Ever write yourself love letters? The day-glo, alt-pop rapper explains why this practice is important to her, plus much much more.
Only this era could have birthed Ashnikko. From the collision of her musical influences, to her maximalist visuals, to the way her career popped off on social media and she knew just how to ride that wave, Ashton Nicole Casey is 21st Century Pop Incarnate.
Fresh off the release of her mixtape Demidevil, she joined the ranks of Best Advice podcast guests, alongside Joey Bada$$, Jeezy, Charli XCX, Russ, and The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan.
We talked about everything from strategizing merch drops, to imposter syndrome, to dealing with the toxicity of the internet. She shared how she hustled to get into studio sessions, and then the ways she’s dealt with the varied experiences within those four walls. She also has some great advice about writing yourself love letters. Ashnikko’s Best Advice is 100 percent applicable for artists on the come up in this day and age.
Listen to Ashnikko’s episode, plus check out some of her key takeaways below.
Highlights from Ashnikko Best Advice episode
First and foremost, clarity when it comes to your vision is key
I think my best advice for up and coming artists is to get management and to start talking to labels, [only] when you have a clear vision of what you want to do, because if you go to them as a blank canvas, then people are going to paint on your canvas. People are gonna take you down paths that you don't want to go down if you just don't know who you want to be, or what you want to sound like.
Everyone deals with imposter syndrome
I would go into these rooms with people and just feel so unworthy and so undeserving to be there. Sometimes I still get imposter syndrome, but at this point I'm like, damn girl, you've been doing this a long time. You can now call yourself a musician. It's all right. If I could go back and give myself any advice, I would tell younger me, you deserve to be in those rooms, stop second guessing yourself because you have stuff to bring to the table. You're worthy.
Take time to occasionally take a step back and gain perspective
Making music is joyful and that's how music making should be. It should be collaborative. Because at the end of the day, what are you doing this for? We’re on a spinning rock and you make money making sounds — that's hilarious. Whenever I'm in a meeting and people are taking it super seriously, I’m like, listen guys, I don't know if you know this, but we are on a spinning rock in the universe.