September 17, 2025 • 27 mins
Ashley Woodruff – Singer/Songwriter, Recording Artist | Episode 36 | Sudbury Interviews | September 17, 2025 | Host: Dani Star (Canadian Idol, Season 5) | Find us on Sudztown and join the conversation | If you would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out | Listen on: Sudztown | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Pocket Casts | Amazon Music | Audacy | Audible | Listen Notes | Overcast | RSS Feed | Website: https://sudztown.com/show/
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hi everyone, welcome to Sudbury Interviews.
Today we have Ashley Woodruff and she's a singer-songwriter,
recording artist locally here inSudbury, but also does shows out
of town and has been performing professionally since 2017.
Before we begin, you can find uson Sudstown and join the
conversation. If you would like to be a guest
(00:21):
on the show, please reach out. Hey, Ashley, how are you?
Hi, Danny. I'm well, thanks.
How are you? I'm very well as well.
Nice to have you on, thanks for doing this.
Thank you for having. Me.
So what have you been up to? Oh, so, oh, I've been up to so
much so musically, I've been working on my first single since
(00:44):
2023, so I'm super excited to release that.
That's going to be released probably at the end of next
month. So I just finished recording
that. And I've been, you know, when
you release music, you have so much to do behind the scenes,
like creating lyric videos, getting everything ready for
tune, core cover art. So between everything else, you
(01:09):
know, like work, I'm an educational assistant for the
school board and I'm an university student.
So kind of like balancing it between all of that.
So yeah, I've been busy and I'm super excited for that.
What does music mean to you? What does it represent?
You know what music, I know it sounds so cliche, but music is
(01:33):
my entire life. You know, when when I'm on
stage, when I'm recording music,anything music related, I feel
at home, you know, I feel like that's where I'm supposed to be.
So yeah, I guess about what it represents when when I was
younger, when I was a little kid, my dad used to play around
(01:53):
town. He plays piano and he'd play
with various singers. So I guess it's it's a core
memory, you know? Yeah.
And I actually recently started performing with my dad this
year. We have a piano and voice duo,
so I'm really enjoying that. Nice.
(02:16):
So how did you get into the the songwriting and and live shows
aspect of it? Yeah, so I've been writing
music. That's something I started.
I remember being as young as like 8 and nine years old.
And I've always been, you know, a big music fan, as I said,
(02:37):
having my dad as my inspiration.And I grew up listening to a lot
of music. It kind of came naturally, you
know, just something within me. So I, I started writing, I
remember lyrics on my little book I would write in as a kid
and I'd share them with my family and stuff.
And as a teenager I would perform at school talent shows.
(02:59):
And then eventually as an adult,I would, I started by finding
YouTube instrumentals and I started kind of recording with
those, learning a little bit about the production process
and, you know, started posting those online and in I worked
(03:20):
with Rob Murphy for a while. I'm, so 2017 is when I started
performing, you know, locally and, and getting a taste for
that, getting more into that. And yeah, I've been performing
since then. I started, yeah, as I said,
locally and then eventually around the province.
(03:41):
So I've been having a lot of funwith that, yeah.
Do you remember your first paid gig?
My first paid gig, yes. So my first paid gig was it
would have been in 2017 and LA, where was the venue?
(04:06):
The first paid gig? I think it it was here in
Sudbury. It might have been at, there was
an old smoothie Froubar. I think that was one of my first
paid gigs. Do you remember the place?
Froubar Juicery. Yeah.
Yeah. Oh my gosh.
I literally performed an eveningshow there once.
(04:27):
Yeah, I missed that place. You did a gig at Frewbar?
Yeah, they had live music for a short period of time, Yeah.
That's amazing. Good for you.
Yeah. Thank you.
Well congratulations on your 12,000 plus Instagram followers.
Thank you. That's amazing.
How do you keep everyone happy? You know what?
(04:50):
Just keep being myself, you know, like to me, they, they
followed me for a reason, whether they found my music or
they they follow for like fashion because I really enjoy
outfits. Just kind of put out the content
that has drawn people in for thebeginning, you know, and just
(05:10):
just authentically keep being myself and, you know, the right
followers, I suppose, will be attracted to that.
Yeah, Yeah. Just be myself, really.
You've got a lot of videos on YouTube, so let's talk about
your music a little bit. The song The song called Summer
Love. What's that all about?
(05:32):
Yeah, so that's basically, that's actually one of my
favorite originals and a lot of people that's one of the more
popular ones of my originals. So it's just about basically
wanting to find love, find a relationship in the summer, have
fun. And along with the topic, I
wanted to be upbeat and a kind of summary instrumental to go
(05:52):
along with that. So that's really what that vibes
all about and just having fun inthe summer.
How did you go about writing thesong actually?
So, yeah, that's one. So I think for that, yes, that
was one of the ones that I was looking at different kind of
(06:12):
summary instrumentals, fun pop instrumentals on YouTube, and I
kind of use that as inspiration.And yeah, that kind of got the
lyrics and the melody to come tome.
So I kind of got inspired that way.
And along with that, yeah, we'rejust really thinking the
summer's coming up. I really want to write a fun
(06:34):
summer song. So that's kind of like the story
behind that. That's really cool.
Thank you. Yeah, congratulations.
