The summer of 2019 marked the beginning of a musical journey for many, including the author of this piece, who discovered Ashe’s artistry while working their first job as a housekeeper.
Searching for a soundtrack to the daunting eight-hour shifts filled with mundane tasks, the author created a Spotify playlist titled “i like these songs” on August 1, 2019.
What started as a quick solution transformed into a daily ritual for the past five years, accumulating over 9,000 songs.
Ashe’s breakout hit, “Moral of the Story,” was a pivotal addition to the playlist, thanks to its captivating fifteen-second piano intro featured in the film “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.”
The song was added just five days into the playlist’s inception and remains Ashe’s most recognized track to date.
Fast forward six years, and the journey through Ashe’s discography has mirrored significant transitions in the author’s life, including two tours, three albums, and 67 new songs added.
Ashe blends indie pop with elements of folk, jazz, country, and rock, creating an emotional landscape that resonates deeply with listeners.
Her songs range from light-hearted tales, like “Serial Monogamist,” to raw, introspective tracks such as “Save Myself,” highlighting her complex relationship with her home state of California and her personal experiences, including a challenging marriage.
After a grueling three-year tour, Ashe canceled her “Fun While It Lasted” tour in early 2023 to prioritize her mental health, marking an 18-month hiatus before returning with her album “Willson.”
This album completes a trilogy of self-titled works that document her artistic journey through various stages of life.
Three years after their last encounter during the Fault Line tour in 2022, the author attended another Ashe concert in Seattle, an impulsive decision made just hours before the show.
Dressed in campus tour guide uniforms, the author and their coworker found themselves standing out among fans who donned red gingham, white cotton shirts, and blue denim bottoms, outfits inspired by Ashe’s curated concert themes.
Ashe meticulously planned her trilogy tour to enhance the holistic experience for both her fans and herself, establishing healthy boundaries for her return to the stage.
Her marketing team effectively engaged fans through interactive social media content, while Leah Rubino, a devoted fan, was hired as the tour ambassador, playing a crucial role in promoting the event.
Rubino, like the author, discovered Ashe through Spotify’s algorithm, and her profound connection with the artist deepened with each interaction and concert attended.
One of Rubino’s favorite Ashe songs, “Always,” highlights the bond between artist and fan, capturing the essence of their mutual recognition.
She fondly recalls how Ashe personally acknowledged her on social media, evolving from a fan into a friend.
At the Showbox concert, amidst a crowd of 1,000, both the author and Rubino experienced Ashe’s potent storytelling as she performed songs reflecting her growth and journey.
Each album represents Ashe’s reclamation of her identity, showcasing her evolution through vulnerability and raw emotion.
With each live performance, Ashe’s rich vocals intertwined with her genuine enthusiasm, revealing her joy in reconnecting with her audience.
Rubino encapsulated the essence of the tour, describing it as Ashe’s way of signaling her return to music and a deeper connection with her fans, affirming that this phase of her artistry is the most genuine and transparent yet.
The concert not only celebrated Ashe’s musical achievements but also the transformative power of connection through shared experiences.
The author reflects on their personal growth in parallel with Ashe’s evolution, emphasizing how music can weave together individual narratives, making it an integral part of their lives.
In summary, Ashe’s trilogy tour in Seattle was a testament to the enduring bond between artist and fan, a journey that has evolved across years, shaped by personal experiences, and underpinned by mutual recognition and support.
It continues to inspire both the author and Rubino, reminding them how music is a crucial companion during life’s transitions.
image source from：dailyuw
