Music Interview: David Asch delves on his creative tastes, musical influences & new single “Castle in The Sky”
Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
My full name is David Asch, but my artist name is Asch. The reason behind just using my last name is because ever since I was in middle school that’s what anyone I was friends with called me. It wasn’t because I ever asked to be called Asch, it just organically happened. To this day, every one of my friends, and even my coworkers, call me Asch.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
I’ve always been into music. From a young age my parents had me listening to legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, U2, Elton John, and many others. As I got older, I developed my own taste in music as well, which covers a large range of genres. I like listening to all types of artists ranging from Green Day to Maroon 5 to Martin Garrix or Marshmello to Justin Bieber or Kanye West. Any music that gives good vibes is music that I’ll listen to. Nonetheless, despite my love for music, I never really thought of music as a career for me since I never learned how to play any instruments growing up. It wasn’t until I started experimenting with making EDM music, just as an activity to de-stress during quarantine, that I realized I loved to make music and that I could have a future doing it.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
My latest single is called Castle in The Sky. It’s a song that makes me feel relaxed and happy and I hope it does the same for those who listen to it. When I was making the song, I had two images in my mind as the perfect setting for it. The first was driving down a highway with friends, windows down and feeling the good vibes of the moment. The second, was sitting on a beach, just relaxing as the sun hits the perfect spot on the horizon, either in the morning or late afternoon. I encourage anyone who listens to the song to find their “perfect setting” for it, but those were mine in the moment.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I think what makes my music unique is that I’m not trying to be like any other artists in particular. I want my taste in music to show in what I make, but I also want the music to be a reflection of my overall energy. I would say my music tends to be in the tropical house / progressive house sub-genres of EDM, but I don’t plan to limit myself to any sub-genre. As time goes on, my plan is to continue to make music according to the energy I’m feeling in the moment and just continue to have fun with it.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I don’t think I could name all of the artists off the top of my head that have influenced me, but to name a few I’d say Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, Cheat Codes, Marshmello, Avicci, Khalid, Swedish House Mafia, 3Lau, Steve Aoki, Tiesto, The Chainsmokers, Kygo, San Holo, David Guetta, Major Lazer, and so many others.
With thinking about the future, I don’t want to limit myself by saying I’d like to work with any specific artists. I’d say I want to work with as many great artists as possible because there really is no better feeling that working with someone that gets the same high from making music as you do.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
I know it might sound crazy, but I would say my best moment was the first time I finished a song. It wasn’t a great song by any means, but it was the moment that got me thinking that I could really grow and succeed in making music and that I had found a possible path of “work” that I truly had fun doing.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
Since my full-time job right now is in finance, my work week is pretty busy. I typically work 70-80 hours a week. Nonetheless, I make time on the weekends and late at night after work to decompress and make music. I also always try and make time to see friends and even get their opinion on current projects.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I would say my biggest piece of advice is to make music that you like don’t try to make music for anyone else. The truth is that if you don’t vibe the music you’re making, why would anyone else.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
I’d say thanks for all the love on my music. I hope it brings anyone who listens to it as much happiness and good vibes as it gives to me.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
I’m working on a couple of new singles right now that I’m hoping to finish soon. Also, I hope that as I continue in music, that I get to work with other artists expand my horizons. I want to continue to grow as an artist and gain as much experience as possible.
Follow David Asch: Instagram
