Following yesterday’s unveiling of his collaboration with Blonde on Foolish, we caught up with young British vocalist Ryan Ashley, who’s let us in on his six most influential songs that have influenced his forthcoming debut album.
The as-yet-untitled album (still yet to receive an official release date), will be Ashley’s first project since signing to rising British label PMR Records, and sees clear influences from some of the most iconic R&B tracks in recent years.
“I grew up mostly on female singers” says the 18 year-old, which is the clear background for the makeup of his Top 6 (below), however Ashley also cites the likes of Butch Walker, Nate Ruess, James Morrison and Sam Cooke as some of his contemporaries.
Check out Ryan Ashley’s 6 most influential tracks, below:
Brandy – I Wanna Be Down
Alicia Keys – You Don’t Know My Name
Amerie – 1 Thing
Lauryn Hill – Ex Factor
Whitney Houston – How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
Amy Winehouse – Love Is A Losing Game
“All those artists (bar Amerie) have really influenced me vocally and musically” says Ryan, continuing “I’m a huge fan of incredible female vocalists. 1 Thing is just a straight banger though.”
Ryan Ashley can currently be heard on Foolish, the first release from Blonde’s forthcoming EP. Take a listen to the full track below:
