Artist, songwriter, and musician, Asia Bryant, takes a moment to chat with ASCAP's "On the Come Up" about her rising career.
What inspires you?
Asia Bryant: I'm inspired by everything around me. Life is my inspiration. I want to leave a legacy of great music behind, when I go. I think that my past, well us as a people's past, and all the possibilities of the future inspire me to make the music I make. I also want so much to be remembered for making at least a subtle change in the world. That's what makes me continue.
What are you working on, currently?
Asia: Right now, I'm doing a little bit of everything. My team and I are working, everyday, towards finishing up my album and preparing to release my single, "Can't Help It." Writing-wise, I just did a hook for Baby of Cash Money featuring Lil' Wayne and Drake entitled, "Show Me Love." There's a record I wrote called, "Negative" that Devyne Stephens' group, Krave, just picked up. I worked with Chuck Harmony on the Jenna Andrews project (Island Def Jam). I also have several other placements pending.
Where are you from, originally?
Asia: Wow! Okay, so originally, I was born in Paterson, New Jersey (shouts out to all my Jersey folks), but I was raised in Charleston, South Carolina aka Chucktown!
Who is your music mentor and why?
Asia: Classically and choral-wise, I'd have to say - hands down - Moses Hogan. He was a great composer that created with such colors! He was very inspiring and one of the many reasons I love choral music. There was also my high school music teacher, Mrs. Quinney. She was awesome! She was responsible for getting me deep into sight reading and singing music in different languages. Then there's my Grandmother, Great Grand, and my mom with their awesome voices who kept music around me.
What was your first intro into the music industry?
Asia: It was my sophomore year in high school and I was just getting started professionally. One of my first managers was a close friend in the industry and James "Choirboi" Bennet, who happened to be the best friend and personal A&R of rapper, Ludacris. Well, one day, Choirboi tells me that Cris was going to allow me to record one of my songs at his home studio. He [Ludacris] greeted me and was just a really cool, down-to-earth, humble dude. Long story short, they accepted me into the family and the rest is history. They will always be my folks! Shouts out to Luda and the DTP family!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Asia: I see a gang of new artists/songwriters/producers running things and I'll be somewhere near the top of the pile. No, but seriously, I don't know. I have my goals that I'm sure I'm going to reach, but those are my secrets. My greatness remains to be seen. I just know what the Big Man upstairs has planned for me is greater than I can imagine. So, like you, I'm gonna keep my ears and eyes open, keep my head up towards the sky, kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
