I got the pleasure of hearing Ashley Elim also known as AEthecool sing at the annual Arts of the Hearts of Augusta event. I caught up with her at a small coffee shop where we were able to conduct the interview. Dressed in a black jumper that she thought was too big for her, but it gave off a vintage vibe. Her two braids slicked back and her shades to make her look like a superstar. She was ready to handle whatever this interview was in store.
“I’m still in the starting stages so I still have to do normal things”, AEthecool said as she explained how she prepares for a show. “Sometimes I will be at work and come home to scramble to get ready and some days I will procrastinate and scramble to get ready.”
And on this particular day she worked and procrastinated. She didn’t have a chance to eat either.
The urban soul (what she calls it) singer has been performing locally in Augusta for the past year and a half year. Having the passion to sing from a young age she started out singing just like every other great singer, in the church. Although, she felt she didn’t have the confidence to sing, she knew working behind a desk was not for her.
“If I was doing what I was supposed to do; I would be quiet most of the day not wearing out my voice and probably warm up. Then I would do makeup then go to the show. I think I’ve done that once.”
Singing came second nature to her. Her family said that they never heard her sing until she was, maybe around 12-years-old, in which we both found quite funny. AEthecool has been singing her whole life and believes her family was hiding the cruel truth that as a child she just didn’t sound that good. But it all turned out for the best because this young lady can sing!
The “Urban Soul” style of music, you know the one from before. And for anyone who thinks she got it from Trapsoul she thought of the name before it came out. It’s Neo-Soul with a strong hip-hop influence to it.
“I throw some R&B in there too” she said convincingly. “But it’s mostly Neo-Soul with a Hip-Hip feel.”
Auditioning for X-Factor around four years ago just because was actually a funny story to hear. She said that she sung Alicia Key’s Fallen acapella because she had no music.
“It sounded good” She said unsurely. “But they got some little girl that was bouncing around in cowboy boots.”
I asked if she learned anything from that experience and without any hesitation she laughed and said no. Which I would assume meant this was a huge waste of time. And would never do it again. She much rather make it on her own than a talent competition.
“I don’t know what will happen when I get caught in it [singing competition]” AE said with worry in her voice. “I know sometimes there are certain things you have to do once you win, if you do win. Like you have to be on a certain label, you have to do certain type of things and I wouldn’t want to have to do that.”
AE wants to work her way to the top herself. She knows that it takes a lot of work and she is motivated to do so.
“You have to discipline yourself” AE stresses to me. “Being a singer and an artist is like a 24-hour job” AEthecool said embarrassingly. “Especially right now because I don’t have a team and can’t afford a team; so you have to do everything yourself and you have to work so you have money to do things and you have to do your own makeup so sometimes it’s not on point. You have to eat right, exercise so your voice sounds good. It takes a lot. You always have to think about something and you have to be consistent and discipline yourself.”
AEthecool is motivated by all her friends who are succeeding in what they love to do and it gives her the extra boost to do what she loves which is singing. It was a pleasure sitting down and learning about the singer/songwriter.
For all of her latest music including her Eps “Here we are” and “Whatever” follow her soundcloud at aethecool as well as her Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the say name. Be on the lookout because she’s releasing her website soon.
Text: Jarel Mcrae
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