AT 13 years-of-age Ashlee Esposito released her first country music album.
Now at 16 the Goulburn signer has taken the Tamworth country music scene by storm. She performed the national anthem in front of thousands of people at the PBR national finals rodeo, without a backing track or any other performers.
She says it’s one of the most nerveracking things she’s done in her musical career to date, but she couldn’t be prouder of herself. Ashlee also entered two singing competitions during the weeklong festival held from August 22 - 29.
“I came second in the Mount Franklin Kids Talent Quest contest,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe I had done so well considering the talent of the people I was up against. “I turned to my Dad after I performed and said, ‘If I don’t get in – I’m ok with that too’.
“But one judge told me that I had the exact same score as another contestant and they had to choose between us for a spot in the finals. I couldn’t believe they chose me.”
She scored a 29/30 overall and was awarded a trophy and a $200 cash prize for her efforts at the concert, which she said is going toward some time in a studio, recording.
“I had my first album come out when I was 13, but I want to now show how much my voice has developed and how I’ve matured,” she said.
She also came fourth in a similar competition during the festival.
Ashlee could be described as a triple treat performer though; she sings, plays piano, guitar and keyboard, and can also dance. She’s just looking for the break she needs now to be able to showcase all her talents in one.
Her ‘Poppy’, Adrian Madden, says she trained herself to sing from watching too many Disney movies.
“He always jokes with me about that because I used to watch Mulan over and over again, singing ‘Reflection’ as many times as I could,” Ashlee said.
“I’m basically self-taught in everything I do. I’ve had a piano instructor before, but at the end of the day it’s easiest for me to pick something up and just take my time to learn.”
The musical roots stem way back within her family tree, says her mother Kim Embleton, with her uncle David Rossall making it big in the late 60s to early 70s.
Her parents are her managers and they’re trying to set her up with as many gigs at possible around town. Toward the end of March she’s performing at the grand opening of Tyre Right, in Goulburn.
“It’s good to have the support from all my family,” she said. “They’ve been nothing but good to me this whole time. They’re honest and keep me grounded which is what I need.”
It seems though that not many people at Ashlee’s school know she’s a pretty successful country singer. “I don’t tend to tell people what I do,” she said.
“I take music at school but most people just think I’m into alternative music. But all my close friends know and really support me.”
She’s come up against some harsh criticism from kids at her school before for her involvement in music, but she says, it’s not going to change who she is.
“My motto really is, if you don’t like me that your problem.
“There are so many stories to be told in country music and I’m just now getting the chance to tell mine. “I took it to heart a lot in Year 7 and 8, but when I got to Year 10 I just really thought, what’s the point in worrying about it? I am who I am and nothing anyone can say will make me any different.”
Her views on life, school years and friends are very inspirational.
She says, if she can just have one positive impact on someone’s life, then she’s done enough to feel accomplished.
She’s been thinking about auditioning for X-Factor Australia, season three, but she’s not ready to tie herself down to mainstream music just yet.
“I’ve always had problems fitting into the crowd and to be honest, I really don’t want to,” she said. “Regardless of whether it’s popular or not, I’m going to be a country singer – it’s just who I am.”
Currently she’s in Year 12 at Trinity Catholic College focusing on completing her HSC this year so she can get an offer into Wollongong University to study a double degree of Music/Law.
“I obviously love music and have a strong passion for it so I want to take that as far as I can,” she said. “Mum says I should take law because I’m good at arguing though.”
She’s looking to take her music abroad with the possibility of going to Italy [her father’s nationality] to perform.
She’s got a strong head on her shoulders and is always willing to learn more and grow as an artist.
She was given a piece of advice from Col Finlay one day which she takes everywhere she goes;
“It doesn’t matter if there is one person or 1000 people; you’ve got to give them your all, because if that one person was nice enough to come and watch you – they deserve everything you have to give.”
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