Ashlee Standish: Niagara Artist Releases Debut

Ashlee Standish: Niagara Artist Releases Debut

By David DeRocco

 When your list of musical influences includes Beethoven and Adele, you just know there’s going to be some music being made that’s highly emotional and passionately performed. That’s certainly true for Niagara artist ASHLEE STANDISH, who measures up to both those standards on her about-to-be-released debut EP, ALCHEMY.

 Take a song like “Catharsis,” for example, which features the multi-instrumentalist on piano in a haunting track about the demise of a relationship. It’s moody and dark, yet soothing and beautiful thanks to the vocal performance Standish delivers. 

“I like dark music,” said Standish, who along with piano can also play guitar, cello, violin and drums. “I love playing in minor keys. Beethoven is one of my all-time favourites. Playing something beautiful and complex gives me joy.”

 “Catharsis” could easily have been the title of the EP given the fact it was forged in the emotional aftermath of a failed marriage. However, despite the painful inspiration for music and lyrics, Standish says that Alchemy is more about positive transformation than regret.

“The album was written literally right after I decided to end my marriage,” said Standish, a well-known face on the Niagara music scene thanks to her efforts as stage manager for events like Livestock, Carmel Fine Arts & Music Festival and the Niagara Music Awards. “Like my hands just took me to the piano and started writing. It is no longer an emotional reminder because I’ve made peace and forgive my ex-husband, and I’m grateful for the creative inspiration.”

 Merging classical with elements of pop, Alchemy was recorded at The Wow! sound Pop Studio in St Catharines by Joe Lapinski and features contributions by Niagara players including Philip Bosley (Eli and the Strawman), Danielle Marconi (Zusters) along with Ashlee’s younger sister Katie Davis.

 Given Standish's recent history and the ensuing artistic transformation into a solo artist, the EP's title is all too fitting. Niagara music fans can expect to experience a little bit of that "magic" during the upcoming EP release party on Sunday May 27th at The Warehouse in St Catharines. 

 “Expect a beautiful evening of passion, emotional empathy and listening enjoyment,” says Standish, who will be offering audiences their first glimpse of her full range of musicianship as a vocalist, strings and piano player. “I feel like a door has burst open that had been trying to pry itself open for years."

 Local singer / songwriter Zach Tiessen and alt rock trio Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold are also part of the bill. Doors open at 7:30 pm, admission is $10 and the event is all ages.

 To learn more about Ashlee Standish, please visit her official website: Www.AshleeStandishMusic.com