Meet Ashley Sankey | Community Vocalist/Singer/Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Sankey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey has been one of endurance, at 16, I went from a teenager to a caregiver of my mother who fell ill to a severe stroke. It was a very turbulent time in my life. I was finding myself, learning myself, and all of a sudden, what my norm was changed immediately. I had to figure life out in many different ways while still trying to find myself. I just wanted to get through. Music became a part of my get through regime. My mother trained me classically and jazz fluently from age 5. Music was always my background from being a musician to a student of it. It wasn’t until I started in the work force and some of my college years that I said I wanted to have my own music business to go along with my job field after obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I had always been taught to never put all of your eggs in one basket. Another reason was to make sure that I lived out the dream that my mother put aside to raise her children. I didn’t take that lightly; it motivates me daily to be serious about my decision and to constantly grow and accomplish every goal I set out to achieve. I know that everyone has a gift to share with the world and I knew that this was one of my God-given gifts to share. I wanted to offer an experience that only I could offer to those who love the arts. Music is the lifeline to life. Knowing this, I know that we all receive music in different ways. It heals us differently, touches us differently. With ASAC Music Outreach, I knew that we all go through things in life and that registers with others who are also overcomers. Even though my mom is now deceased, I know that her spirit is cheering me on!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ashley Sankey is one of the hottest vocalists in the Birmingham, Alabama area. She generates mellow Soulful sounds of Neo-Soul, Jazz, R&B, and inspirational music. Her performances are always energizing!! This dynamic vocalist is multi-talented: She’s a song writer, keyboard player, guitar player, & percussionist. Some of her performances and music practice work include the Omega phi talent search, Marcus Lundy Summer Jam Series, Virginia Samford Theater, Girls Rock Birmingham. Women’s March, Artwalk Festival, Secret Stages, Sidewalk Festival. Opener for P.J. Morton Jr. with group “Redemptive Soul.” She has also played on the independent artist stage at Ambient Studios in Atlanta Georgia for the 2019 Pre-Superbowl Show, presented by: Eric Norman/Ambient Studios. She’s been a vocalist for the 38th Southeast U.S.- Japan Association Summit (Alabama Conference,) Civil Rights District Marketplace Artist (World Games 2022) Birmingham, Al.

She’s served as opening artist act for Amber bullock, Talib Kweli, and The Wailers (Bob Marley Band.) As mentioned previously, she’s also had the opportunity to do vocals with the U.S. Billboard Charting #1 & #1 on the U.S SmoothJazzNetwork “Threestyle” Jazz Group of (London) on a few of their projects. Ashley has performed in Birmingham Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia, Huntsville, Al, New Orleans, Louisiana, Shreveport, Louisiana, Jackson Mississippi, Miami & Tampa Florida and Ohio. Ashley released her debut album in Sep. 2013 entitled Ashley Sankey Presents “Birmingham’s Here,” followed by her sophomore album “True,” and her third album “Welcome To E~Land.” Ashley has over 23,000+ streams on digital music platforms combined. She is getting ready to release her Forth album soon!!!! Stay tuned!!

Ashley states that, “This road has not been easy, but its been worth it.” For the past 18 years, I have been growing and perfecting my God given talent/gift. There is no doubt in my mind that I will accomplish every goal that I am determined to accomplish. I have overcome challenges by looking at every obstacle in a positive light. I ask myself questions like these, what can I learn from this? What can I change to make sure this doesn’t happen again? How can I better myself? I want the world to know that we all have a purpose, we all have a responsibility to tap into what we are called to give and pour into the world. We have a duty!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Junipers, it’s a earthy, calming vibe with a spectacular chief and amazingly vibrant bar with signature drinks! I would recommend that they stay at the Birmingham Tree House. Its a cozy and art friendly air b&b.
Some of the best music and poetry spots I would recommend are; The Green House (Flourish AL), Saturn (Avondale, AL) Bards & Brews at the Birmingham Public Library. Some of the most exciting places to go to eat would be- The Fennec, Rougaroux, Yo Mama’s, Southern Caribbean Restaurant, Black Market, Ikko Japanese Restaurant, and The Red Sea.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family and every person that God has brought into my life to help and encourage me on this journey. If I could name a few supporters, it would be some of my networks from places I’ve performed in the southern regions and some of the northern regions of the United States. I would say my musician colleagues, vocalist, vocal teachers, educational teachers, event center owners, photographers, videographers, mentors, and anyone who has had a hand in helping me on this continued journey. I can’t leave out some of the industry workers who have assisted me with getting opportunities for songwriting and vocal performance in the music industry. Recently I was given an opportunity to work with Jazz #1 U.S Billboard Charts, #1 US SmoothJazzNetwork, #1 US Groovejazzcharts group “Threestyle Jazz Group,” on two of their recent albums “Music From The Soul” & “Better Days.” I would like to give a shout out to Industry keyboardist and MD Christopher Troy for introducing me to the group. I would also like to thank Johnathan Banks(Florida) for recently connecting me with a few opportunities to do vocal reference tracks as they go through the selection process for a few industry artist! I have so many more that I could thank but I don’t have enough space 😉 . I would simply like to say thank you to “EVERYONE” who has ever helped and believed in Ashley Sankey Music! Thank you!

Website: https://ashleysankey.wixsite.com/asac

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladysankey13/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sankey-b-a-sc-07273533/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASAC7/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ashleysankey?feature=shared