complexity or simplicity can create the necessary imagery to get a certain message across to the listener.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.ericashbymusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericashbymusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericashbymusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-RhErH4-Vof7Cl4pDlO39g
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/eric-ashby-music

Image Credits
Steven G. Photography.