Thank you. Always great to see local
talent. And as you may know, I'm a big,
big supporter of other musiciansand with this show here and most
of my guests are musicians, but it's not, it's not supposed to
(06:55):
be just about music, but but it's an interesting thing to be
doing. And so how do you feel about
Sudbury, you know, as a place tobe a a musician generally?
Yeah, I, I really like it. And honestly, I'm so honoured to
be part of a music scene with such talent.
(07:17):
And I totally agree with you about supporting local music
along with performing. I love just going out, watching
bands, watching all genres, you know, whenever I get the chance
because that's what it's all about, you know, community
lifting others up. So I, I just, I'm very thankful.
And yeah, I love our music scenehere in Sudbury.
(07:39):
So what about your song called By My Side featuring Cheris
Makaushin? Oh, Cherise Makaushin.
So yes, that was that's actuallymy only song with rap in it.
You know, that's another one I, I wanted to switch up, bring
some, some hip hop into it. Yeah, 'cause I, I think
(08:01):
sometimes it's fun just to explore different genres because
if you take a listen, I have some folk sounding songs, some
pop fast low. So that was just a fun way for
me to kind of switch everything up.
And I see that you're the video was filmed like on that bridge
that they replaced downtown. Yeah.
(08:22):
So it was filmed. Yeah, that bridge.
You know what? I didn't even know they
replaced. That's so funny.
I actually haven't been down that way in a long time walking,
But yeah, we did film it on thatbridge, the one going towards
Bell Park. I thought that would be kind of
like kind of a cool scene for that.
And yeah, I remember we filmed that in the winter and it was a
(08:45):
lot of fun. Winter's just such a beautiful
time. I I love winter, you know, just
reminds me of Christmas. So I yeah, I, yeah.
So staying motivated is not an issue for you at all.
Oh no, no, As I said, music drives me.
It's like a big part of me. So it's no matter what I do in
(09:07):
life, music, something I know for sure, I always want to be a
part of my life. No matter what job I do, when
I'm like 60 years old, 70 years old, I always want to be playing
music. Nice.
So what do you feel? What is one thing that you feel
would make Sudbury greater? Hmm.
(09:30):
Oh, let me think. That's a question I ask every
guest, by the way, it's it's called the daily segment.
So it's not just you. That wouldn't be fair, right?
Yeah, you know what? I guess.
You know what, since we're talking about music, as much as
(09:51):
I like out of Northern Ontario, I, we really are thankful to
live in Sudbury. Like we do have a variety of
venues, but I, I think you know what I'd have to say like maybe
maybe even more music venues, because think of it when you go
to a bigger city like Toronto, for example, or, or even Barry,
(10:14):
you know, you walk down the street and it's like music venue
after live music after live music.
So I think that would be something really cool.
Even let me think like Science North has and every performance
group host this at Science N, which it's always such an honor
to work with them. I love how there's live music on
(10:35):
the water and you know, you could order a meal and stuff.
So I think Sudbury just, you know, we're built around a lake.
I'm surprised Sudbury doesn't have more restaurants on the
lake, if I'm going to be honest.I think that's something else
that could be a good opportunityfor Sudbury.
Yeah, definitely. I can agree with that.
Yeah. So what?
(10:57):
What are some of your favorite gigs around town here?
Places you love. Oh, places I love.
Let's see, I know anywhere such a cliche.
You know what, if I'm going to pick one, I would say one of my
favorite places I've performed at town or sorry, around town is
(11:21):
I've done a few events at the Caruso Club and it's it's just
such a fun event, such a great sound of the room.
It's it's such a big space. Yeah, that's one of my
favorites. I'd say to perform at events
there. In the main hall.
So I performed in both the lowerand the main and yeah, just the
venue itself is just so much fun.
(11:43):
I totally agree with that. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
It's a nice place. So you're, you're doing like
your albums when you release music.
Is it is it the duo or is it is?Do you like put harmonies into
it and stuff? So I'll so this newest song here
that I'm I'm working on, so I'm actually working on it with Eric
(12:06):
Mirron from Dadbot in the Everyman.
And yes, I wrote the lyrics, melodies and there is harmonies,
but it's my own harmonies. And he kind of worked with me to
help compose that. So yeah, harmonies, I guess you
could see there is, but it is all my own voice there.
And then he of course composed the instrumental and Joey did
(12:28):
drums. So yeah, yeah, it's like it's
always teamwork, but the harmonies, like the voice is
always all me. Right, right.
Excellent. Great.
So what? What else do you have going on
with your life? Yeah.
(12:48):
So, yeah, as I said, I'll talk alittle bit more.
I mentioned I'm an educational assistant for the school board
and yeah, university. So I'm currently studying
psychology. I This is my third year.
I'm just doing it part time, 'cause, you know, I work full
time, so I'll be in there for a little while and along with
(13:09):
psychology, I'm in con Ed because I want to eventually
move up to be a teacher. So yeah, I'm, I'm just enjoying
the ride of everything and I'm really looking forward to being
done. I mean, I like, I enjoy school,
but you know, the, the, yeah, I'm, I'm looking forward to and
(13:30):
sorry, yeah. And just just, you know,
enjoying life, as I said, I love, I love going out having
fun whenever there's city events, anything from from Rib
Fest, for example, like just passed.
I love anything being a part of the community.
(13:53):
It's, it's just so much fun, youknow, that's all life's all
about community. Do you ever walk at the grocery
store and the mall and get spotted by one of your fans?
You know what's so funny? That's actually happened more
than once? That's so funny there.
