We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ash Ross a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ash, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
Growing up as an artist and creative, I have encountered a myriad of challenges, including bullying, isolation, and exclusion. These experiences have shaped me in profound ways and have instilled within me a strong desire to ensure that no one else feels the same pain and alienation that I did during my childhood. I attribute this empathetic nature to the unwavering support and guidance from my parents. They constantly reminded me of the profound impact that a lack of compassion had on me, and urged me to always treat others with kindness, as one can never truly comprehend the battles they may be fighting. There have been numerous instances in my life where I found myself struggling and yearning for understanding. Being deprived of empathy during those moments felt utterly devastating. Given the choice between uplifting someone in their darkest moments or turning a blind eye for my own convenience, I would undoubtedly choose the former. I firmly believe that true empathy is born out of personal experiences of needing it oneself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi! My name is Ash Ross, and I am a live musician. Music has been my passion throughout my entire life, starting from the moment I demonstrated perfect pitch at just nine months old. I began with classical training in piano, later transitioning to violin, ukulele, and eventually guitar, bass, and various other instruments. After spending four years on the road, I settled in LA ten months ago, and since arriving, I have performed in over 35 shows with five different bands, not to mention my solo gigs. It has been an exhilarating journey so far, but I’m nowhere near done!
My musical projects have been incredibly diverse, ranging from playing lead guitar in POPOFF, a pop rock band, to being a vocalist in 70s style rock band Electric Revival. Currently, I am honored to be the bassist for my exceptionally talented friend and band leader, Johnny Majestic, as well as a member of “Harrys House: A Tribute to Harry Styles” alongside the amazing Julian Shah-Tayler. I am now available for hire for sessions and live shows, for bass, guitar, vocals, and violin.
Being able to pursue my passion and turn it into a career is one of the greatest gifts life could offer me. If you have ever witnessed one of my live performances, you would see the sheer joy that radiates from me every time I step on stage. When I’m not playing live, I am constantly working towards my next project. At the time of this interview, my next endeavor is top-secret and will remain under wraps for a few more months. However, rest assured, it will be nothing short of amazing!
Trying to make ends meet solely through music is no easy task, so in addition to my band commitments, I also work a day job and perform as a street musician on weekends with my partner Sebastian in Santa Monica. If you ever find yourself on 3rd Street Promenade and hear the sound of rock music from two young street performers, that would be us!
As we approach 2024, I anticipate it to be a monumental year for me, and I invite all of you to join me on this journey. Stay tuned, there are many exciting things in store!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As a performer, I always live by the statement “If you’re not having fun, neither is the audience” (thanks for that dad). Consequently, I have dedicated a significant portion of my life to perfecting the art of appearing fun and effortless on stage. However, in addition to this, I firmly believe that effective communication and networking are the most invaluable skills one can possess, second only to mastering your instrument. Discovering your tribe, the people who resonate with your music, is an absolute game-changer. I was incredibly fortunate to have met Sebastian when I first arrived in LA; he opened the doors to this vibrant scene, propelling me towards countless opportunities that would have otherwise taken longer to come by. For any young musicians striving to carve their own path, I implore you to step out into the world. Embrace and support your local music scene, introduce yourself to the bands performing, and forge as many friendships as your heart can hold. Not only will this expand your business network, but having a support system is absolutely essential in a city like this. I genuinely owe my current success to my incredible friends, without whom I would be nowhere.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I am incredibly fortunate to have a circle of the best friends I could ask for who have consistently shown me unwavering love and support during my time here. Having never felt a strong sense of community in my life or career, having these amazing people in my life has been absolutely game changing. My partner Sebastian has been my pillar since the moment i touched down in LA, and having him by my side has made my experience navigating the city and all of the challenges of living alone for the first time so much less confusing and more exciting. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to my amazing friends Lou, Sierra, Sophie, Oscar, Andrew, Sarah, and Dan. Their support on and off the stage never fails to blow my mind, begging the question “How did i get so lucky?” Additionally, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my exceptional band leaders, Johnny Majestic and Julian Shah-Tayler, who are not only tremendously talented but also dear friends. Playing alongside you both is an absolute honor, and I cannot thank you enough for believing in me and providing me with a platform to pursue my passion. My love for each and every person mentioned is beyond words.
Contact Info:
- Website: ashrossmusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/arossrocks
Image Credits
@christian_a_cadena @mr_manugram
