After more than a decade in the making, multi-talented artist Alex Ashley is ready to make his mark with the release of his debut single, “Honeychild.” This long-anticipated track is a powerful fusion of blues, rock, and Americana, serving as an enthusiastic introduction to a musician deeply rooted in his family’s Southern heritage and Black legacy.
In “Honeychild,” Ashley’s connection to his roots is unmistakable. On his mother’s side, he’s intricately tied to the Deep South, while his father’s lineage links him to a rich African-American heritage in the American Heartland. The title “Honeychild,” a creole expression of endearment from the antebellum South, beautifully bridges these two worlds.
Ashley shares, “I am deeply and proudly influenced by where I came from. The more you learn about yourself, the more it informs what you have to say.” While the lyrics might not explicitly reflect this connection, the song embodies the depth of these influences through its music.
“Honeychild” offers listeners a journey from the church house to the juke joint, combining elements of in-the-pocket swagger, gospel-inspired harmonies, gritty slide guitar, and the rich tones of a Hammond B3 organ. It’s not just a musical invitation but a personal declaration as Ashley steps into the spotlight as a solo artist for the first time.
In recent years, Alex Ashley has been a prolific songwriter and sought-after guitarist in the Pacific Northwest music scene, all while keeping his original music and merchandise on hold. “Honeychild” signifies his emergence as a solo artist, challenging the modern trend of artists creating music online without connecting with their audience in person.
Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with music legends like Vince Gill, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, Joe Pug, Tyler Hilton, The Time Jumpers, JD Simo, and more. This debut single marks the beginning of a series of forthcoming releases recorded at the renowned Studio Litho in Seattle, co-produced by Ashley and engineer Floyd Reitsma.