She is. It's, it's happened.
And I've had, I remember somebody like yelled my name out
(14:14):
of a car before. I remember.
So I worked at Tim horton's for 12 years, literally forever.
And I just quit a few months ago.
And I remember I've been recognized at the window a few
times and somebody said to me, oh, what are you doing serving
coffee? You should be singing.
I said I can do it all. That's great.
Yeah, yeah. So how does that feel for you?
(14:37):
Do you like that? It feels pretty cool, like it's,
it's kind of validating knowing your music promotion.
You're doing something right there.
If you're getting yourself out there enough, you're you're
booking, you're booking around town enough.
So it's, it's pretty cool to know all the work you put behind
the social media promotion. Everything really is working
(14:58):
because you don't know what the time, right?
You're kind of hoping, oh, I hope I get my target audience
right. And I hope my music reaches the
right people. So it's, it's really cool, you
know, and I always enjoy meeting, you know, people who
are fans of my music, like, yeah, I love it so much.
Yeah, that's really neat. It's like you get spotted out in
(15:20):
public and there she is. Yeah, you know.
Yeah, it's pretty wicked. It's so cool.
So have you ever thought of doing a like a band at some
point? So I've, I've actually worked
with drummers like a few times in the past, like for example,
(15:41):
when I played the Caruso Club, because it's such a big hall, I
brought drummers in for like a bigger sound right now.
Yeah, I'm really, I'm really enjoying the duo, the piano and
voice with my dad. It's such, it's a cool
opportunity and it's something we've talked about for many
years, you know, like, oh, we should have a father daughter
(16:01):
duo. So it's it's cool for that to
finally happen and, you know, not only sing around Sudbury,
but just kind of bring our musicagain around Ontario.
But yeah, like just to switched up as I said sometimes for yeah,
the bigger events get for the bigger sound.
So kind of cater for the venue, you know?
(16:24):
Did you guys bring out your own equipment when you play shows?
Yes. So we have our own sound system,
which is super convenient because some places do have
their own system, but you never know, you know, when they don't,
it's nice to have your own, justto be able to bring around and
your own generator if they don'thave the power.
So, yeah, so that makes life a lot easier.
(16:47):
Do you think that you would everconsider going to a different,
like a bigger city, bigger marketplace for music?
Maybe, I know right now I'm kindof stuck in Sudbury because of
school that it is a possibility.But something I like about
living in Sudbury's, it's a goodhome base.
(17:09):
You know, you're only a few hours away from Toronto or if
you wanted to sing in Ottawa, you're close enough to there.
So I guess to answer your question potentially in the
future, but as of now, I find Sudbury works really well for
everything because it's, it's a pretty good location.
You know, it's say if I lived somewhere like Thunder Bay, you
(17:29):
know, that's so far away. But Sudbury's kind of like a
decent distance away from the bigger cities in Ontario at
least. So tell us about your song
called Make You Mine. Oh, that was that was my first
single I ever released on the Spotify, iTunes and stuff.
(17:54):
Yeah, I remember. I remember writing that.
Oh, let me think back. So I was really into a song by
Tori Kelly called I believe It'sNobody Love, and I was kind of
trying to go for that vibe with that one, that inspo and that
the video for that was filmed inChelmsford.
(18:15):
And Oh my gosh, I still had blonde hair back then.
That was such a long time ago. But you know what's funny?
That's actually my least favorite song I've ever
released, if I'm going to be honest.
Your least favorite of your own songs of.
My own songs, yeah, and I remember being really excited,
really pumped to release it. But yeah, after I released
(18:37):
others, it's. And I feel like a lot of
musicians, they have that one song or those couples they liked
at the time, but it's just overtime.
In my case at least, I think I've become a better songwriter.
So it's. I listen to like, oh, you know,
I could have done better, but itit it was a good experience.
It was a good way to start getting my music out there.
(18:57):
So I guess even though I'm not fond of that song out of my all
of my originals, I'm kind of thankful for that to have been
released and start my journey like officially releasing music.
So it's like a bittersweet sort of.
And as far as like your favoritesingers and influences go, who
(19:19):
are some of your favorite singers in the in the world?
Yeah, so growing up, I'd listen to a lot of Whitney Houston, you
know, I absolutely love the power behind her voice, so and
just her stage presence, everything.
So she's someone that's always really inspired me.
(19:41):
I grew up listening to a lot of Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé,
cause all these singers, yeah, they said they're absolutely
amazing vocalists. They have the stage presence,
the talent, and I remember beingyounger, they were just people I
would try and emulate. Yeah, I've sang their songs and
(20:02):
like talent shows and stuff. Oh, another one.
I haven't listened to her for a while, but one I that I really
drew inspiration from when I originally started singing as a
kid with Evanescence. I remember singing My Immortal
at a Grade 6 talent show and that was that.
That was like my first, to me, bigger performance.
There was like 100 people, but that was my first taste of
(20:25):
performing. And yeah, she has an absolutely
amazing voice. And I've been actually compared
to her as well as Cher a lot, the sound of my voice.
Cher Yeah. Yes, yeah, I've been compared to
Cher just I guess the look and the sound of my voice, like,
'cause my voice is like a uniquesound and like my hair, long
(20:48):
dark hair. So I actually get that a lot.
People I know as strangers. I've had countless people
compare me to Cher. Well, that's definitely a
positive thing. Yeah.
Oh yeah, it's definitely flattering.
I love Cher. Oh my gosh, her style back in
the day. She is an absolute legend.
And we're we're due for a new one, a new Cher because she's a
(21:11):
little older now, I think. Yeah, Oh my gosh, she looks so
good though. She's in her 70s though I think.
So you're going to be the new Cher?
Oh, the new Cher. Maybe just the original Ashley
Woodruff. But if I want to switch it up, I
could be the new Cher. Maybe.
So what about your song called The Feeling?
(21:31):
Oh, the feeling. So yeah, I, I love how the
chorus sounds in that one. I was going for kind of like a
love on the brain, Rihanna type vibe.
I don't know if it kind of showsthrough the song, but yeah,
that's the kind of vibe I was going for.
Oh, that one, yeah, that was a lot of fun to create.
(21:55):
Yeah, no, I, I haven't sang thatone in a while though.
That's definitely one I should add to the show again.
Yeah, Because as I said, since Istarted work with my dad, we've
been adding, like, covers and some of my originals, and I'm
always thinking of which ones I should add.
So yeah, that's a good one. Especially say, if I perform
around Valentine's Day, I think that could be.
(22:17):
Well, yeah, that would be the perfect song for that sort of
season. Do you make set lists?
I do. Oh, my God, I'm so structured.
I got off the setlist. I can't just wing it.
Not only do I make them, but I just.
I need them. So we have a last rehearsal
before the show, usually like a day or so before.
And I always create the setlist,you know, just so I go there, I
(22:41):
know what's happening, know the order.
Yeah. So all the time.
So how many of those songs are your originals on there?
So what I usually do a kind of mix up covers and originals.
Like I'll start with, excuse me,a few covers and then I'll, I'll
insert two or three originals per set.
(23:02):
Yeah, just to kind of draw people in with some popular
covers like some chaperone. And then I'll say I'm going to
do some originals now. Yeah.
So I always, I always include originals and sets and it's,
it's just a good way to promote them.
And then usually at the shows, Igot these cards made with my
(23:22):
Spotify code, so I'll kind of hand them out and stuff.
And I'll say, if you like what you hear, they're on Spotify
anywhere you listen to music. So yeah, it's I and it works,
you know. Yeah.
So always add some. Nice.
Yeah. So as far as songwriting, do you
(23:45):
start with a melody or lyrics ora title?
How does the process work for you?
So when I write, the lyrics and melody pretty much always come
to me at the same time. Occasionally it'll be like a
melody first, but typically theykind of come together and I do
(24:06):
the title last. Usually something related to the
chorus, of course. Yeah.
Like typically it'll be lyrics and melody together for the
chorus, and then I'll kind of like write the verses around on
the chorus and then I'll do the bridge last and then the title.
It just kind of works out like that kind of mix matched all
over the place. Can you hear me?
(24:31):
Yeah. Fantastic.
Yeah, for me it's usually it starts with a guitar ref or
something and and then the melody and then the words.
A different process, but. Oh, but it's an effective
system. Yeah, that's awesome.
Effective system. So where can we catch you next?
(24:53):
Where's your next gig? So my next gig, let me just on
my website here. You know what, I have a website
and I say it's, it's hard for me'cause I let's see here
ashleywoodruff.com. By the way, if anybody's
interested, all my links are on there upcoming shows you could
contact me a little website plugthere for sure.
(25:16):
So it's it's a place called Quails Brewery.
So it's in Oral Medante right near Orillia.
On October 4th is my next show. Wow.
Yeah. Jeez, I don't remember any of my
gigs either. I I have no idea.
I need my calendar. That's true, so I understand
that for sure. Yeah, yeah.
(25:37):
So as far as Sudbury though, do you have one coming up this
year? I and I'm probably going to be
booking more before this in Sudbury, but as of right now I
have something booked for November 27th 6:00 PM at the
Greater Sudbury library, the LaSalle location.
Yeah, that's great. Yeah.
(25:57):
Thank you. Wow, that I can honestly say
I've never played in the librarybefore.
Me either, it's going to be in alittle interview slash gig and
I'm looking forward to it. And again, yeah, it's always fun
to switch things up, new sort ofsettings.
So I'm looking forward to it, you know?
Yeah. Well, when Blue Rodeo was in
(26:20):
town about four weeks ago and the one of the singers, Jim
Cuddy, he went and did a little gig at Chapters, the bookstore,
like a library, sort of, but it's a bookstore.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. And he was there singing during
the day. So, you know, maybe it's a new
thing that you're, you're starting, that's starting up and
you're a part of it, you know? No, exactly.
(26:42):
And you know what I I think it would be cool and you asked me
this earlier, so I'm actually going to add something else to
something else sub readings. We need more live music during
earlier hours. Like I, I, I love going out, you
know, later, but there's a lot of people who don't.
So if they had more gigs earlier, I think that would also
(27:03):
be beneficial. Even like afternoon gigs.
I think it would be cool to haveall day, you know, no matter
what, you could go somewhere, OK, there's live music here at
one. There's live music here at 4:00.
So I'm going to add that to my list.
For sure, it was really nice talking with you.
Ashley Sudbury interviews everyone.
That's our episode for today. And for the record, you are
(27:25):
episode #36. Amazing.
Thank you so much for having me,Danny.
Any any last words that you wantto tell people?
