Blending elements of space disco, electronic, post-punk, and indie dance, the Los Angeles trio ASHRR has crafted a quintessential sound that is both captivating and eclectic. It’s like they’ve taken a musical blender, tossed in a bunch of seemingly incompatible genres, and somehow managed to create a harmonious symphony. In a music scene often overrun by cookie-cutter rhythms and generic beats, ASHRR emerges as a refreshing breath of fresh air.
Led by the soulful vocals of Steven Davis and backed by the production prowess of Josh Charles and Ethan Allen, ASHRR’s music is a sonic tapestry woven with rich harmonies, immersive soundscapes, and a truly unparalleled versatility. Their diverse backgrounds shine through in every note, creating a depth and complexity that sets them apart.
Their latest album, “Sunshine Low,” is a sonic journey that will transport you from the heat of summer to the cool, neon-lit streets of a late-night escapade. Tracks like “Please Don’t Stop The Rain” introduce you to ASHRR’s funky groove, while “Sway” will have you tapping your feet and swaying to its infectious rhythm. “Fizzy” blends dub-disco and NYC underground influences, creating a pulsating energy that’s hard to resist. And “Deux Sons” feels like a time capsule from the 60s, with its low-key guitar and suave melody.
We’re lucky enough to have a little chat with Josh and Ethan. They’re sharing all the details about the making of “Sunshine Low,” alongside experiences working together as a trio and what the future holds for ASHRR. Join us in this exclusive interview and let’s see what they have to say!
You mentioned that “Sunshine Low” emerged from the pandemic and reflects the deep connection you’ve formed over the years. Can you elaborate on the overall vision you had for this album and how it evolved over the two years you spent working on it?
ASHRR: The title “Sunshine Low” came from the song of the same name. Lyrically, we were thinking of sunset in California and in the desert where the sun is still in the sky shining, but low where the night is on the edge also. Thematically, the whole record is a bit of dark meets light. There was a desire to re-enter the world to celebrate together with people, and feel everything we had experienced apart. The record changed during the two years substantially, mainly one we came to know the identity and spirit of it. The album acquired more dance traits, but also more of a unique voice as we leaned into it.
What were the primary influences that shaped the sound of “Sunshine Low”? Were there any specific artists or genres that inspired you?
ASHRR: We always have listened to lots of 70s Afrobeat, dub, funk, and soul, as well as a lot of modern electronic music, and we’re into Sault, Khruangbin, and others. Other inspiration comes from many places, and we have wildly wide appetites in music. But we all seem to know the great common denominator where our tastes of the moment come together.
What challenges did you face during the creation of “Sunshine Low,” and how did you overcome them?
ASHRR: The reason this album took so long to make is that we had started working remotely during the pandemic and when we finally got back into the studio the music flowed out, but we hold ourselves to such high standards we wouldn’t let anything be finished until we all agreed it was done. Some songs took well over 5 months and 25 different versions before we ultimately agreed we were done. We respect each other so much, so there’s a point when the song reaches fruition and your gut just tells you – yeah, we got it! Also, we had the good fortune to get signed to 20/20 Vision Recordings, which elongated the process a bit.
Is there a particular track from the album that holds special meaning for you?
Josh: “Deux Sons” was an improvised jam that was inspired by our love of New Orleans music, which ultimately morphed into the complex harmonic chords of the chorus that we ended up singing in French. That song just really felt special, but Fizzy was the first one that redefined the album, so can’t leave that out.
“No Garden” stands out with its dark, moody vibe and psychedelic undertones. How did you approach the production of this track, and what was the inspiration behind its defiant lyrics?
ASHRR: This was a track where we got to explore new ground as a band, venturing into some nocturnal hip-hop and atmospheric painting. We imagined it as a sort of community garden in the midst of a gritty urban landscape, complete with graffiti, flowers, and a rat or two. Lyrically, it is a kind of defense, to find and protect your own fertile ground.
The digital edition of “Sunshine Low” features three bonus tracks, “Lion,” “Something New,” and “The Glow.” Can you share the inspiration behind these additional songs, and how they fit into the overall concept of the album?
ASHRR: “The Glow” took almost a year to write and so many different versions that we nearly left it on the cutting room floor, so to speak. Ultimately, we love how it turned out and is a perfect closer to the album. We simply could not fit everything onto the vinyl, so we had to save it for the digital release, but there are no songs on here we thought of as additional. It was a challenge to find the right sequence for vinyl and digital. Lion is a deeper meditation into what it is to be both hunter and prey in the world.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners will take away from “Sunshine Low”, and how do you hope the album resonates with them on a personal level?
ASHRR: We hope people feel a sense of movement through some darker moments, and the great relief after a long wait of emerging into the light.
You’ll also be releasing a special edition of your alter ego hybrid ASHRR Soundsystem remixes of the full album. What can you tell us about the special edition of “Sunshine Low” that will feature these remixes?
ASHRR: We have slowly released a handful of our Soundsystem versions alongside our remixes, and we did new versions of every song on the album specially crafted for our DJ sets and the dance floor. We know there are fans who want to see the full live band play and at the same time, we need to be flexible to be able to play wherever and in any scenario. The band has a lot of tentacles, which is a necessity in modern-day music and touring. We completely reimagined the songs for the dance floor and had a blast making them and as they have been slowly rolling out we have been getting fantastic responses, so we are very excited to keep the “Sunshine Low” ever-evolving concept alive.
How would you describe the dynamic between the three members of ASHRR? What are the strengths that each member brings to the band?
ASHRR: Each of us has a very different demeanor and tastes, but we share some bonds that defy expectations. None of us live solely within any genre of music, and the areas we do share, some are surprising even to us. But that is where the magic lives, the unknown that defies expectation.
Finally, can you share some insights into your future plans for ASHRR?
ASHRR: Next up is our live show and DJ sets while we are rolling out our next remix which is a special Ron Trent remix of Please Don’t Stop the Rain followed by digital album remixes and then ASHRR Soundsystem versions. We are also hard at work on our next album and deep into the writing and production process.