Ashley Sherlock Talks New Album, Musical Instruments And More

My name is Ashley Sherlock, I’m a Manchester Based singer and songwriter, I formed a band in 2017 ( I think!) with Charlie Rachael Kay on Bass and Danny Rigg on drums!

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I grew up just outside of Manchester in a small town called Altrincham, there’s not really much going on there so I don’t think I could sum it up In 3 words let alone 5 haha! It’s a great place to grow up but as I got older everyone I knew  (including myself) moved away.

Where did you record your debut album ‘Just A Name’?

We cut this record on the top floor of Hallam Mill in Stockport. The studio actually belongs to my drummer and that is where we have cut every single record we have made! We self record and self produce everything! 

One of your singles is ‘Dear Elizabeth’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

This is a tricky one to answer without giving it all away! The song was born out of a relationship that just kept failing for one reason or another, it was meant to be and then it wasn’t, it’s a song about regrets and hurting people even when you don’t mean too! The girl in question has heard the song and actually really likes it which is a relief! 

Do you have any favoured stage guitars/pedals/effects?

Lately I’ve been using a Wilkinson Stratocaster that was built for me by Trev Wilkinson himself and I always take a Gibson guitar to a show, usually my 345 because I feel I can do everything on that! In terms of pedals the Analogman beano boost is a must and I was gifted and old Ibanez chorus pedal which I use for one song only but it replicates what I did on the record as close as i can possibly get it!

You also have the emotional ‘Empty Street’ which is quite atmospheric. Was this song/album difficult to write?

To be honest, this song is the only song that I’ve written in a major key it was very easy to sit down and just spill everything onto a page, it’s cowboy chords and the truth I guess haha! 

I remember writing it through drunk in the early hours during the lockdown and that was a rough time for sure…

Do you have any live touring plans to support the release?

We wanted to make the record as successful as possible and we booked a whole heap of shows, no specific tours as such but coupled with the PR promotion and our current schedule we wanted to make the most of the period after releasing it to promote it!

I wanted to ask if you are a fan of Brothers Osborne at all as aspects of the album have an Americana/country vibe?

I am indeed! I actually went out in Manchester for drinks with them one night with my friends in The Cadillac Three, those guys are great, musically and lyrically and I think they’re some of the best in the business right now.

I’ve certainly absorbed things from them which I try and use in my own music whether that is consciously or not!

What makes Ashley Sherlock happy and what makes you unhappy?