Ashton, an exciting new DJ/producer from Chicago, recently dropped his debut EP, For The People, after breaking into the scene in 2021. The EP doubles as an acute display of his production sensibilities, offering a sampler of four different strains of house music. From a sax-drenched melody to a G-House weapon, to a minimal experimental house cut, Ashton’s For The People EP offers something for every type of house lover.
The EP is only 4 songs, but I can’t stop listening to it. I was so impressed with this release, I reached out to him to learn more. “This EP is something very special to me and is an anticipated project by everyone who has followed me from the beginning of my journey in music. I wanted to produce an EP that portrays my wide variety of tastes in house music,” he said.
After listening to this EP 3 or 4 times, I reached out to learn more. I am listening to “The One” while I am writing this and I am head over heels excited to introduce you to Ashton. This is going to be fun!!!
“This EP is something very special to me and is an anticipated project by everyone who has followed me from the beginning of my journey in music. I wanted to produce an EP that portrays my wide variety of tastes in house music.” – Ashton
Tell me about your new EP, For The People.
This EP is something I’ve wanted to give back to my audience ever since I released my first single “Dark Matter”. This 4 track EP displays my wide range of production styles and each song has its own unique sound to it.
Only 4 songs on the EP… Why did you stop there? And how did you pick what 4 tracks to include and in what order?
4 songs were my goal, not for any particular reason honestly. I wanted to give my following enough music to enjoy for quite some time but not release enough where it was overwhelming. Each song has its own style to them. I wanted to release a song with my 2 good friends Saxogene and Qualowkey; the end result is exactly what I was thinking of from the start of the idea. Also, I wanted to include one bass house song and two catchy tech house songs.
You are based in Chicago. There are a lot of good clubs in the Windy City. Where are some of your favorite places to see a show?
My favorite venue right now is called Radius Chicago. It’s a newer venue in the city and they’ve created an amazing venue. It has enough space for everyone to not be crammed shoulder to shoulder and has top-notch production. I also really love Spy Bar Chicago. It’s a smaller venue, but the atmosphere and vibe of the entire place makes you feel like you’re in a European club. I love it.
I love your logo… The font and the scary guy at the end! What does it mean?
Honestly, I went through a lot of logos in the beginning and I’m so happy to have the logo that I do now. The reaper signifies the dark side of my production, but he’s still adorable at the same time. Having a character or a design with or within your logo is definitely a smart move for any artist because anywhere you go, you can see that design and people will know who it is.
What is your process for producing a new single? Specifically the lyrics. Do you sit down with a yellow pad or do the ideas just come to you?
My production happens all organically. I start with the foundation of a song and follow the ride it takes me. Other than the collaborations I do, all of my music comes from scratch without any particle ideas. That way I can create the most creative music I can without putting pressure on myself.
What headphones are around your neck?
My current headphones are LyxPro HAS-30. As of now, most of my equipment isn’t top-notch. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on equipment or gear, and you can still make amazing music nonetheless.
I LOVE the For The People album cover. What is the significance of that and who designed it?
The cover is the Sun Tarot Card. The meaning behind the card is that it signifies success, radiance, and abundance. This card gives you strength and tells you no matter where you go or what you do, your positive and radiant energy will follow you to bring happiness and joy. I’m a very spiritual person and I wanted to have something like this involved in my artwork.
You are fairly new to the scene. What inspired you to get started and start producing music?
I’ve always loved music and somehow wanted to get involved. Going to shows, seeing how happy it makes people and the atmosphere of everything music does for people, I knew I wanted to be involved. My sister got me a starter deck for Christmas of COVID. That’s what really started my journey as a DJ. Then after that, I went to open decks at a local venue and I knew after that experience this was what I wanted to do. I started producing shortly after that and I fell in love with production as well.
I know you just released an EP, but are you working on your next project? Perhaps a new single or a full-length album coming soon?
As of now, I’m producing songs on a daily basis, but I want to pick and choose the right time to release my next piece of art.
What are you listening to when you’re not working on your own music? I am curious who influences your sound.
My favorite genres of music are bass and house. I’m also always listening to newer artists as well to get ideas for my own style of production.
You live in Chicago. What’s the best pizza in the Windy City?
I’m a sucker for deep-dish pizza and I know it’s a chain, but I’d have to say Giordano’s.
You’ve played at several big festivals including Electric Forest, North Coast Music Festival, and Firelights Festival. What does your tour schedule look like in the New Year?
In January I have 2 shows already booked and in the coming months there will be more announcements to come. Stay tuned!
Not really a question, but I just interviewed Ashton Adams. If you’re not following his work, do. Full of bangers!!!
You are also involved with Bass Chasers Music Collective. Tell me more about that project.
This is a group of artists scattered across the Midwest. I’m not as involved as I once was, but I still hang out and talk to many of these artists today. I’m proud of them all.
Where can people learn more about you?
All of my socials are @ashtonthatsme.
What’s next for Ashton?
Releasing new music for my audience as well as play shows and music festivals in new states.
We’ve talked about a lot today. What else can you tell me about Ashton?
I’m a firm believer in having a positive attitude and believing in yourself as well as others. Supporting others and seeing them grow is something I truly enjoy. Everyone once had their first show or first song released and the journey of seeing the growth is an awesome experience.
Thank you for doing this, man. I enjoyed getting to know you. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
You can do anything in this world as long as you believe and manifest anything that you want to achieve. Anything is possible.
