Ashley Marina: "All Good Things" (Exclusive Interview)
Where are you from?
I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
How did you get your start in music?
I began to love music when I was very little before I can even remember and my mother recognized this and began practicing singing and dancing with me at home. I began performing when my parents entered me into pageants and talent shows for fun. Eventually I learned to play the piano and guitar and began working on original music.
Is music a big part of your family?
Neither of parents have music backgrounds before I came into the picture but now they are very involved and supportive in my journey and also my little brother who loves music and dance as well.
What artists and songs did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to the greats such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, and Adele. I also remember loving popular songs by Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Alicia Keys.
What is the biggest message you want to bring to your audience?
I love creating meaningful messages in many of my songs that can be enjoyed by and moving to all. They say that music is a universal language and that is how I approach it. The beautiful messages that I receive from people across the world in response to my music confirms this and motivates me to make more.
What has been the most challenging part of your music journey?
I would say the most specific challenging event came a few years ago when I was 12 and was able to make it to America's Got Talent where Simon Cowell stopped me twice on stage and requested that I come back later in the day with a third song. It was a very stressful day but thankfully I was able to come back with one of my original songs and won the judges over receiving all Yeses. If you get a chance check it out online, it was quite the drama. Unfortunately that was the season that was later interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and they had to shorten the show.
What are your goals for the rest of 2023?
To create and release new music that my fans and hopefully new fans will enjoy and make it onto their playlists! I also want to keep learning and experience new performance opportunities.
