01Profile
A Asha Ryder West Photo
Asha Ryder West
Musician — Melbourne
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Asha Ryder West - Melbourne/Naarm, Victoria.
What do you do?
I am a musician, singer-songwriter and I teach piano and voice.
Describe your style in three words?
My daily mood.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Australia?
A few years ago I saw Grace Jones at the Palais Theatre. I remember being taken away by her stage presence and confidence. The highlight for me was the opening song, 'Nightclubbing'. In that moment Grace’s energy was contagious and she instantly captivated and mesmerised her audience.
Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?
I find it fascinating how across the world, music can be seen to be a driving force in subcultures. The fashion and music aspects of subcultures are ways to express oneself. In regards to my beliefs, I have been influenced immensely by the new age, spirituality subcultures. I have read some interesting views on technoshamanism which connects the rave subculture to spirituality and spiritual healing. Melbourne’s music and club scene is so lively and it has made a huge impact on the music I make and my writing. I find it intriguing and inspiring how the rave and music scene can be linked to spiritual beliefs and concepts. In regards to fashion, I feel like I draw upon many different subcultures, including, regency core, hippie and the hip-hop subculture. I would say my style is very diverse and I take aspects I love from each.
Best Australian musician?
It’s hard to pick one musician I think is the best. My new favourite at the moment is an Australian electronic music duo called Kllo. They have a really individual identity, combining electronic dance elements with soulful vocals and dreamy atmospheres.
Where is your favourite independent venue in Australia?
I love Colour Club in Melbourne. I have played some really fun and memorable gigs there and have seen a range of different artists perform - it is so diverse. I also really love The Toff in Town. It has a vibrant art-deco ambience and style. I have many fond memories of seeing my friends' perform there.
What is Australia’s best-kept secret?
Melbourne in particular has many little secrets that even I, who lives here, am still discovering. In Melbourne, you will find a myriad of sultry bars and spirited nightclubs, where incredibly talented musicians perform, most nights of the week.
Best place to hang out in Australia?
One of my favourite places to hang out in Australia is Lorne on the Great Ocean Road. There is something so peaceful and tranquil about Lorne in winter, the smell of fires coming from people's houses, the gorgeous trees, the calming ocean and rain. This place is very special to me and is close to my heart. Being there makes me forget about the rest of the world for a little while, which allows me to recharge and renew.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
One of the first tracks I played on repeat when I was a kid was 'Roslyn' 'by Bon Iver and St. Vincent. Everything about the song just touches me and moves me. When I listen to it now I feel nostalgic, it takes me back.
A song that defines the teenage you?
I love this question! 'On the Low' by Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions. This song reminds me of every summer as a teenager, sitting by the pool and riding my bike home from high school. Hope Sandoval is the lead singer in Mazzy Star, I would say that most Mazzy Star songs define the teenage me. My best friend and I were obsessed.
One record you would keep forever?
I think it is so important to listen to albums in their entirety, from track one to the last. This is something I and I think a lot of people have stopped doing since the invention of music streaming platforms. If I had to pick one album it would be 'Grace' by Jeff Buckley. My dad introduced me to this album when I was younger, and after that, I listened to it so many times from top to tail. Every song is remarkable and has its own special uniqueness. One of my favourite songs on the album is 'Lover You Should’ve Come Over', the lyrics in this song are to me, poetically brilliant.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'A Case of You' by Joni Mitchell. Joni Mitchell's writing in general is prolific, she tells stories in such a unique and clever way. I would also say that most Dua Lipa songs and lyrics inspire me by enhancing and elevating my mood.
A song you wished you had written?
'Toxic' by Britney Spears. I seriously think this song is amazing in every way shape and form. I think it is one of the best pop songs ever. Another song I think is incredible and I wish I had made is Angel by Massive Attack. The production on this track is really something else. The sounds create this beautifully dark character. Every time I listen to this song I am always in awe.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Vogue' by Madonna. This is a classic and so much fun to dance to.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Closer' by The Chainsmokers and Halsey has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. People probably would not expect me to like this song, but I really do!
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Definitely 'Pump Up the Jam' by Technotronic. At Strawberry Fields festival a few years ago I remember my friends and I were walking away from the stage when that song came on and we all ran back. It would be a crime to not dance to this song.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
To end an all-nighter I need something chill, something to help me unwind. So for this, I would have to say Kelsey Lu’s cover of the 10cc song 'I’m Not In Love'. It is such a heavenly and lush song with beautiful melodies and harmonies, it would be a nice and calming way to end the night.
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
At the moment I am really into a Melbourne / Naarm based band called Empress, who are also friends of mine. Their music is really distinctive, stimulating, a lot of fun and is also about important topics and issues. I have been going to pretty much every live gig of theirs and they never disappoint.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Asha Ryder West - Melbourne/Naarm, Victoria.
