David on Earth CD and MP3 Download - David J Ashley Music

"Not easily defined," is the response from many who have tried to describe David J Ashley and his music. Claiming the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as his childhood home and traveling the world has given him a wide perspective of music, life and faith. Experience is at the very core of David's music, permeating lyrics from his life and the world around him. It's like his private journal entries set to alternative rock music, but if you're not careful you'll find yourself just enjoying the music.

Today, after his many years of dabbling in music, he releases the highly anticipated first solo project, David on Earth. The project has 11 songs and was released in July of 2008. He is still very active in the band Polaradio as one of the original members. David also writes for Polaradio who will release their sophomore project in late 2008. And don't be surprised to hear about a digital release of some new material as soon as early 2009.

Comparisons are quite diverse: David Bowie, Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails), Joe Cocker, James Taylor - a strange and eclectic mix. It's tough to pin down a 'he sounds like' statement. Many other great artists have influenced his style: Randy Stonehill, Aerosmith, The Cars, Journey, Switchfoot, Russ Taff, BB King, Randy Matthews, ZZ Top, The Kry, Bebo Norman, Bob Seger, Larry Norman, Queen, Kansas, The Beatles, Chicago, Lifehouse, Phil Keaggy, Billy Joel, Dan Fogelberg, Cheap Trick, Boston, Doors, Charlie Pride, Sweat, Newsboys, Sonicflood, Collective Soul, .38 Special, Jars of Clay, Gordon Lightfoot, Whiteheart, Phil Collins, Jim Croce, Creed, Eli, Blondie, Hollies, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Eagles, Foreigner, Petra, Audio Adrenaline, Tracy Chapman, B-52s, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Third Day... just too many to mention.

David grew up in a country music home and still finds favor with iconic country like Charlie Rich, Hank Williams or Johnny Cash and even some of the modern country artists like Big and Rich. His dad, Russell Ashley, was in a polka band and played country music for a time. His mother, Donna, came from a family of musicians. Then, during his teenage years, he was captured by thoughts of becoming a rock star, (like most teenagers) so he formed his first rock band called 'Feedback' and played some AC/DC, Pat Benatar, April Wine and a few southern rock favorites of the time. They played a few gigs before he enlisted in the Air Force. Through the years and travels, he's become a lover of most music. "I like it all... mostly... there's really very little music I don't enjoy... except music that promotes violence, hatred or is a constant spewing of vulgar insults to me isn't worthy of an ear," says David in reflection of what turns him on and off musically. After over 30 years of writing and composing songs, he's had a taste of just about everything.

You'll find a spiritual overtone to his music, because his faith is at the core of who he is. Candidly speaking, David noted, "Look, I don't pretend to be a great or profound writer or musician... the best music to me is music that comes from the soul, from the heart and speaks to me right here, right now. When I write, it's usually about an emotion, an observation, maybe a significant event in my life... or the breaking of those things that hold me down." Ultimately, he hopes something in his music will cause positive changes.

Going forward is where you'll find David. Sure, you'll hear him sing about the past, but it's always in reference to his life today and the hope of a better day tomorrow. "I'm not one to sit in one place for very long. I'm generally impatient, because there a lot of great things yet to experience, and I'm always ready to go find it... life's too short... so, is this interview over yet?" ...