Alice Ashe: Finding My Voice, Writing My Story

This week’s PowerWomen is all about music, magic, and making your own rules. We’re so excited to introduce you to Alice Ashe, a singer-songwriter whose journey shows what can happen when creativity meets courage (with a dash of beautiful chaos).

From belting out Annie at the age of four to sharing the stage with The Shires, the UK’s biggest country act, at the Gaiety, Alice is building a story that’s every bit as powerful as her songs.

Where It All Began

My love for music started when I was around four or five years old. I was obsessed with Oliver Twist and Annie, I loved watching and singing along to musicals and listening to all sorts of genres.

I didn’t actually pursue it properly until a bit later in life. As a child, I was too energetic to sit down and learn guitar (thanks to having ADHD). But during lockdown, I finally picked it up and started playing, singing, and writing my own songs. It’s become a fundamental part of my healing journey and an amazing outlet for me.

I’ve always felt inspired by my idols growing up, Florence and The Machine, The Beatles, Stevie Nicks, and by the positive messages music can send out into the world.

ADHD: Curse or Superpower?

For me, ADHD is both a blessing and a curse. Creatively, it’s amazing. My mind can create like crazy. But it can also be tough to manage at times, as my brain and emotions are quite chaotic. Writing and creating is one of the best ways I’ve found to manage it. It’s like a cycle that feeds itself, and honestly, I wouldn’t change it.

A lot of that comes through in my songs. Breathe and Believe is one I wrote as a reminder to myself, and others, to hold onto the wonder and magic of life, even through tough times. Another song, School of Life, is all about forgiveness, the journey of learning, and the lessons I’ve had to figure out the hard way.

The Barriers of Being Unsigned

One of the biggest barriers I’ve faced as a musician is money, especially as an unsigned artist. There’s the bigger issue of streaming platforms like Spotify paying next to nothing for plays of your songs. And with record labels taking the biggest percentage. I think that’s why most artists go it alone now. But it just means that as a community, we need to try and support emerging new artists as much as possible. Art is crucial to society and culture!

There’s the local issue of not always being paid for gigs. (Although I will admit, on the Island I haven’t had a huge issue with this yet as I’ve been quite lucky!) But I have heard horror stories. So much time, effort, and money goes into creating music, and at the end of the day we’re providing a service. It’s kind of strange that the money seems to go to everyone else but the actual musician..

Although I have another job right now, my long-term goal is to leave that behind and focus on music full time. The only way to do that is if artists are paid fairly, so we can reinvest in our music and actually live.

A Creative Process That Mirrors Life

My songwriting process can be unpredictable!! It usually comes in waves. Over Easter, twelve complete songs came out of nowhere, and I was really motivated and structured about recording them straight away as demos on Logic Pro. Other times it can take years, I wrote 6 Feet Under on a plane to Mexico a few years ago, but only finished it earlier this year.

I’m inspired by so many different artists and their stories. Stevie Nicks is a huge inspiration, both lyrically and musically, and also how she lives her life! I love how she’s such a talented, strong and magical woman. 

I was also really impacted recently when I supported The Shires at the Gaiety. Their song Daddy’s Little Girl moves me to tears every time, and the way they performed their set left a real mark on me.

But what inspires me most is the thought that I might inspire others by doing what I love. If my songs can make someone feel wonder, happiness, inspiration, or even remind them of a beautiful memory, that’s the coolest thing.

Advice for Fellow Creatives

If I could share one thing with other creatives who have ADHD, it would be this: don’t let it hold you back. You can do anything you set your mind to. Use it as a way to express yourself, channel your feelings, and celebrate what makes you unique.

What’s Next

Right now, I’m working on creating and releasing my first EP, with my first single being 6 Feet Under! I can’t wait for people to hear it. In the meantime, I’m really enjoying performing at different venues across the Island. Every gig is a completely different experience, and that’s something I love.

What I hope people take away from my story, and from my music, is not to put limits on yourself. If you’ve got a passion, follow your heart and go for it unapologetically. Success will follow.

Stories like Alice’s remind us why we share PowerWomen each week: courage, creativity, and connection can change everything. Who else do you know who deserves a spotlight? Tag them, we’d love to share more PowerWomen.