Thank you for tuning in and if you want to check out any
upcoming shows, as I said, go tomy website, ashleywoodruff.com,
and they're all listed on there.Perfect.
(27:47):
Thanks for your time tonight. Thank you, Danny.
Bye. Bye.
Hi everyone, welcome to Sudbury Interviews.
Today we have Ashley Woodruff and she's a singer-songwriter,
recording artist locally here inSudbury, but also does shows out
of town and has been performing professionally since 2017.
Before we begin, you can find uson Sudstown and join the
conversation. If you would like to be a guest
(00:21):
on the show, please reach out. Hey, Ashley, how are you?
Hi, Danny. I'm well, thanks.
How are you? I'm very well as well.
Nice to have you on, thanks for doing this.
Thank you for having. Me.
So what have you been up to? Oh, so, oh, I've been up to so
much so musically, I've been working on my first single since
(00:44):
2023, so I'm super excited to release that.
That's going to be released probably at the end of next
month. So I just finished recording
that. And I've been, you know, when
you release music, you have so much to do behind the scenes,
like creating lyric videos, getting everything ready for
tune, core cover art. So between everything else, you
(01:09):
know, like work, I'm an educational assistant for the
school board and I'm an university student.
So kind of like balancing it between all of that.
So yeah, I've been busy and I'm super excited for that.
What does music mean to you? What does it represent?
You know what music, I know it sounds so cliche, but music is
(01:33):
my entire life. You know, when when I'm on
stage, when I'm recording music,anything music related, I feel
at home, you know, I feel like that's where I'm supposed to be.
So yeah, I guess about what it represents when when I was
younger, when I was a little kid, my dad used to play around
(01:53):
town. He plays piano and he'd play
with various singers. So I guess it's it's a core
memory, you know? Yeah.
And I actually recently started performing with my dad this
year. We have a piano and voice duo,
so I'm really enjoying that. Nice.
(02:16):
So how did you get into the the songwriting and and live shows
aspect of it? Yeah, so I've been writing
music. That's something I started.
I remember being as young as like 8 and nine years old.
And I've always been, you know, a big music fan, as I said,
(02:37):
having my dad as my inspiration.And I grew up listening to a lot
of music. It kind of came naturally, you
know, just something within me. So I, I started writing, I
remember lyrics on my little book I would write in as a kid
and I'd share them with my family and stuff.
And as a teenager I would perform at school talent shows.
(02:59):
And then eventually as an adult,I would, I started by finding
YouTube instrumentals and I started kind of recording with
those, learning a little bit about the production process
and, you know, started posting those online and in I worked
(03:20):
with Rob Murphy for a while. I'm, so 2017 is when I started
performing, you know, locally and, and getting a taste for
that, getting more into that. And yeah, I've been performing
since then. I started, yeah, as I said,
locally and then eventually around the province.
(03:41):
So I've been having a lot of funwith that, yeah.
Do you remember your first paid gig?
My first paid gig, yes. So my first paid gig was it
would have been in 2017 and LA, where was the venue?
(04:06):
The first paid gig? I think it it was here in
Sudbury. It might have been at, there was
an old smoothie Froubar. I think that was one of my first
paid gigs. Do you remember the place?
Froubar Juicery. Yeah.
Yeah. Oh my gosh.
I literally performed an eveningshow there once.
(04:27):
Yeah, I missed that place. You did a gig at Frewbar?
Yeah, they had live music for a short period of time, Yeah.
That's amazing. Good for you.
Yeah. Thank you.
Well congratulations on your 12,000 plus Instagram followers.
Thank you. That's amazing.
How do you keep everyone happy? You know what?
(04:50):
Just keep being myself, you know, like to me, they, they
followed me for a reason, whether they found my music or
they they follow for like fashion because I really enjoy
outfits. Just kind of put out the content
that has drawn people in for thebeginning, you know, and just
(05:10):
just authentically keep being myself and, you know, the right
followers, I suppose, will be attracted to that.
Yeah, Yeah. Just be myself, really.
You've got a lot of videos on YouTube, so let's talk about
your music a little bit. The song The song called Summer
Love. What's that all about?
(05:32):
Yeah, so that's basically, that's actually one of my
favorite originals and a lot of people that's one of the more
popular ones of my originals. So it's just about basically
wanting to find love, find a relationship in the summer, have
fun. And along with the topic, I
wanted to be upbeat and a kind of summary instrumental to go
(05:52):
along with that. So that's really what that vibes
all about and just having fun inthe summer.
How did you go about writing thesong actually?
So, yeah, that's one. So I think for that, yes, that
was one of the ones that I was looking at different kind of
(06:12):
summary instrumentals, fun pop instrumentals on YouTube, and I
kind of use that as inspiration.And yeah, that kind of got the
lyrics and the melody to come tome.
So I kind of got inspired that way.
And along with that, yeah, we'rejust really thinking the
summer's coming up. I really want to write a fun
(06:34):
summer song. So that's kind of like the story
behind that. That's really cool.
Thank you. Yeah, congratulations.
Thank you. Always great to see local
talent. And as you may know, I'm a big,
big supporter of other musiciansand with this show here and most
of my guests are musicians, but it's not, it's not supposed to
(06:55):
be just about music, but but it's an interesting thing to be
doing. And so how do you feel about
Sudbury, you know, as a place tobe a a musician generally?
