Special to The Star-Herald
MAPLETON – Are you looking for some local talent to perform at an upcoming function? Would you be willing to give a new artist some stage time to help him pursue something that he is passionate about? There is a young, local musician/songwriter looking to get his name and music out into circulation, waiting for his “big break.”
Photo by Liz Andretta
MUSICIAN Ryan Ashby strikes a pose during a photo session with Liz Andretta of Caribou. Holding his trademark acoustic guitar, Ashby recently released his debut album, “Unscripted.”
Twenty-two-year-old Ryan Ashby, of Mapleton, spent the last year writing the lyrics and music to the nine songs on his first, newly released album, “Unscripted.” At age 13, Ashby started playing the bass guitar. He recalls only one or two lessons on the bass, and then shifted his musical focus to the electric and acoustic guitars, teaching himself all along the way. When asked to describe his music, he says, “It is acoustically driven, alternative rock, with a bit of folk music.” He elaborated that he referred to his music as such because folk music “tells a story” and his songs are based on “personal experiences and observations.” His debut album is titled “Unscripted” because “life is unscripted; some things you can’t plan for.”
Ashby, like many new musicians, is anxiously waiting to have any opportunity to perform publicly. However, he doesn’t lose sight of who has helped him along the way. He was very quick to name each and every person that contributed to the successful completion of his first album. Friends and fellow musicians Dan Rooney and Chris Morton both contributed to the music on the album. Rooney played the lead electric guitar and Morton the acoustic drums. Rooney has performed at many local spots and Morton works at Aroostook Music Co. in Presque Isle. Ashby, who is very soft-spoken, simply stated of his friends, “They are both good musicians.”
Ashby also contributed to the musical element on his album. He played the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, rhythm, hand percussion, and performs all of the vocals.
Ashby admitted to using a “reversed process” when referring to how he composes his music. He finds greater success in starting with the music, then developing the song lyrics after. Once he was satisfied with the music and lyrics, he contacted Greg Samuel of Stockholm to reserve some time in his Havenwood Studio to record his debut album.
Since graduating from Presque Isle High School in 2005, Ashby has attended Northern Maine Community College, earning an associate’s degree in automotive collision repair. He currently works full-time for the Washburn Water and Sewer District. A dedicated, hard-working employee, he feels that “a job is a tool to allow you to do what you want to do.”
On Dec. 31, Ashby performed at the Art Gallery in the Turner Memorial Library in conjunction with the city of Presque Isle’s First Night New Year’s Eve celebration. He is also on the calendar to perform at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Wieden Auditorium at Open Mic Night on the last Thursday of each month. (These performances are free to the public). He is most excited and proud to be a part of the upcoming “Arootsakoostik” festival scheduled for Aug. 7 at Thomas Park in New Sweden. This daylong festival, organized by Travis Cyr, will feature independent artists from all over the state.
When mapping out his future goals, Ashby smiled, admitting that he has already started writing for his second album. His desire is to become known locally, building up his fan base from there, hoping to be known statewide and beyond.
“Unscripted” can be purchased from several local businesses including Aroostook Music Co. and Freddy P’s in Presque Isle, Niki’s Hair Loft in Caribou and Visible Changes in Woodland. A site has been established to check out Ashby’s music, photos, and videos at www.myspace.com/ryanashbyunscripted.
Anyone interested in purchasing a CD or booking a performance can contact Ashby at ryanashbyunscripted@yahoo.com or by calling 207-554-8897.
