Riding the Wave: Asha Jeffries on Debut Album ‘Ego Ride,’ Musical Evolution, and More

Coming straight off of an exhilarating run of six shows at SXSW (one we were fortunate to witness and thoroughly enjoyed!) and captivating shows in NYC and LA, Australian indie pop sensation Asha Jeffries is making waves.

Her debut album, Ego Ride, a collection of 10 tracks delving into the aftermath of heartbreak, dropped today. Packed with distinctive and euphoric queer anthems, the album promises a journey through raw emotions and uplifting melodies.

We chatted with Asha to discuss her journey in performing, the creative process behind the album, and her aspirations for the future.

SH: Reflecting on your recent performance in New York City, how did the experience compare to your expectations, and were there any memorable moments or surprises during the show?

AJ: New York was so fun and exciting. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from the city nor playing in it. Our show was on the last night of our US trip and it felt like a perfect send off. I’ve been getting obsessed recently with flames and found the most glorious hot orange flame cowboy hat in Texas. I gave it to James (bass player) to wear at the NYC show and he rocked it, probably stole the show tbh. I asked the crowd how much they thought I bought the hat for and embarrassingly, everyone’s guess was between $2-$15 USD. I bought that piece of art of 45USD. 

SH: How has performing live has shaped your development as an artist, and can you highlight a few standout memories or moments from your live performances? 

AJ: Performing live has taught me how to be vulnerable and stay present when there’s a million thoughts racing through my mind. I find jumping on a stage similar to diving into a body of water, it can be icy and terrifying at first, but once you’re in – you’re in and you learn how to swim in all different types of rivers, lakes, oceans, puddles. 

I went on tour earlier this year around Australia supporting Lord Huron. It was just my keyboardist Jo and I, on stage playing to 2,500 people in beautiful theatres every night. To say we had a special time, is an understatement! That tour deeply touched us. 

SH: The decision to include live recordings with your band on your debut album adds a unique energy to the record. What significance did you attribute to capturing these performances in a live setting, and how do you believe it enhances the overall listening experience?

AJ: Sometimes writing songs on my own and then exploring a band arrangement can make the song feel disconnected from its essence. Deciding to record the album live really came from wanting to make the songs cohesive and raw. Playing live with the band also just felt so great and electric – George, Kaleah and Jo are all incredibly intuitive musicians. The story of ‘Ego Ride’ is so much about community and togetherness that it just made sense to record everything in the same room together.

SH: Which song on the album underwent the biggest transformation, from original idea to the fully mixed and mastered track? 

AJ: “Spinning,” track five on the album, was originally called “Cab Ride.” I’d written it inspired by the feeling that there was light at the end of the tunnel after a break-up. I hadn’t written a chorus when I brought it into the studio with Sam and the band. Sam had remembered another half-song I’d shown him months ago – the ‘I just want you around’ chorus part and suggested sculpting it in. Combining the two songs together made so much sense, the song felt like it had found it’s missing piece. It also transformed the meaning of the song – not only was I saying goodbye to the past, I was beginning to see a new future, welcoming new experiences and people into my life. As one door closes, another one opens. 

SH: As Ego Ride is dedicated to your younger self, what words of wisdom or advice would you offer to emerging artists navigating their journey of self-discovery and creative expression through music?

AJ: Pursue your happiness. Trust your gut and the journey. Never underestimate your potential. Nothing is permanent, feel through everything. 

SH: Reflecting on your musical journey thus far, what have been some of the most unexpected challenges you’ve encountered? 

AJ: I think it can be challenging to feel confident enough to share yourself with the world and navigate how you want to be represented. I think in the past I’ve hidden behind a false agenda or didn’t quite want to share myself fully in my music. But I think about all my musical role models and how their vulnerability and authenticity have had such a profound impact on me that I realise, again and again, that my only job is to be brave and do the same. 

SH: Your music touches on themes of queerness and identity. How do you navigate balancing personal storytelling with broader social commentary within your songwriting? 

AJ: Songwriting, to me, feels like a process of confiding in myself about something. I naturally have come into my own identity as a queer person and it felt really exciting to accept this about myself. I wanted to write about the excitement of learning new things about yourself and I think all queer people would agree that there’s no other feeling quite like having a gay crush for the first time. 

SH: With your debut album Ego Ride set for release, what emotions are you experiencing, and what message do you hope listeners take away from the record?

AJ: I’m feeling very sentimental and proud. It’s very nostalgic reflecting back on the last few years making this record. It’s been a really enjoyable and fulfilling process. I think this album is about the journey of feeling comfortable in your own skin and I hope these songs play a part in confiding in anyone’s similar journey! 

SH: Incorporating influences ranging from Angel Olsen to Radiohead, how do you approach blending these diverse inspirations while maintaining your unique musical identity?

AJ: The coolest thing about music is that no matter how hard I try, I’ll never sound like Angel Olsen or Radiohead but their songwriting combined has played a massive role in how diverse I want my songs to feel. I look to them both as artists who can create such fierceness and fragility within the same moment within a song. 

SH: What are your aspirations and goals for the future of your music career, and how do you envision your sound evolving over time?

AJ: I hope to always be in a state of creative inspiration. I’m going over to Europe for a few months very soon and I think the adventure is sure to help me with just that. I hope to keep growing and share a piece of myself through music. 

It’s funny to think about where I think the sound of this project will go, I really have no clue and have never felt very in control of how anything will sound. I mostly believe that the sound kinda just falls into your hands and you have to be there at the right moment to catch it. I’m a strong believer that creativity works that way. 

Ego Ride is out now.