Yeah, I, I really like it. And honestly, I'm so honoured to
be part of a music scene with such talent.
(07:17):
And I totally agree with you about supporting local music
along with performing. I love just going out, watching
bands, watching all genres, you know, whenever I get the chance
because that's what it's all about, you know, community
lifting others up. So I, I just, I'm very thankful.
And yeah, I love our music scenehere in Sudbury.
(07:39):
So what about your song called By My Side featuring Cheris
Makaushin? Oh, Cherise Makaushin.
So yes, that was that's actuallymy only song with rap in it.
You know, that's another one I, I wanted to switch up, bring
some, some hip hop into it. Yeah, 'cause I, I think
(08:01):
sometimes it's fun just to explore different genres because
if you take a listen, I have some folk sounding songs, some
pop fast low. So that was just a fun way for
me to kind of switch everything up.
And I see that you're the video was filmed like on that bridge
that they replaced downtown. Yeah.
(08:22):
So it was filmed. Yeah, that bridge.
You know what? I didn't even know they
replaced. That's so funny.
I actually haven't been down that way in a long time walking,
But yeah, we did film it on thatbridge, the one going towards
Bell Park. I thought that would be kind of
like kind of a cool scene for that.
And yeah, I remember we filmed that in the winter and it was a
(08:45):
lot of fun. Winter's just such a beautiful
time. I I love winter, you know, just
reminds me of Christmas. So I yeah, I, yeah.
So staying motivated is not an issue for you at all.
Oh no, no, As I said, music drives me.
It's like a big part of me. So it's no matter what I do in
(09:07):
life, music, something I know for sure, I always want to be a
part of my life. No matter what job I do, when
I'm like 60 years old, 70 years old, I always want to be playing
music. Nice.
So what do you feel? What is one thing that you feel
would make Sudbury greater? Hmm.
(09:30):
Oh, let me think. That's a question I ask every
guest, by the way, it's it's called the daily segment.
So it's not just you. That wouldn't be fair, right?
Yeah, you know what? I guess.
You know what, since we're talking about music, as much as
(09:51):
I like out of Northern Ontario, I, we really are thankful to
live in Sudbury. Like we do have a variety of
venues, but I, I think you know what I'd have to say like maybe
maybe even more music venues, because think of it when you go
to a bigger city like Toronto, for example, or, or even Barry,
(10:14):
you know, you walk down the street and it's like music venue
after live music after live music.
So I think that would be something really cool.
Even let me think like Science North has and every performance
group host this at Science N, which it's always such an honor
to work with them. I love how there's live music on
(10:35):
the water and you know, you could order a meal and stuff.
So I think Sudbury just, you know, we're built around a lake.
I'm surprised Sudbury doesn't have more restaurants on the
lake, if I'm going to be honest.I think that's something else
that could be a good opportunityfor Sudbury.
Yeah, definitely. I can agree with that.
Yeah. So what?
(10:57):
What are some of your favorite gigs around town here?
Places you love. Oh, places I love.
Let's see, I know anywhere such a cliche.
You know what, if I'm going to pick one, I would say one of my
favorite places I've performed at town or sorry, around town is
(11:21):
I've done a few events at the Caruso Club and it's it's just
such a fun event, such a great sound of the room.
It's it's such a big space. Yeah, that's one of my
favorites. I'd say to perform at events
there. In the main hall.
So I performed in both the lowerand the main and yeah, just the
venue itself is just so much fun.
(11:43):
I totally agree with that. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
It's a nice place. So you're, you're doing like
your albums when you release music.
Is it is it the duo or is it is?Do you like put harmonies into
it and stuff? So I'll so this newest song here
that I'm I'm working on, so I'm actually working on it with Eric
(12:06):
Mirron from Dadbot in the Everyman.
And yes, I wrote the lyrics, melodies and there is harmonies,
but it's my own harmonies. And he kind of worked with me to
help compose that. So yeah, harmonies, I guess you
could see there is, but it is all my own voice there.
And then he of course composed the instrumental and Joey did
(12:28):
drums. So yeah, yeah, it's like it's
always teamwork, but the harmonies, like the voice is
always all me. Right, right.
Excellent. Great.
So what? What else do you have going on
with your life? Yeah.
(12:48):
So, yeah, as I said, I'll talk alittle bit more.
I mentioned I'm an educational assistant for the school board
and yeah, university. So I'm currently studying
psychology. I This is my third year.
I'm just doing it part time, 'cause, you know, I work full
time, so I'll be in there for a little while and along with
(13:09):
psychology, I'm in con Ed because I want to eventually
move up to be a teacher. So yeah, I'm, I'm just enjoying
the ride of everything and I'm really looking forward to being
done. I mean, I like, I enjoy school,
but you know, the, the, yeah, I'm, I'm looking forward to and
(13:30):
sorry, yeah. And just just, you know,
enjoying life, as I said, I love, I love going out having
fun whenever there's city events, anything from from Rib
Fest, for example, like just passed.
I love anything being a part of the community.
(13:53):
It's, it's just so much fun, youknow, that's all life's all
about community. Do you ever walk at the grocery
store and the mall and get spotted by one of your fans?
You know what's so funny? That's actually happened more
than once? That's so funny there.
She is. It's, it's happened.
And I've had, I remember somebody like yelled my name out
(14:14):
of a car before. I remember.
So I worked at Tim horton's for 12 years, literally forever.
And I just quit a few months ago.
