Meet The Musician: Interview with Jazzy Ash
Welcome to #MeetTheMusician! We’re big fans of music around here, in all its forms. From the upbeat and playful to the sleepy and gentle, there’s a tune for every family with Yoto - and what better way to celebrate the joy of music than to meet the awesome artists behind some of your favourite Yoto tracks? This month, we sat down with artist Jazzy Ash to find out why music is so special to her, and what inspired her album Songs From The Playground.
About the Artist: Ashli St. Armant (aka Jazzy Ash) is a celebrated vocalist, writer, and arts educator based in sunny California. She is also the founder of Leaping Lizards Music, a music and theater education program for students, preschool through twelfth grade.
Q: Share a memory of music in your childhood - why is it special to you?
A: I have these cassette tapes from when I was a kid. I would record myself pretending to be a radio DJ, then I was the “caller” requesting the songs, and then I would sing the requested songs as the recording artist! I think I’ve always known that music is meant to be interactive. I didn’t just want to hear the music, I wanted to be a part of it!
Q: What was your inspiration behind Songs From The Playground?
A: We’re all music makers! And I wanted to highlight that fact by showcasing this sweet collection of songs from America’s playgrounds. All the songs in this collection were originally created by young black girls just having fun during recess.
Q: Why do you love making music?
A: I especially love making music with other people because, even though
the music is written down, we perform it differently every time. In that way, the music is a living, changing thing!
Q: If you were a musical instrument what would you be and why?
A: I think I would be a melodica, because it’s quirky and unexpected, and so am I!
Q: Where is your favourite place to dance?
A: This is an amazing question! I love to dance in general, but I do a lot of
dancing in the kitchen, while I’m cooking. It’s a great dance floor! Plus, a kitchen spoon makes a great microphone.
Q: What’s your favourite sound and why?
A: I love to hear my kids laughing their heads off. For some reason, it makes me feel like a good mom. :)
You can follow along Jazzy Ash on all her musical adventures on Instagram or her website. Stay tuned as we feature more artists as a part our monthly #MeetTheMusician series. Who would you like to see featured next? Let us know on social media, or send us an email at hello@yotoplay.com! 🎶