What do you do?
I am a musician, singer-songwriter and I teach piano and voice.
Describe your style in three words?
My daily mood.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Australia?
A few years ago I saw Grace Jones at the Palais Theatre. I remember being taken away by her stage presence and confidence. The highlight for me was the opening song, 'Nightclubbing'. In that moment Grace’s energy was contagious and she instantly captivated and mesmerised her audience.
Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?
I find it fascinating how across the world, music can be seen to be a driving force in subcultures. The fashion and music aspects of subcultures are ways to express oneself. In regards to my beliefs, I have been influenced immensely by the new age, spirituality subcultures. I have read some interesting views on technoshamanism which connects the rave subculture to spirituality and spiritual healing. Melbourne’s music and club scene is so lively and it has made a huge impact on the music I make and my writing. I find it intriguing and inspiring how the rave and music scene can be linked to spiritual beliefs and concepts. In regards to fashion, I feel like I draw upon many different subcultures, including, regency core, hippie and the hip-hop subculture. I would say my style is very diverse and I take aspects I love from each.
Best Australian musician?
It’s hard to pick one musician I think is the best. My new favourite at the moment is an Australian electronic music duo called Kllo. They have a really individual identity, combining electronic dance elements with soulful vocals and dreamy atmospheres.
Where is your favourite independent venue in Australia?
I love Colour Club in Melbourne. I have played some really fun and memorable gigs there and have seen a range of different artists perform - it is so diverse. I also really love The Toff in Town. It has a vibrant art-deco ambience and style. I have many fond memories of seeing my friends' perform there.
What is Australia’s best-kept secret?
Melbourne in particular has many little secrets that even I, who lives here, am still discovering. In Melbourne, you will find a myriad of sultry bars and spirited nightclubs, where incredibly talented musicians perform, most nights of the week.
Best place to hang out in Australia?
One of my favourite places to hang out in Australia is Lorne on the Great Ocean Road. There is something so peaceful and tranquil about Lorne in winter, the smell of fires coming from people's houses, the gorgeous trees, the calming ocean and rain. This place is very special to me and is close to my heart. Being there makes me forget about the rest of the world for a little while, which allows me to recharge and renew.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
One of the first tracks I played on repeat when I was a kid was 'Roslyn' 'by Bon Iver and St. Vincent. Everything about the song just touches me and moves me. When I listen to it now I feel nostalgic, it takes me back.
A song that defines the teenage you?
I love this question! 'On the Low' by Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions. This song reminds me of every summer as a teenager, sitting by the pool and riding my bike home from high school. Hope Sandoval is the lead singer in Mazzy Star, I would say that most Mazzy Star songs define the teenage me. My best friend and I were obsessed.
One record you would keep forever?
I think it is so important to listen to albums in their entirety, from track one to the last. This is something I and I think a lot of people have stopped doing since the invention of music streaming platforms. If I had to pick one album it would be 'Grace' by Jeff Buckley. My dad introduced me to this album when I was younger, and after that, I listened to it so many times from top to tail. Every song is remarkable and has its own special uniqueness. One of my favourite songs on the album is 'Lover You Should’ve Come Over', the lyrics in this song are to me, poetically brilliant.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'A Case of You' by Joni Mitchell. Joni Mitchell's writing in general is prolific, she tells stories in such a unique and clever way. I would also say that most Dua Lipa songs and lyrics inspire me by enhancing and elevating my mood.
A song you wished you had written?
'Toxic' by Britney Spears. I seriously think this song is amazing in every way shape and form. I think it is one of the best pop songs ever. Another song I think is incredible and I wish I had made is Angel by Massive Attack. The production on this track is really something else. The sounds create this beautifully dark character. Every time I listen to this song I am always in awe.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Vogue' by Madonna. This is a classic and so much fun to dance to.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Closer' by The Chainsmokers and Halsey has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. People probably would not expect me to like this song, but I really do!
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
Definitely 'Pump Up the Jam' by Technotronic. At Strawberry Fields festival a few years ago I remember my friends and I were walking away from the stage when that song came on and we all ran back. It would be a crime to not dance to this song.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
To end an all-nighter I need something chill, something to help me unwind. So for this, I would have to say Kelsey Lu’s cover of the 10cc song 'I’m Not In Love'. It is such a heavenly and lush song with beautiful melodies and harmonies, it would be a nice and calming way to end the night.
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
At the moment I am really into a Melbourne / Naarm based band called Empress, who are also friends of mine. Their music is really distinctive, stimulating, a lot of fun and is also about important topics and issues. I have been going to pretty much every live gig of theirs and they never disappoint.