And I remember I've been recognized at the window a few
times and somebody said to me, oh, what are you doing serving
coffee? You should be singing.
I said I can do it all. That's great.
Yeah, yeah. So how does that feel for you?
(14:37):
Do you like that? It feels pretty cool, like it's,
it's kind of validating knowing your music promotion.
You're doing something right there.
If you're getting yourself out there enough, you're you're
booking, you're booking around town enough.
So it's, it's pretty cool to know all the work you put behind
the social media promotion. Everything really is working
(14:58):
because you don't know what the time, right?
You're kind of hoping, oh, I hope I get my target audience
right. And I hope my music reaches the
right people. So it's, it's really cool, you
know, and I always enjoy meeting, you know, people who
are fans of my music, like, yeah, I love it so much.
Yeah, that's really neat. It's like you get spotted out in
(15:20):
public and there she is. Yeah, you know.
Yeah, it's pretty wicked. It's so cool.
So have you ever thought of doing a like a band at some
point? So I've, I've actually worked
with drummers like a few times in the past, like for example,
(15:41):
when I played the Caruso Club, because it's such a big hall, I
brought drummers in for like a bigger sound right now.
Yeah, I'm really, I'm really enjoying the duo, the piano and
voice with my dad. It's such, it's a cool
opportunity and it's something we've talked about for many
years, you know, like, oh, we should have a father daughter
(16:01):
duo. So it's it's cool for that to
finally happen and, you know, not only sing around Sudbury,
but just kind of bring our musicagain around Ontario.
But yeah, like just to switched up as I said sometimes for yeah,
the bigger events get for the bigger sound.
So kind of cater for the venue, you know?
(16:24):
Did you guys bring out your own equipment when you play shows?
Yes. So we have our own sound system,
which is super convenient because some places do have
their own system, but you never know, you know, when they don't,
it's nice to have your own, justto be able to bring around and
your own generator if they don'thave the power.
So, yeah, so that makes life a lot easier.
(16:47):
Do you think that you would everconsider going to a different,
like a bigger city, bigger marketplace for music?
Maybe, I know right now I'm kindof stuck in Sudbury because of
school that it is a possibility.But something I like about
living in Sudbury's, it's a goodhome base.
(17:09):
You know, you're only a few hours away from Toronto or if
you wanted to sing in Ottawa, you're close enough to there.
So I guess to answer your question potentially in the
future, but as of now, I find Sudbury works really well for
everything because it's, it's a pretty good location.
You know, it's say if I lived somewhere like Thunder Bay, you
(17:29):
know, that's so far away. But Sudbury's kind of like a
decent distance away from the bigger cities in Ontario at
least. So tell us about your song
called Make You Mine. Oh, that was that was my first
single I ever released on the Spotify, iTunes and stuff.
(17:54):
Yeah, I remember. I remember writing that.
Oh, let me think back. So I was really into a song by
Tori Kelly called I believe It'sNobody Love, and I was kind of
trying to go for that vibe with that one, that inspo and that
the video for that was filmed inChelmsford.
(18:15):
And Oh my gosh, I still had blonde hair back then.
That was such a long time ago. But you know what's funny?
That's actually my least favorite song I've ever
released, if I'm going to be honest.
Your least favorite of your own songs of.
My own songs, yeah, and I remember being really excited,
really pumped to release it. But yeah, after I released
(18:37):
others, it's. And I feel like a lot of
musicians, they have that one song or those couples they liked
at the time, but it's just overtime.
In my case at least, I think I've become a better songwriter.
So it's. I listen to like, oh, you know,
I could have done better, but itit it was a good experience.
It was a good way to start getting my music out there.
(18:57):
So I guess even though I'm not fond of that song out of my all
of my originals, I'm kind of thankful for that to have been
released and start my journey like officially releasing music.
So it's like a bittersweet sort of.
And as far as like your favoritesingers and influences go, who
(19:19):
are some of your favorite singers in the in the world?
Yeah, so growing up, I'd listen to a lot of Whitney Houston, you
know, I absolutely love the power behind her voice, so and
just her stage presence, everything.
So she's someone that's always really inspired me.
(19:41):
I grew up listening to a lot of Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé,
cause all these singers, yeah, they said they're absolutely
amazing vocalists. They have the stage presence,
the talent, and I remember beingyounger, they were just people I
would try and emulate. Yeah, I've sang their songs and
(20:02):
like talent shows and stuff. Oh, another one.
I haven't listened to her for a while, but one I that I really
drew inspiration from when I originally started singing as a
kid with Evanescence. I remember singing My Immortal
at a Grade 6 talent show and that was that.
That was like my first, to me, bigger performance.
There was like 100 people, but that was my first taste of
(20:25):
performing. And yeah, she has an absolutely
amazing voice. And I've been actually compared
to her as well as Cher a lot, the sound of my voice.
Cher Yeah. Yes, yeah, I've been compared to
Cher just I guess the look and the sound of my voice, like,
'cause my voice is like a uniquesound and like my hair, long
(20:48):
dark hair. So I actually get that a lot.
People I know as strangers. I've had countless people
compare me to Cher. Well, that's definitely a
positive thing. Yeah.
Oh yeah, it's definitely flattering.
I love Cher. Oh my gosh, her style back in
the day. She is an absolute legend.
