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We have featured several times the amazingly talented Ashley Xtina and her powerful vocals wrapped in emotionally driven lyrics. She has just released another new song and it is truly beautiful and empowering. Her new track, I Choose Me delivers a much needed message to all. Ashley comments on the inspiration for the song,

“The inspiration for this song came at a time in my life when everything seemed to be falling apart and while I knew I should do some things, it seems as if I MUST do others. At the end of the day, if you don’t pursue your dreams, no one will. So that’s why I choose me from now on. That’s the message I’m trying to spread 🙂 ”

The song really does encapsulate that message of how in a world where you could be tugged in so many directions, trying to please everyone, the person you must focus on first, is yourself. It reminds me of the truth in one of my favorite quotes,

“When you say ‘Yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘No’ to yourself” – Paolo Coehlo

So check out the new song as it may just hold the right message for you to hear:

In case you missed it before, check out our Interview with Ashley Xtina below:

We recently brought you a review of the fantastic new EP Stability by Ashley Xtina. You can read more from that post here. The new EP Stability is set to release tomorrow, Juy 2nd and we hope you all get a chance to pick it up. Ashley’s EP is four amazingly well written songs that are not only emotionally driven but complete capture the listener and transports them to another place. The vocal range and execution by Ashley is gratifying. Her voice can transition from powerful to vulnerable, from mysterious to sultry and so much more.

We had a chance to talk with Ashley and are pleased to bring that interview to you here:

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Music Junkie Press: Thank you Ashley for taking the time out to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press! We have to tell you that we love your new EP Stability. Your EP highlights the honesty and realness in the music. Was it a very emotional process to record the EP?

Ashley: Recording the EP was definitely an emotional process. Not only because all of the songs represent such overwhelming times in my life but also because it was my first time recording in a real studio. Recording always seemed like such a distant dream for me because I was always either 1. too scared or 2. too broke, but this year I just told myself that it had to be done. I raised some money, saved all of my birthday and graduation checks and that’s it. Now that it’s all done I STILL can’t believe it hahaha. I’ve honestly never been so proud of myself and I’m really thankful to have such supportive people in my life. I have a really good team and that made the process a whole lot easier.

Music Junkie Press: Your song, So Sorry really grabs your attention when we take a listen. Can you tell me more about that song and what it means for you?

Ashley: ”So Sorry” was a song I actually wrote for my dad about two years ago for his birthday. I think a lot of times we take advantage of people we love and forget to appreciate them and that’s what this song is about. My dad is my superhero, he’s been through so much shit but he still manages to have this amazing outlook on life and I really admire him for that. He’s always been so supportive of my music career – both my parents have been – and I feel incredibly lucky. This was the first song I’d written after my two-year personality crisis/break from music and I’m so happy that not only is it on the EP but it’s also the first track and people have been taking so well to it!

Music Junkie Press: Do you have a particular songwriting process?

Ashley: It varies. Sometimes I write lyrics (usually on the subway) and then figure out the melody, sometimes vice versa. Recently I’ve been coming up with melodies first and seeing what words fit. I’d love to do some more co-writes, I think it’s important to work in different genres and step out of your comfort zone a little bit.

Music Junkie Press: Your music really brings out a great soul and pop vibe, who are some of your favorite musicians?

Ashley: I definitely go through phases in terms of genres that I listen to but recently I’ve been hooked on Emeli Sande, Norma Jean Martine, ZZ Ward, Gin Wigmore, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Sia. A lot of sexy powerhouse female songwriters out there.

Music Junkie Press: If you could collaborate with any artist today, who might that be?

Ashley: I don’t know if I’d be able to choose just one from that bunch up there to be honest hahaha, although I do think Emeli and I would definitely sound the most powerful together.

Music Junkie Press: If we could peak into your Ipod, what artist or song might we be most surprised at finding in there?

Ashley: I mean I don’t know if this would be much of a surprise but I’m such a Miley fan. Those collabs she did on Bangerz blew my mind.

Music Junkie Press: How about when you are not writing or performing, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Ashley: I’m a foodie – I love trying out new restaurants and of course, traveling. Take me anywhere new where there is good food and good live music and I’ll be the happiest person in the world.

Music Junkie Press: What is your Go To song that you can listen to anytime and it complete revs you up or lifts your spirits?

Ashley: Almost a year ago I was introduced to an artist named Saika Bince, we became fast friends and often advise each other on our music careers – Her song “Gold” is my go-to song that gets me going in the morning. You guys should check her EP “Fall of a Hero” if you don’t already know her – such a good mix of styles and damn can she sing.

Music Junkie Press: What are you currently working on that you can share with us?

Ashley: I am currently in rehearsals with my new all- girl rock band, Queen of Wands. We’re aiming to release our demo mid-August and have our debut show sometime around then too. I’m pretty excited to be playing bass/being lead vocalist. I love being a frontwoman and what’s better is that I get to work with two other amazing female musicians on drums and guitar as well!

Music Junkie Press: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?

Ashley: Just that I have a lot of exciting things lined up in the next six months so be sure to follow me on Twitter or Facebook for the updates! www.facebook.com/ashleyxtinamusic or @AshleyKervabon on Twitter.

Music Junkie Press: Thank you Ashley and we look forward to everyone picking up the EP on the 2nd!

Ashley: Thank you!!! 🙂

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We look forward to more new music from Ashley and hope to get a chance to see her perform live. Her voice is soul touching and completely captivating! Make sure to visit her social media sites and stay up to date on her latest news.

~ Marisol

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