ASH, a rising force in the alternative R&B scene, has unveiled her highly anticipated debut EP, Holding Water. Hailing from Beijing and now based in New York City, ASH crafts an emotive and innovative sound that blends R&B, indie, and neo-soul with haunting melodies and bilingual lyricism. With a background in classical piano and multi-instrumental self-teaching, ASH’s EP is a testament to her expansive musicality and creative vision. The seven-track project, which she wrote, produced, and performed entirely herself, marks a significant milestone in her career, drawing early acclaim for its deeply personal and genre-defying sound.
Raised in an international community in Beijing, ASH’s exposure to diverse musical influences shaped her artistic journey. She continued to refine her craft during her time at the University of Pennsylvania and The New School in New York, where she honed her skills as both a performer and a producer. Following the success of her debut single “Infatuated” and the follow-up track “Reverse Psychology,” Holding Water, further establishes ASH’s unique sound. Lyrically, the EP delves into themes of emotional release and personal reflection, with ASH effortlessly transitioning between English and Chinese, offering a poignant exploration of identity and transient moments.
Tracks like “Infatuated” and “Pearl” highlight ASH’s ability to blend intricate production with raw emotion. “Infatuated” introduces the EP with a laid-back indie R&B groove, while “Pearl” delivers sultry rhythms and airy vocals that showcase her dynamic range. Meanwhile, “These Clouds” leans into ASH’s melancholic side, pairing minimal instrumentation with an ethereal saxophone solo to create a deeply atmospheric soundscape. The EP’s title track, “Holding Water,” closes the project with a mesmerizing blend of ASH’s silky vocals and pulsing beats, leaving listeners enchanted by the intimate yet powerful finale.
Collaborating with Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer Jeff Ellis, who has worked with industry giants like Frank Ocean and Doja Cat, Holding Water, is a bold introduction to ASH’s limitless potential. Her ability to seamlessly merge genres and craft personal yet relatable narratives through music is a testament to her rising star power. With, Holding Water, ASH has firmly established herself as an extraordinary talent to watch, poised to make a lasting impact on the modern music scene.
