Ashlee Keating, born and raised in Southern New Jersey, is a remarkably versatile artist who began her career on Broadway at just six years old. Since then, she has taken on numerous acting roles. Now, turning her attention to music, this talented up-and-coming sensation has released “Thirsty,” a lively pop anthem featuring catchy contemporary melodies and powerful vocals. With its energetic beats and vibrant multi-layered production, “Thirsty” is a song that demands to be played on repeat. With lyrics promoting self-empowerment, “Thirsty” encourages listeners to avoid getting lost in the exaggerated world of social media and “thirst culture.”
Listen to the track…
Speaking on the inspiration and messaging behind the track, Ashlee shares “’Thirsty’ is an anthem of self-empowerment, truth vs. reality when it comes to attraction (what’s perceived on social media never tells the true, whole story about someone’s core), and feeling confident in your own skin. The song represents staying true to yourself and not letting Thirsty people get in the way of that, The eagerness for my attention and affection does not come easily – you’ve got work for that! If I post a thirst trap photo on social media, and you become Thirsty, there’s no guarantee you will be crush or “special” someone. It’s important to be intentional with how you present yourself and go about situations. People are complex and ‘Thirsty’ is an example of self-love and acceptance, not giving into the “thirst” culture and never accepting less than what you deserve!”
Read the interview…
“Thirsty” has a powerful message about self-empowerment and staying authentic. Could you share your inspiration behind the single?
Thank you! I wanted to make a song relating to social media and how you can be perceived online. “Thirsty” is encouraging to listeners to not get caught up in the crazy world of social media images and “thirst culture”, but to continue doing you. It’s inspirational in the sense that people can perceive you as something from a picture online and be thirsty on you, but online images are all a perception.
Can you describe your creative process for the track?
I knew the concept of what I wanted to write going into my writing session and then named it “Thirsty” as we were having casual conversations and discussing the topic. Then, we got into production and I really loved this particular beat… it spoke to me and that’s how it was made. I really love being hands on in the creative process of making my music from production to songwriting.
As someone who started in the industry from the young age, how has your journey in music shaped who you are today?
Music is my life! I’ve had many trials and tribulations with highs and lows, but I’ve persevered through it all and it makes me more determined to work even harder and keep outdoing myself.
What have been some of your career highlights so far?
Some of my highlights have included:
Hearing myself on iHeart Radio 102.7 Kiis FM for the first time!! I literally cried! It was the first time I ever heard my music played on an FM station and they played “SAUCY”.
Opening for Demi Lovato and Keke Palmer
Being on Star Search
Being selected as an incubator artist on Radio Disney and hearing my songs played on there
Playing Gretl in “The Sound of Music” on Broadway and the national tour
My song “Ice Kingdom” being selected for Coca Cola’s 52 Songs of Happiness Campaign
What advice would you give to aspiring young artists?
Keep dreaming, believing, and working hard!! It’s not easy, but if you really set your mind to it and put the work in, you can make it happen for yourself.
If you could perform a duet with any artist, past or present, what would it be and why?
Such a hard and good question!! I’d have to say “Good Good” by Usher, Summer Walker, and 21 Savage or “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keys. I also love Bruno Mars and could see a duet on “Leave The Door Open”. I loveee that song!!
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
A LOT!! So many exciting things to come! I’ve been working on plenty of new music in the studio to drop as well as getting out performing and meeting my fans. Lots of surprises coming. Stay tuned! 😉