Ashley's Biography

Life has been a whirlwind for Ashley…..from radio to stage performances!

Beginning her career as a gymnast and winning state honors, she soon was drawn to music.  While studying piano, guitar, and voice she enjoyed participating in her high school choir and earned roles in Chicago productions of off-Broadway musicals.  After writing and recording some of her songs, someone sent her demo to a Joliet radio station (100.7 The Bus), where they quickly skyrocketed to number one slots.  Soon the station was organizing concerts around Ashley so she could perform her radio hits!

"It was really shocking”, says the 17 year old singer, “I was sitting in my kitchen listening to the radio and suddenly I heard ‘Coming up next, Ashley Garland’.  I was like “Oh my gosh”.  We ran and got the video camera and started taping the radio.”

At sixteen, having accomplished getting three of her original songs on the stations most requested list, two of which made it to the number one slot, and all before she could drive a car. 

Already established in the musical theatre world, performing eight shows a week in the Jeff-award winning theatre production of “Big”, Ashley soon became fascinated with songwriting, and the “Gotta Getcha” album was born. Performing with Def Leppard and opening for such acts as Aaron Carter and N.E.R.D., her career is in full swing.

Jamie Principle, an accomplished songwriter and producer with many gold records under his belt, was tipped to Ashley. “She reminds me of me” he says, “We blended the first day we met.”  “He’s my idol,” says Ashley, “He really wants me to develop as an artist and do my own thing.  Not many producers want to take the time to nurture raw talent, but Jamie took the chance and helped me develop into the songwriter I am today.”