Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Ashley Woodruff is an accomplished pop and adult contemporary music recording artist. With a lifelong love for music, Ashley’s journey began with vocal lessons and classical training, fueling her passion for singing and songwriting. Ashley has impressed audiences with her mesmerizing vocals and engaging performances throughout her career.
After gaining recognition for her cover songs online, Ashley took the leap into writing and releasing her original music. Her self-titled debut album in 2017 received high praise, and she followed up with a Christmas EP titled “A Gift For You” in 2018. Throughout 2019, Ashley released three singles, solidifying her reputation as a “complete package” solo artist.
In 2022, Ashley delighted fans with her latest single, “Sweet Like Candy,” a vibrant and infectious track that perfectly highlights her evolving artistry. With a bright future ahead, Ashley Woodruff’s unwavering passion and dedication ensure that she will continue to enchant audiences with her captivating music for years to come.
Check out “Sweet Like Candy” on Spotify below:
Hello there, welcome to Spinex music. Thank you for taking out time to respond to us. To kick things off, Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music?
Ashley Woodruff – I started writing music when I was young, about 7 years old. As cliché as it sounds, it’s almost like something that naturally came from within me. I think something that really brought the music out, is the fact that my dad is a piano player. I grew up hearing him play, and performing around town with different singers. I also remember when I was young, my Saturday and Sunday morning’s would consist of music videos on the “Much Music” channel. These are the main factors that made me also want to be a performer, and share my original music.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
Ashley Woodruff – I’ve wanted to make music professionally for most of my life, but I realized I could make it happen in my early 20s. This was when I started performing and releasing original music.
Along with this, throughout the last few years, I’ve gained much experience with the business aspect of music. I’ve learned much about finding and contacting venues/festivals, negotiating payment, networking, etc.
Tell us what is so unique about you and your music?
Ashley Woodruff – The sound of my voice is unique and very recognizable. Regarding being on stage, my favorite and most remarkable piece of music equipment are my mic stand covered in bling.
Can you share a story about your funniest mistake when first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Ashley Woodruff – N/A (Sorry, I can’t recall anything for this question)
Tell us about your latest releases and what inspired you to create them?
Ashley Woodruff – My latest single, “Sweet Like Candy,” was released last July. I really wanted to create a fun, upbeat song for the summer.
Please give us a brief insight into your upcoming projects.
Ashley Woodruff – I am writing my most personal music yet. They are all piano ballads. I still need to set a release or recording date as they are still in progress. I will perform one of the songs for the first time on July 9th, when I take the stage at Hyphy Nightz.
What do you wish you had been told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
Ashley Woodruff – I think one of the biggest things is to believe in yourself and your music. You may receive anonymous hate comments occasionally, but focusing on the positive is vital. Always remember: People who are happy and confident in their lives don’t typically spend time bringing others down.
Another thing is patience and persistence. Five years ago, I performed out of town only once and recently released my debut album. It takes time to reach your goals, but it is so worth it in the end!
Which tips would you recommend to your industry colleagues to help them thrive and not “burn out”?
Ashley Woodruff – One thing I strive to do, is get enough sleep the night before a show. This helps me perform my best and stay energized after.
Another tip I would like to offer, explicitly referring to recording sessions, is to ensure you take breaks. These can even be 15-20 minute breaks every hour or so. It’s incredible how a short break can refresh your mind.
What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) that you are passionate about?
Ashley Woodruff – As for work outside of music, I am swamped! I work full-time for the school board as an educational assistant, part-time at Tim Horton’s, and deliver for Instacart. Along with this, I will be going back to school in September to obtain my psychology degree/concurrent education. Although I am very busy, I maintain a very active social life. I enjoy watching live music/going out in general, road trips, and generally being outside/being very busy.
Any last piece of advice for those artists who just started making music?
Ashley Woodruff – One last piece of advice I would like to give is to connect with other artists locally and online!
For more, Follow Ashley Woodruff on all social media platforms below:
