Does excessive behaviors lead to disruptive patterns? Avoid band divisions or dissolution.

To be “enamored” with something is not usually associated with what it takes to be a great guitar player. Or does it? Think about what defines being enamored. 1. to inflame with love. 2. to cause to feel a strong or excessive interest or fascination. When you think of it, a guitar player is both. They have a love for music, to the point where it is excessive. If you have been a guitar player for any number of years, you know that it is more than a hobby it is way of life. Guitarists are often excessive. It is also fueled by love and desire for what is accomplished when a few chords or notes are put together and followed by extraordinary sounds. Honestly, that is about the most simplistic way of describing it. There is a deeper connection, that is ignited by something personal to the guitarist. Often it is an un-describable bond or relationship.

Bring in an artist that could tell us about being enamored to her six string is Ash Blair. If you have spent any time on the internet admiring guitar talent, then you are familiar with Ash Blair. However, I want to give you a sneak peek into who Ash Blair is, and what she has accomplished.

ABOUT ASH BLAIR

Ash Blair is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bassist. Ash has her Bachelor’s of Arts in Guitar from Berklee College of Music. She is also a Fender artist and an Ernie Ball artist. Her favorite guitar is her Fender American Professional Stratocaster in Olympic White. Ash released her debut EP titled “Shades of Ash” in June of 2022. She gained so much joy bringing the ideas in her heart to life through her guitar and voice! She is very passionate about creating her own music and is currently working on a full-length album that will be released before the end of 2023! You can find her on Instagram and on YouTube @guitarbyash. On those platforms you will find 80’s guitar and bass covers, vocal covers, and updates about her original music!

INTERVIEW WITH ASH BLAIR AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE

GT: Hi Ash. Welcome to the World of Guitar Thrills Magazine. We are excited to have you interview for us today. In fact, it is worth noting that this would be your first time. It is important to mention, that we have tried to schedule you for interviews in the past, but things didn’t work out. However, we finally get a chance to get to know you more.

GT: We covered a little bit about who you are and what you have accomplished. Though, who would you say Ash Blair is, what makes up the guitarist that we are so fond of?

Ash: I’m a small town girl with big dreams and a passion for music! My guitar is an extension of my soul's love for music, and I am blessed with so many great influences and supporters.

GT: In our introduction we highlighted the word enamored. We know in the music industry the word takes on a totally new meaning. Especially if the application is in reference to your lyrics, or your instrument of choice. First, as an artist what are you enamored with? If it is your guitar, what kind of influence has it had on your life? Why the connection?

Ash: I would say I am enamored with my guitar because I picked it up at a time in my life when I had just suffered a disappointment. At that moment, the guitar became a complete redirection in my life. Ever since I started putting all of my energy into it, many doors have opened, connections have been made with some amazing people, and now I am grateful for that time in my life that was a disappointment because it ultimately led me to what I love most.

GT: Would you say that you are relatively new in the music industry? If so, what are your expectations as an artist?

Ash: I would say I am relatively new. I did put out an EP in June of 2022, but I am now getting ready to put out a full album. As for online presence, I started my Instagram in 2018, so I have five years of experience with that. My expectations are to work hard, connect with my audience, grow my audience, and to continually expand and develop as an artist myself!

GT: You are gifted as a guitarist. Which is a component to your success that you have already established. What other things do you believe you have to work on, if any?

Ash: Thank you! I believe that I will always have things to work on. That’s how one keeps growing as an artist. I plan to never stop bettering myself as a singer, songwriter, bassist, and guitarist! There is always something to learn.

GT: I know you have a new album coming up. Tell us about it. How did you get started, and who are you working with on the album?

Ash: I am so excited to release my upcoming album titled “Up From The Ashes”! I absolutely love songwriting. It is very exciting to see a song come to life, so I have been having a blast creating this album! It is truly gratifying to be able to call a piece of music your own! I have been working with various musicians to help bring my vision to life!

GT: Have you received any feedback from producers, or managers on the anticipation of its success?

Ash: I’ve received encouragement from a number of people and we are all very hopeful of what’s to come.

GT: Talk to us about one of the songs on the album. The name, and why it sticks out to you. What was your inspiration for writing it?

Ash: I am going to discuss my song “Up From The Ashes”, which is also the title of the album. I wrote this song because it has kind of been my theme song in life! Any time something has not gone as I expected, or there has been a disappointment, it has always ended up being a redirection. I rise every time! I pick myself up and things have ended up how they’re supposed to be. And most times, even better than what I originally had planned in my head. I feel like a lot of people can relate to feeling knocked down, then getting back up and coming back even stronger. Lessons are learned, and you end up a better version of yourself!

GT: What has been your experience with interviews thus far? Have they helped bolster your confidence in your ability?

Ash: It's always an honor to be interviewed and recognized! It definitely gives you a confidence boost, and you feel as if hard work does pay off!

GT: We are excited that you could ask a couple of questions for us. We look forward to hearing more about the album and its success. If you need help with promoting it, let us know. Thank you.

Ash: Thank you so much for having me, Guitar Thrills! It has been an honor!