Versatile recording artist Ashley Paul has captivated jazz lovers with her latest creation, ‘I Just Had To Fall,’ which ranked No. 4 on the Smooth Jazz Radio chart. The song has also entered the list of RadioWave Groove Jazz 100 while gaining global attention. She has collaborated with Grammy-nominated production duo, Bizkit & Butta, to create this masterpiece that embarks on a new chapter for the artist. Thanks to Ashley for sharing a few words with us in her moment of success.
DMR: Congratulations! How are you feeling about the grand success of ‘I Just Had To Fall’?
Ashley: I feel wonderful and incredibly blessed by the response to this song. It has been so warmly received within the smooth jazz community and by the new listeners I have been fortunate enough to reach. The entire experience has been truly divine.
DMR: How did you come up with this song?
Ashley: The song was written by Allan Rich, who co-wrote Whitney Houston’s “Run to You.” My dear friend Lou Pardini, a music executive at Dauman Music Group, knew the composer and suggested the song for me. He believed I should explore something very different from what I had been doing, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to expand and grow as an artist.
What I love about singing this style of music is that I can completely let go. It allows me to use my vibrato and sustain long notes that feel both smooth and full. It is a beautiful experience for me as a vocalist.
DMR: Tell us about your experience of working with Bizkit & Butta.
Ashley: Bizkit and Butta are a dream team. They both have an incredible understanding of smooth jazz. Butta and I worked together in Los Angeles on the vocal production, while Bizkit worked from Philadelphia on the saxophone and mixing.
Butta is demanding in the best possible way! We work well together because we are both perfectionists. We keep working until everything feels exactly right. I learned so many new vocal nuances from both of them throughout this process.
DMR: Can you walk us through your creative process behind creating a new song?
Ashley: My songs usually begin with an emotion, memory or idea for a story. I am fortunate to work with exceptionally talented co-writers, and every writing experience teaches me something new.
We share ideas and talk about the highs and lows of our lives, and somehow all those pieces begin coming together naturally. It is always a beautiful and rewarding process.
DMR: With your recognition on Smooth Jazz Radio, what are your upcoming goals?
Ashley: My immediate goal is to continue growing within the jazz genre. I would love to write and record four more songs by March 2027. I am also hopeful that I will perform at several fantastic, intimate jazz lounges before my appearance at 54 Below in December.
At the moment, I am also deeply immersed in rehearsals and preparation for my upcoming show.
DMR: Are you currently working on an upcoming song?
Ashley: This week, I began working on a new jazz song with Bizkit and Butta called “Twin Flame.” It has a bossa-soul quality—almost like Sade meets Angela Bofill. We begin recording on Wednesday.
Two weeks later, I will travel to Atlanta to begin another original song with a Latin composer. It will feature a more legato vocal approach while remaining firmly rooted in smooth jazz.
I have also started playing the piano again, so I may be hitting the keys during one of my shows soon!
DMR: Do you have an artist in mind when it comes to a ‘Dream Collaboration’?
Ashley: I would love to write with Elton John and the extraordinary American saxophonist Tia Fuller. Since we are dreaming, I would also love the opportunity to write a song with Celine Dion!
DMR: Dabbling among jazz, contemporary pop, and soul, do you want to experiment with other genres as well?
Ashley: I am incredibly excited to be studying, growing and performing within the jazz space. It is such a vast genre with extraordinary depth, and this stage of my career feels very authentic to me. I never questioned the direction or reconsidered the choice for a second.
For me, it is not about choosing one genre over another. Music is like breathing—you take one breath in and another out. You continue along the journey, collecting new pieces of your artistry along the way.
DMR: What are your views on the modern music industry?
Ashley: The modern music industry is constantly evolving. There will always be talented, hardworking artists supported by strong and encouraging communities. The key is to remain true to your art and your spirit, surround yourself with people you trust, and protect your mental clarity.
DMR: What tips would you like to give to the rising independent artists in the scene?
Ashley: No show, press article or potential opportunity is worth sacrificing your peace. There is always another exciting gift from God waiting around the corner. Remember that you are the talent. It is your artistry, and no person or circumstance can ever take that away from you. Your creativity is your birthright, and you are ultimately responsible for making your career fly.
DMR: Are you excited about your debut at the 54 Below in December?
Ashley: I am over the moon about my upcoming show at 54 Below. It is such an iconic venue, and the opportunity to perform on that stage is going to be incredible.
I am working on the show almost every day. It involves extensive detail, costume changes, visual elements and a live trio. I cannot wait to perform acoustic arrangements of some of my dance-pop hits, along with upbeat favorites such as “Hearts Up” and “Bingo Baby.”
I will also perform “Ribbons,” which is currently No. 28 on the Music Week Pop Chart, and my latest smooth jazz hit, “I Just Had to Fall,” accompanied by Bizkit on saxophone.
Do not miss the show on December 29 at 9:30 p.m. at 54 Below in New York City!
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa1PdjYGJA0
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