No.3 in our interview series with Artists In The Plus Online Music Festival Performers comes from +Ashley Jones .

Ashley Jones is a Vocalist/Songwriter/Musician/Producer based out of the Camden/Philadelphia area. She has played some of the best original Venues including The Tin Angel Philadelphia among many others. Her music has been played on Philly’s 88.5 WXPN and other local and underground radio stations. The “Ashley Jones Project” has become first runner up in 2010 “Song of the Year” Contest, Judges include Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, Alicia Keys and Faith Hill. Ashley was also a winner in City Love Music’s unsigned songwriters contest sponsered by Indie-Music.com. You can hear her song “New York” on their new compilation disc out Spring 2011. She has worked with Rick Tate, Grammy Winning Producer Bobby Eli as well as played shows for Grammy Nominated David Ivory & events sponsored by Musicares. Her music is a soulful blend of Alternative/Blues/R&B with a mix of Reggae and Hip Hop. Ashley’s Passion is to make a living in the music business by performing, writing for herself as well as other artists. Starting in March 2013 Look for Ashley Jones on Xfinity On Demand on the show “David Ivory Presents.”

MTM: Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us a little about yourself. how and when did you start making music?

AJ: My name is Ashley Jones, I am a Singer/Lyricist/Instrumentalist based out of Camden NJ. I started singing & playing guitar about 12 years ago and since then have learned multiple instruments. Coming from a family full of musicians, I was bound to do something in music. My grandmother was a singer/drummer in bands throughout Philadelphia in the late 1940s & my Grandfather owned a music instrument repair shop in Willingboro NJ in the 50-60s. I always say music is just in my blood. I try to use music as a healing tool for myself as well as others.

MTM: Why do you do it, now?

AJ: Because it is my life, my passion & my dream, to help change the world through music. I do it to inspire others to never be afraid to show the world who you truly are. I do it to show the world that it’s ok to be different. I do it to help & inspire others.

The video below was just released today and is a very special effort in commemoration of a loved one.

MTM: What were some of your early influences and what inspires you today?

AJ: My earliest influences include India Arie , Musiq Soulchild, Frank Sinatra among many others. Today my biggest inspiration comes from my fans & supporters & all the faith they have in me.

MTM: What was the last song you listened to (disc in the car or what-not)?

AJ: Jessie J- Do it like a dude

MTM: How did you connect with Artists in the Plus and what attracted you to working with them?

AJ: I connected with Artists in the Plus a little over a year ago and being such an honorable company that they are, helped get my music out on Google Plus and other sites as well. John is a great guy who truly believes in what he does and he helps so many independent artists from all over.

MTM: Last years festival was a huge success and changed a lot of things about music on the net. Were you a part of that?

AJ: Unfortunately No I was not!

MTM: What would you like to see as a result of the festival, this year?

AJ: I would like to build up my fan base, and I look foward to networking & working with some of the best music artists from all over the world.

MTM: Have you been using services like Hangouts On Air, U-Stream, Street-Jelly, or others to perform live via video on line? What kind of reaction are you getting?

AJ: No i have not

MTM: Village Studios in LA will be hosting the festival, this year and there will be a studio stage in North Carolina and another in Norway. Will you be travelling or performing remote from your own studio?

AJ: I will be traveling to perform in LA!

MTM: If you could ask one performer to join you on a record, who would it be?

AJ: Corrine Bailey Rae

MTM: What one thing would you change about this world, if you could?

AJ: If I could change one thing, it would most definitely be poverty. All over the world there are way too many children and families suffering & struggling trying to get healthcare, food & shelter. I’ve lived it, I’ve seen it & it pains me to see. Every child deserves a good chance for a future and should not be held back or judged by being “homeless” or “lower class.”

Where can we find you and your music?

Listen & Download @
www.ashleyjonesproject.com

And for merchandise & more go to..
www.ashleyjonesprojectstore.com

MTM: In closing, is there anything you would like to add or anyone you would like to shout-out to?

AJ: I would like to give a huge thank you to my consultant Vince Butler! He keeps my hopes up in the hardest of times. Also a huge thanks to the AJP Street Team for helping network my music worldwide!! Also shout-out to Rob C-Rock Cintron for the amazing music videos and I’m honored to have worked with such great talent. And of course John from Artists in the Plus for his continued support on a daily basis, it is very inspiring.