ASHA

VINYL: Travelin’ At The Speed of Thought by The O’Jays, 1977 Captured by Ammar Thomas

Let's get into the Creative Artist/Musician, MC/Songwriter, and Tap Dancer/Choreographer, ASHA straight from Rahway, New Jersey. Please make sure you follow her creative journey on Instagram and support her music via Soundcloud, and if you're lucky catch her in your city performing. 

Social Media: @isThatAsha

Top 5 Favorite Records and songs:

This is tough! Here we go:

Kanye West “Late Registration”

Hiatus Kaiyote “Choose your Weapon”

Everything Bob Marley & The Wailers

Stevie Wonder “Innervisions”

The Impressions “I’m So Proud”

….Honorable mention: The Internet “Ego Death”

Favorite Genres:

Hip hop, Jazz, Soul, Reggae, Doo wop

Favorite Record Shop(s):

I’d have to shout out Hyde Park Records in Chicago & Amoeba Records in LA

What made you start collecting records?

My dad had a crate when I was younger and he encouraged me to learn how to DJ. Once I got turn-tables I started choosing my own records.

What is the first record you’ve bought?

I think it was Nas “Stillmatic”. Technically, I think my dad bought it. The first record I remember buying was a random record in a 99 cents bin. I can’t even remember the name of the artist, but it was a random pick.

What are the most recent records you’ve added to your record collection?

It’s been a while... I can’t remember because they were random records, but I think I’m going to dig for some Kamasi Washington soon. I want to speak that into existence.

How many records do you think you have in total without counting?

Maybe 160

How do you organize your record collection?

It’s not organized at all, haha.

What is a day of crate digging like?

When I’ve purchased records I’ve known what I wanted. In the random bins it can get overwhelming and exhausting, but I’m always inspired by the Artwork.

How Does Music Make you feel?

I think music enhances whatever mood I’m already in. It also can lead me to reflect...it all depends on the song’s vibe. I’m pretty chill, but I also have a lot of energy inside and music helps me release that energy usually through some form of dancing.

How important is music in general and having records apart of your life?

Music has always been consistent in my life...Records, as a medium, was just another way to play music for me, but I’ve always been fascinated by its technology.