T.H.E Interview – Ashlee Keating

Ashlee Keating is taking the pop music scene by storm with her remake of the classic holiday hit “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”.

She is excited to put her own unique twist on the popular Christmas hit, spreading holiday cheer all around! The single will be accompanied by a stunning visual, both premiering on November 18th. The remake and video were developed with a top-notch team of creatives across the music industry, including: Creative Director Mikey Minden, DP/Editor Rob Fish, Choreographers Mikey Minden & Jamie Ruiz, Song Producer Alexander Newburgh, and more.

We caught up with Ashlee Keating to learn more about how this single came about, and more.

Aditya – Hello Ashlee, we’re glad to have you for this interview. We’re almost towards the end of this year, how was 2022 for you?

Ashlee – It was amazing but 2023 is even better. 2022 was a great jump start to all the amazing things that I’m doing this year already.

Aditya – ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ your spin on the classic holiday single prompts the feeling of excitement of the festive season. What’s the creative process of this track?

Ashlee – It was really just spontaneous, in the moment. I wanted to do a fun Christmas song, a holiday song that people will just feel joyful and feel the spirit, a Christmas song for the club that has a soulful melody to it.

Aditya – What did you do for the holidays in 2022?

Ashlee – Well, I love to go skiing. That is a tradition in my family. We always go skiing in the mountains. I’m a really good skier so I love it, and I love watching movies by the fireplace and spending time with family and friends.

Aditya – You’ve amassed millions of views online; how do you feel about that?

Ashlee – I haven’t really thought about it to be honest. Like wow! Thank you. No, it is amazing and I feel like I’m just getting started. There is much more to come and many more goals to achieve.

Aditya – ‘Saucy’, became an anthem for both female empowerment and the LGBTQ+ community, how did that happen?

Ashlee – This song wasn’t specific for that community, but I love the LGBTQ community so much. I can see where it would be an anthem for that community and empowerment, and it is obviously meant for female empowerment. But for the LGBTQ community, it is about embracing the best version of yourself and sauciness, being fierce and not belittling yourself from what you can embrace. Be extra, do. you and live in your sauciness.

Aditya – You’re charted on the Billboard Top 100’s, do you feel about that?

Ashlee – That was definitely an insane moment. I was so so so humbled, grateful and excited and it was just a huge goal of mine. I just know there is so much more to come, but it is incredible to be a billboard charting artist. It is such an honor!

Aditya – Who are your influences and why?

Ashlee – So many people. I grew up listening to it while I was working on my new music, I went back to New Jersey and listened to my old CDs I loved as a kid and I grew up to a ton of pop like, the boy bands and girl bands, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, Justin Timberlake, Nsync, Backstreet Boys and a lot of old, soul music. I love Donna Summer, Tina Turner, and I am upset she passed away. Madonna obviously. I was always so inspired by Madonna and what she stands for and her artistry and music. I also love Aretha Franklin and Beyonce, and Rihanna. I’m a fan of R&B and hip hop: Mary J Blige, Missy Elliot and Janet Jackson.

Aditya – When & where did you begin with your journey in the music industry?

Ashlee – I began at 3 years old. I was on a TV show in Philadelphia on ABC singing a song every week on TV and telling a joke. I was meant to be in front of the camera, meant to perform, and meant to sing. I always remembered my lines and music. I have such an ear for music that I hear things in a different way that’s just very natural, so for me it’s just honing in on my craft that I already have a gift of. Music was just something that was in me, and I could never ever let it go. It’s such a blessing to be able to use my gift of music. I always knew it was something I wanted to do. If you take me away from it, I wouldn’t feel like myself at all.

Aditya – What’s your workout routine? How do you stay healthy amid traveling and touring?

Ashlee – I am still figuring it out, to be honest. It is definitely not easy when you’re traveling. I feel like the plane makes you bloated. You’re not eating on your normal regime or schedule, so it takes some discipline to work out in hotel rooms or wherever you are. I’m naturally very healthy, so I love getting up in the morning and working out. I feel like I have more energy and am more energized for the day. I mentally and physically feel better, so I naturally just eat really healthy. I drink my water and tea, and then I just work out however I can. If it’s in a hotel or a hotel gym or taking classes. I love taking classes in different cities, like Pilates, Soul Cycle, etc. I do a ton of cardio. I’m definitely a work-out-holic.

Aditya – Lastly, your current favorite web/TV series?

Ashlee – Ok, so right now I’m into The Idol. I would have loved to have played that role, that would have been such a good role for me. I also love Succession, The Morning Show, Ginny and Georgia…there are so many.