ashton

Experiencing many different genre stages but always staying true to the music that reflects their individual personalities, Ashton has arrived at their striking destination. From pop-punk to progressive indie-rock, this band has had many musical endeavors and continues to reinvigorate themselves as well as those who have followed their musical journey. The journey, thus far lasting six years, is not even close to ending. There is undoubtedly more in store for this talented indie outfit.

The name Ashton, hailing from a mutual liking of the unconventional name, was formed in 2000 with a slightly different line up and consisted of Vinnie Gravallese, Mike Mcanally, Steve Hugdal, and Eric Laster. The then four-piece band gradually evolved and adopted a pop punk sound. They started to diverge from this image when Kraig Morgan joined the line-up and Laster departed in 2003. Vinnie picked up backing vocals and Kraig began to play the bass and the band went to work on their debut release, “Pain hearts and Broken Pills EP” in May of 2004. The Ep was recorded by Rory Phillips who has gained fame from working with such band as The Higher, Name Taken, Recover, and At All Cost. The CD release show marked the end of one of Ashton’s periods of growth and the start of a hiatus and reworking of their sound.

To step back and take a critical look at your sound is a mature notion and a frightening action to undergo: a new sound, a new image, new audience, and a fresh batch of songs. The music was what was important to Ashton and they realized that they were not playing the music that made them happiest – fitting into a popular scene was not going to be the aim of their musical careers. They acknowledged this absence of truth and immediately began to write a record that reflected their interests. In a month, eight songs were written and six were chosen to be record two months later in February of 2006 by Andrew Eckis, the band’s close and long-term friend. The demos ended up being the precursor to their record.

The full-length record, to be produced by Greg Dawson (Moneen, The End, Alexis on Fire) from Brampton, Ontario’s BWC Studios, is projected to be completed in December of this year. Ashton has been busy as a self-sufficient four-piece, writing ten additional tracks, touring the west coast twice, and appearing in such renowned venues as The Knitting Factory and the House of Blues: Anaheim. After the release of the LP, the band plans on taking to the road for the full months of January and February of 2007 in support of the record.

Bands have to work hard to set themselves apart from the hordes of sound-alike bands that exist within the scene and Ashton is no stranger to that feat. They have scored spots on stage with Halifax, Yellowcard, Hellogoodbye, Steel Train, Mae, Tokyo Rose, Copeland, Park, Near Miss, Brandston, Grade, Scars of Tomorrow, and many other established touring acts. Their main influences, though somewhat obvious are namely: Park, At the Drive in,Rescue, Mock Orange, The Mars Volta, Moneen, Hot Rod Circuit, The Get Up Kids, Name Taken, to list a few of the bands that help to compliment their sound. The band has grown in ways too numerable to count, gaining the respect of many within the industry. Their dedication and passion are refreshing and a prominent aspect present in both their persona and their haunting melodies.