Imagine this movie scene...

It is the end of a passionate relationship between two people, they both know they are bad for each other. Yet for some unexplainable reason they stay together because when it is good, it is really good, good enough to make the pain worth enduring until the next high.

But after that one big fight, he realizes that pain is not love, he packs his bags and walks away without looking back, she is at the door begging him not to go…but he has had enough, the pain has finally broken him.

For once he is thinking rationally and not drunk from the afterglow of perpetual infatuation.

If this was a movie scene I would definitely have Saul Ashby’s music playing in the background as our hero jumps into his old Cadillac and drives off into the expanse of an unending road ( the ones that seem to stretch into the horizon)... as the credits roll and he smokes a camel (smoking is bad for your health) and turns up “Blow by Blow” by Saul Ashby.

...I get carried away at times…

But Mr Ashby's music seems to come from a real place, it is genuine and captures the fragility of the human state perfectly. I chatted with Saul Ashby about music and life this is what he had to say:

What's up man, so tell us, Who is Saul Ashby?

A 23 year old, curly-haired troubadour. Grew up in London. Just moved back after living in America for 5 years. Went to study music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Then moved to NY for a couple of years where I worked as a session musician.

How do you and your fans perceive your music - what is your sound?

I've heard it described as "Indy-Soul," but I'm not sure that I agree with that. I think that "Indy" is just a word people use when they hear something they can't completely define. My influences are really varied, but I'm rooted in the 60's/70's vein of performing songwriters. I mix in my Folk background with my love of American bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Band, and my growing obsession with The Beatles. I don't know. My music is just a big raggedy patchwork of sounds and things that mean something to me. Without it to hide under, I'd feel very vulnerable.

How do you structure your creative process behind the making of the songs, what inspires them?

I'm quite a disciplined writer. I sit down and I write. I'm usually brimming with ideas, so I just start singing and I hit upon a melody and a lyric I like pretty quickly. That often becomes the chorus. The hard part is always finishing a song. They are inspired by people, if not my feelings towards people and life. I get this feeling like there's a leaking bucket where my heart should be, and I'm always trying to patch it up with songs.

What is on constant replay on your mp3 player?

I only listen to vinyl. I recently bought myself one of those turntables that lets you transfer your vinyl onto your computer, so I've been having fun with that. I've been listening to Don McLean's "American Pie," Joan Armatrading's "Joan Armatrading," Friendly Fires' "Friendly Fires," & The Band's "Islands" quite a bit recently.

Cool, I like the vinyl feel as well, very authentic. In your catalog of songs, do you have a particular song that you feel describes your artistic vision or where you are trying to take your artistry?

Not really. I'm not sure what my artistic vision is. I'm not really trying to be anything other than honestly portraying myself. If I finish a song and it doesn't sound honest to me, you'll likely never hear it.

Where are you based at the moment?

North London.

Are you currently signed or indy...how can fans get hold of your music?

Very much unsigned at the moment. My music is available all over the internet, including iTunes. Just google my name.





Concerts and gigs?

All the time. I'm going to slow down in a couple of months to focus on some more writing, but I'm plaiyng quite a bit before then. Best thing to do is to check my myspace page or search my name on Facebook.



We wish you success in everything you do Mr Ashby. Like you said in one of your recent blurbs:

"The future of music is committed and talented people writing great songs that connect with people. That’s it. And that’s what it always has been"

That is the truth and as long as us, the fans connect with your music, we have no doubt that you will have a fulfilling and meaningful career.

Cheers for your time you curly haired troubadour!