Singer, songwriter and actor, Asher Monroe spoke with Pop Hearts TV about his newest single, Try Me, the journey to get to where he is in his career and those who have made an impact on his life. You may recognize him from his previous collaborations with Sean Kingston, Akon and Ryan Tedder amongst many others. Asher was also in Zoey101 and the Fame remake!
Asher is set to release two albums in 2021, with a main focus being on the beautiful Windows of Time, which is a powerful and deeply moving record that sees his artistry mature into a sound that feels utterly timeless. The album is led by current single Midnight Masquerade, which is an exhilarating blend of classical theatrics and hi-gloss pop.
Recently, the second single off the project, Try Me was released. The lyrics have a deep and personal meaning behind them and in our interview with Asher Monroe below, he shared his insight on writing it. Take a look.
Pop Hearts TV: We wanted to start from the beginning, can you share with readers about finding your passion for music at such a young age. How did you develop this talent so early? Was your family involved in music?
Asher Monroe “Weirdly enough, none of my family was ever into music professionally. Not even much as a hobby. Only recently did my father say when I was really young, I would wake up singing. My earliest recollection was playing vinyl records on my speaker that lit up in my room. I played a little piano. My first professional experience singing was in the 1st national Broadway tour of Beauty and the Beast at just 6 years old. Over the years I sharpened my skills of performing and singing every night.”
Let’s talk about your latest single, Try Me. WOW, so good!!! This song has a deep meaning to it, what made you decide to write the song, especially about someone close to you?
“Thank you so much. It’s a got a deep sentimental message. I agree, as a writer, your always looking for inspiration anywhere you can. The fact that I had someone close to me that I deeply cared for but couldn’t get this person to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I channelled the emotion I felt for this person into a song that hopefully a mass amount of people could relate too including myself. We all have times of trouble. We all get stuck in a rut but it’s important to know we also have the keys to unlocking the chains we put on ourself and we can accomplish anything if we truly believe.”
With your upcoming fourth studio album, Windows Of Time coming next, what can fans expect from the rest of the album?
“Deep sentimental lyrics, lush production, some of my best vocals to date and story after story. This album is not for the light-hearted who just want a catchy beat and a simple chorus. It might take a few listens to realize the complexity of instrumentation, lyrics and arrangement but it will take my fans on a wild winded journey.”
Pop Hearts TV: For this project, you had the opportunity to work with Walter Afanasieff, can you share an experience(s) from working together?
Asher Monroe “He’s a brilliant composer and pianist and takes pride in what he does. One of the things I loved most from working with Walter was that I could sing any melody and he could find the most fitting chord structure to accompany what I was singing. It made writing more interesting because all we would do is play and sing every day and eventually, we would land on some real gems that would later turn into the finished records you will hear on the album.”
Where are some places you find the most inspiration when you want to be creative?
“My studio in Malibu was one of them partly due to the healthy lifestyle and having an ocean view in my backyard. Being close to some sort of nature is a big part for me in letting go. To write a song I need solace, clarity, somewhere with very little distractions and nature helps you connect to your higher self.”
What do you do when you are out somewhere and get a creative idea for a song?
“I voice that idea into my MEMO app in my iPhone. I will let that idea fizzle and if I just can’t get it out of my head then i’ll pursue that idea more in fleshing it out.”
Who is someone who has made a valuable impact on your career and how/why?
“Diana Jenkins has made a valuable impact on my career. She has stood by my side through thick and thin. Without her I would not be the man I am today. I have always looked up to her in the way she runs her life. Being a role model, war survivor, philanthropist, mother, entrepreneur and so much more. It’s hard to scratch the surface of the impact she has had on me forever.”
You have worked with many people in your career, who has been the most fun?
“That’s a tough question. I have gotten to work with so many talented people who I have become close friends with. I was introduced to Steven Gomillion who’s a famous photographer based in LA when I was recording the album On My Way part 1 and 2 with Chris Brown. Chris said ‘This is the guy you want to work with’. All I had was one photoshoot with Steven and seven years later he was my main go to photographer for almost every main shoot / campaign I had. There was so much synergy between us. I had no desire to work with anyone else because I always got the results, I wanted working with Steven. He allowed me to be myself. Not to mention he is one of the funniest guys I have ever met. Long story short, he’s an incredible talent and a dear friend.”
Who was the most creative?
“James Fauntleroy. One time in the studio, he made a whole beat from just a pen, water bottle and beatboxing.”
The person who surprised you the most and why?
“I was lucky enough to hang with Bono from U2 a few times. Once in Israel and more than one occasion in the South of France. He pulled me off to the side one time and gave me some pretty solid advice knowing I was a musician. He said ‘Asher… whatever you do in life, take it as far as you can and don’t look back.’ I think those exact words coming from anyone else wouldn’t have carried so much weight. It was almost like I had to read between the lines and only years later has it really sunk in. When I’m not afraid and taking risks and eager to push the boundary is when the magic moments are much more rewarding.”
Is there anyone you are looking to work with?
“I would love to do a duet with Lady Gaga! I think she’s fantastic!”
Pop Hearts TV: If there was a dream project you could work on, what would that entail?
Asher Monroe “I’d love to be a part of some Cirque de Soleil production. Perhaps even incorporating my new album into their production.”
Will you do any more acting projects in the future?
“Of course! I’m hoping to do some West End Productions in the near future.”
What is a quote or saying that you feel connected to at this moment in your life?
“I heard this quote the other day and I think its brilliant. ‘People say you only live once. No, you only DIE once, you LIVE every day.’ I think that sums up that we shouldn’t be looking to our past or future but staying connected to the present and living each moment to the fullest.”
Thank you so much again! We can’t wait to hear the rest of your new music!
Make sure to follow Asher Monroe, his journey and upcoming music releases. You can find him on his social media profiles below!
