Rising Star: How Ashley Kutcher is Changing the Conversation about Mental Health Through Music
Ashley Kutcher, sold out concert at The Drake Underground, Toronto
Navigating relationships, society, and self-discovery can be a headache, but rising singer-songwriter, Ashley Kutcher, is bringing the aspirin. Her music isn't just catchy, it's also a dose of much-needed therapy.
The music industry has seen a consequential shift in the way mental health has been addressed in recent years, proving that candid and honest lyrics are just as important as soulful melodies and catchy beats… and Ashley Kutcher is here to prove that you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. Ashley Kutcher is changing the game by creating captivating songs that also tackle real issues that audiences can resonate with on a personal level. From dealing with anxiety to navigating relationships, Ashley's music doesn't shy away from the complexities of the human experience. Her lyrics are honest, raw, and unapologetically vulnerable, touching on topics that are often swept under the rug. By shedding light on these important issues, Ashley Kutcher is not only changing the conversation in the music industry, but also providing a safe space for her fans to feel seen and heard. Before her sold-out show at the Drake Underground in Toronto on February 11th, we spoke with Ashley about how she is pushing boundaries in her music, and inspiring others to do the same.
"I honestly feel like the talk about mental health in music is so new… growing up, I didn't have that. But now everyone has been so open about everything they're struggling with because it shows how not alone you are." Having struggled with debilitating anxiety for years, Ashley wanted to “prove that just because you struggle with things like that, it doesn't mean you can't do ‘big things’ in your life". Ashley explains, “there's this thing called Agoraphobia, where you're scared to leave the house or you're scared to go to class because you have so much anxiety. I want people to know that it's possible to make an astounding recovery from a lot of those feelings; if you work through them, you can have any career you want. You can do anything you want… even when you have those issues."
Ashley’s EP, "Survive My Own Mind", is a testament to her passion about the importance of bringing honesty and vulnerability to the forefront of music. Last month, Ashley released “Everyone And No One”, her first new song since the October release of her EP. “The song for me was inspired by having a relationship that was hidden away from everyone… it's basically about realizing that sometimes a relationship kept too hidden is not a great relationship at all”. As Ashley explained her inspiration for the song, I couldn't help but resonate with her experiences, myself. Ash explains, “it's basically like, do you want me when everyone and nobody is watching?” The song is a painfully honest reflection on the struggles of keeping a relationship under wraps. If that doesn't make you want to ditch your secret fling, I don't know what will.
For many people, music can be a powerful coping mechanism and tool for catharsis. Ashley’s song, "Nothing's All The Time", is a reminder that while good things never last, neither do the bad things. Ash explained, "You start to accept that life is not this happy trick all the time; good things never last, but neither do the bad things”. It's a message of acceptance through finding balance in life's ups and downs… which must be why she’s so good at creating songs that make us want to cry and dance at the same time.
Attending Ashley’s show at the Drake Underground this week, it was evident that an ‘Ashley Kutcher concert’ is not just about the music; it's an experience that connects people. By creating music that speaks to the experiences of her fans, she’s not only providing a source of comfort and inspiration, but also facilitating new friendships in the process. Ashley even created a group chat on Discord where “people can safely meet and enjoy the concert together”, proving it's not just a concert, it's a bonding experience. Ashley's main goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels connected, whether it's with her, the music, or that one guy who keeps accidentally elbowing you but then offers to buy you a drink.
Thanks to artists like Ashely Kutcher, more and more people are finding comfort and connection in the power of music. As we continue to navigate the ups and downs of life, artists like Ashley remind us that we are not alone. And hey, who needs a therapist when you can just put on an Ashley Kutcher EP with a glass of wine, or a cup of herbal tea? Plus, it's a lot cheaper than shelling out for a weekly therapy session (just kidding, we strongly believe in both).
Article by: Amanda Tabone
Photographs by: Sam Moffatt
