INTERVIEW: Jen Ash

1 – Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly impacted your journey as an artist?

A pivotal moment in my journey as an artist was when I made the life-altering decision to leave behind my career in professional sports and fully commit to music. It was a terrifying and uncomfortable leap—stepping into the unknown with no guarantees—but deep down, I knew I had to follow my heart. That decision shaped who I am today and remains the best one I’ve ever made. The second transformative moment came when I embraced Afrobeat as part of my sound. I had always been afraid to step into that space, worried about whether it would be accepted or if I could truly own it—but once I did, it felt like coming home. That shift allowed me to fully express my identity and bring all the pieces of my story together through music.

2 – How does “I Surrender” reflect your personal journey as an artist?

“I Surrender” is the beginning of my bad era—where I stop pretending, stop trying to be good all the time, and just allow myself to be real. It marks the start of embracing every side of who I am, even the parts that society tells us to hide. I truly believe that tapping into our darker side is part of the journey—it shapes us, teaches us, and makes us whole. This song is about owning all of it. I’m very opinionated, and I’ve been called brutally honest more times than I can count, so it only makes sense that my music reflects that energy. This is me stepping into my full personality—raw, bold, and unfiltered. But always with class !!

3 -How do you stay motivated and inspired to create new music, especially during challenging times?

I actually think challenging times are the best moments to create. That’s when we’re faced with our rawest emotions—our fears, our doubts—and that’s where the most authentic music comes from. I try to stay real, even when it hurts, because that honesty builds a stronger connection with people. They can feel it, and they relate. A lot of us tend to go quiet during hard times, but as creatives, it’s our job to give those feelings a voice. To say out loud what others might be too afraid to express. That’s where the magic happens.

4 – Are there any particular themes or messages you aim to convey through your music?

My music has evolved over time, and the messages shift depending on where I’m at in life. But there are a few themes that always stay with me—like resilience, the power of being unapologetically yourself, and the strength of womanhood. I want to tell stories about women who refuse to conform, who think outside the box, and who challenge what society expects of them. For me, it’s all about freedom—the freedom to be who we are, to think for ourselves, and to live life on our own terms. That sense of freedom is crucial, and it’s something I hope my music reflects and inspires in others.

5 – Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

My influences are quite diverse. I grew up listening to powerful female vocalists like Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, and Whitney Houston—women who really knew how to tell a story with their voice. At the same time, I was immersed in the French Caribbean sounds and Afro beats, especially during those formative years of becoming an adult. I think my music is a blend of all that—truthful lyrics, soulful vocals, Afro-inspired rhythms, and a little French touch that keeps it unique.