Ashley Sterling, a junior psychology major, has been singing for her entire life, but she hates being in the spotlight.
“The funny thing is I hate being the center of attention, but it’s my job,” she said.
Growing up she participated in musicals including Hebron Academy’s rendition of “Grease,” where she played the part of Frenchie. While the experience was one to remember, she wouldn’t do it again. She doesn’t think that she can act, although “You are kind of an actor up on stage. Maybe a little acting comes into it,” she said. While she won’t be doing any more musical acting, you can still find her singing on stage.
With her background in music and her ability to hit a high note, she was able to become a member of the Jim Ciampi Productions, a band that has been playing around New England for 22 years.
The band is comprised of five excellent musicians who have been playing together for years. They play a variety of events including weddings and employee appreciation dinners. The variety of styles from each band member helps to create a great musical experience for anyone. Sterling has only been with the band for a year but she was gladly added on as their singer due to her range of vocal ability.
“I appreciate the comments but I also appreciate the people who see it’s not just me,” said Sterling. While most people tend to focus on the singer, she thinks that the rest of the band is just as important. Without the band the lyrics she sings would not be as effective.
Sterling’s inspirations range from Ella Fitzgerald to Eva Cassidy. Her style is a “melding of all that,” said Sterling. Her biggest inspiration by far though, is Mr. Bungle. She started listening to the band in high school and has loved them ever since. “They really inspired me that it’s OK to be weird,” she said. The band also inspired her to “not get stuck in one genre. I’m kind of a chameleon a little bit. I want to have a good handle of it all.” She explains that Mike Patton, the Vocalist for Mr. Bungle is her “musical god.” The versatility of his band has allowed her to keep the music she sings new and fun.
The only problem with singing covers is that “if you get the lyrics wrong you are in trouble,” said Sterling. “Lyrics are almost everything. They are what you are trying to get across.” Although the lyrics are what help bring the point home she still believes that the musical background is important.
Sterling has never written any original music but she is not opposed to trying. “I would love to learn how to play the guitar,” she said noting that it would help her branch out to a larger music base, she said.
The mainstream is not what she strives for in her personal or musical life, so the current music scene does not impress Sterling at all. “America is heading towards the generic,” she said. With shows like American Idol, Sterling believes that America is being over exposed to the generic pop culture that she tries to stay away from. “Our music scene has lost the eye for talent. If you have a pretty face and you can move your body you will get a record deal,” said Sterling. It isn’t about talent anymore. As long as record companies can make money, they will throw anyone into the crossfire.
Sterling stays true to herself as she pursues a part time music career. As an individual artist, Sterling has opened for Paula Cole, a pop artist who sings the popular “I Don’t Want To Wait” from the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack. Her favorite show would be one where “the crowd is engaged. Where my boys are all in tune with each other, and where everyone is having a good time,” said Sterling. You will know that she is having a good time when she jumps of the stage to sing in the crowd.
While Sterling may want to focus more on her singing, she has her priorities straight. “I would love to be a rock star but psychology is my plan B,” said Sterling. She is going to be applying to Grad schools pretty soon to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology. “I’ll always love music. It’s my number one stress relief,” she said. So even though it can’t be her main focus, it will definitely always be a part of her life.