Pop artist Ashlee Keating has filled 2022 with excitement and hard work. From performing at NYC Youth Pride to releasing her fierce summer single “SAUCY,” Ashlee has been building on her brand of positivity and empowerment, and there’s still more to come.
After channeling Strawberry Shortcake and her most confident self in “SAUCY” and its music video, Ashlee is pausing the build-up to her next EP with a winter project. Her newest song is a cover of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” along with a sparkling new music video, are out now. We caught up with Ashlee to get an inside look at how she channels confidence into her music and what all of that love, positivity, and confidence means to her and her fans.
Showstopper Magazine Online: Hi, Ashley! Tell us a bit about yourself and your music.
Ashlee Keating: Hii!! I’m a singer/songwriter, actress, dancer, and entrepreneur with a lil bit of swag originally from South Jersey. I’m a two-time Billboard charting artist. Music is my life, and I love sharing my gifts and talents with the world. I’ve been performing since I was only 3 years old.
SMO: You began performing at a young age and have even been on Broadway. What drew you to the music you’re making now?
Ashlee: Honestly, a combination of what I grew up listening to in New Jersey. I got inspired when I went back to New Jersey and lived at home where I grew up during the isolation of the pandemic. I found old CDs I used to listen to. I went back to my roots.
SMO: Over the summer you released a new song. Can you tell us about “SAUCY”? What inspired the single?
Ashlee: It’s all about exuding self-confidence! I was inspired to write this song after getting a group of my girlfriends together after the pandemic started slowing down a bit and restaurants were opening again. It was at my birthday celebration dinner. My girls and I looked so good head to toe, and we were feeling ourselves and our outfits! It just felt so good to be outside again and dressing cute! We kept throwing this term “SAUCY” around and it really inspired my song. It’s about self-confidence, feeling good and sexy in your own skin, and being that bad b! lol.
SMO: You also filmed a music video for “SAUCY.” What was your process for creating that? What inspired the different sets in the video?
Ashlee: The concept was created off of a bunch of creative zoom meetings with my director Combina Key and visual effects team. The more we discussed the more the ideas kept coming to life…I had an idea of a candy land like a version of Willy Wonka, but totally different. The concept of me being on a strawberry was a big deal and my red latex outfit is basically me being a hot strawberry shortcake. LOL. It was truly a team effort, and I was heavily involved in every aspect of the visual. It was fun and tedious, and I worked super hard on it.
SMO: Recently, you performed “SAUCY” at NYC Youth Pride Event in Central Park. What was that experience like?
Ashlee: It was so amazing! It was my first festival performance and debut performance of “SAUCY”. Definitely a memorable moment. The fans were singing along to my lyrics of my songs which was the most amazing feeling in the world! They were dancing too. It just felt so good to be back on stage after not performing since before the pandemic. I got to meet some fans after I performed and sign autographs and take pics. I love my #keators so much!!
SMO: You have an EP coming soon. Can you give us any details about that project?
Ashlee: It’s a lot more of the energy of “SAUCY” but it’s only going to get better and I’m so excited to share more!!
SMO: Is there anything else you want people to know about your music or your forthcoming projects?
Ashlee: Stay tuned on my social media for many more music releases and performances soon!! I also have a Christmas single that’s a remake of “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” coming out 11/18 with visuals!! Hope it gets everyone in the holiday spirit!