And we're we're due for a new one, a new Cher because she's a
(21:11):
little older now, I think. Yeah, Oh my gosh, she looks so
good though. She's in her 70s though I think.
So you're going to be the new Cher?
Oh, the new Cher. Maybe just the original Ashley
Woodruff. But if I want to switch it up, I
could be the new Cher. Maybe.
So what about your song called The Feeling?
(21:31):
Oh, the feeling. So yeah, I, I love how the
chorus sounds in that one. I was going for kind of like a
love on the brain, Rihanna type vibe.
I don't know if it kind of showsthrough the song, but yeah,
that's the kind of vibe I was going for.
Oh, that one, yeah, that was a lot of fun to create.
(21:55):
Yeah, no, I, I haven't sang thatone in a while though.
That's definitely one I should add to the show again.
Yeah, Because as I said, since Istarted work with my dad, we've
been adding, like, covers and some of my originals, and I'm
always thinking of which ones I should add.
So yeah, that's a good one. Especially say, if I perform
around Valentine's Day, I think that could be.
(22:17):
Well, yeah, that would be the perfect song for that sort of
season. Do you make set lists?
I do. Oh, my God, I'm so structured.
I got off the setlist. I can't just wing it.
Not only do I make them, but I just.
I need them. So we have a last rehearsal
before the show, usually like a day or so before.
And I always create the setlist,you know, just so I go there, I
(22:41):
know what's happening, know the order.
Yeah. So all the time.
So how many of those songs are your originals on there?
So what I usually do a kind of mix up covers and originals.
Like I'll start with, excuse me,a few covers and then I'll, I'll
insert two or three originals per set.
(23:02):
Yeah, just to kind of draw people in with some popular
covers like some chaperone. And then I'll say I'm going to
do some originals now. Yeah.
So I always, I always include originals and sets and it's,
it's just a good way to promote them.
And then usually at the shows, Igot these cards made with my
(23:22):
Spotify code, so I'll kind of hand them out and stuff.
And I'll say, if you like what you hear, they're on Spotify
anywhere you listen to music. So yeah, it's I and it works,
you know. Yeah.
So always add some. Nice.
Yeah. So as far as songwriting, do you
(23:45):
start with a melody or lyrics ora title?
How does the process work for you?
So when I write, the lyrics and melody pretty much always come
to me at the same time. Occasionally it'll be like a
melody first, but typically theykind of come together and I do
(24:06):
the title last. Usually something related to the
chorus, of course. Yeah.
Like typically it'll be lyrics and melody together for the
chorus, and then I'll kind of like write the verses around on
the chorus and then I'll do the bridge last and then the title.
It just kind of works out like that kind of mix matched all
over the place. Can you hear me?
(24:31):
Yeah. Fantastic.
Yeah, for me it's usually it starts with a guitar ref or
something and and then the melody and then the words.
A different process, but. Oh, but it's an effective
system. Yeah, that's awesome.
Effective system. So where can we catch you next?
(24:53):
Where's your next gig? So my next gig, let me just on
my website here. You know what, I have a website
and I say it's, it's hard for me'cause I let's see here
ashleywoodruff.com. By the way, if anybody's
interested, all my links are on there upcoming shows you could
contact me a little website plugthere for sure.
(25:16):
So it's it's a place called Quails Brewery.
So it's in Oral Medante right near Orillia.
On October 4th is my next show. Wow.
Yeah. Jeez, I don't remember any of my
gigs either. I I have no idea.
I need my calendar. That's true, so I understand
that for sure. Yeah, yeah.
(25:37):
So as far as Sudbury though, do you have one coming up this
year? I and I'm probably going to be
booking more before this in Sudbury, but as of right now I
have something booked for November 27th 6:00 PM at the
Greater Sudbury library, the LaSalle location.
Yeah, that's great. Yeah.
(25:57):
Thank you. Wow, that I can honestly say
I've never played in the librarybefore.
Me either, it's going to be in alittle interview slash gig and
I'm looking forward to it. And again, yeah, it's always fun
to switch things up, new sort ofsettings.
So I'm looking forward to it, you know?
Yeah. Well, when Blue Rodeo was in
(26:20):
town about four weeks ago and the one of the singers, Jim
Cuddy, he went and did a little gig at Chapters, the bookstore,
like a library, sort of, but it's a bookstore.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. And he was there singing during
the day. So, you know, maybe it's a new
thing that you're, you're starting, that's starting up and
you're a part of it, you know? No, exactly.
(26:42):
And you know what I I think it would be cool and you asked me
this earlier, so I'm actually going to add something else to
something else sub readings. We need more live music during
earlier hours. Like I, I, I love going out, you
know, later, but there's a lot of people who don't.
So if they had more gigs earlier, I think that would also
(27:03):
be beneficial. Even like afternoon gigs.
I think it would be cool to haveall day, you know, no matter
what, you could go somewhere, OK, there's live music here at
one. There's live music here at 4:00.
So I'm going to add that to my list.
For sure, it was really nice talking with you.
Ashley Sudbury interviews everyone.
That's our episode for today. And for the record, you are
(27:25):
episode #36. Amazing.
Thank you so much for having me,Danny.
Any any last words that you wantto tell people?
Thank you for tuning in and if you want to check out any
upcoming shows, as I said, go tomy website, ashleywoodruff.com,
and they're all listed on there.Perfect.
(27:47):
Thanks for your time tonight. Thank you, Danny.
Bye. Bye.
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