Meet Ashley Toman | Music Business Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Toman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be honest, I didn’t put too much thought into the planning process of starting my own business- because starting my own business was never my initial plan. My plan was to sing and write and make music, which i am still doing- however about 3 years ago I had posted an ad on instagram about co-writing and the next day my inbox was full. I was working with producers at the time where we were shopping records to major artists with hopes of landing major placements, but I was tired of being let down and being told “no” and realized there are independent artists out there that need my assistance with songwriting. I started receiving inquiries from all over the world and people wanted to work with me. It started with consulting, co-writing sessions, features and fast forward to today I now do that plus vocal lessons, creating press kits and shopping artists music for sync licensing opportunities. My degree is in mass communication and PR so I decided to combine both my knowledge in that field plus my music and songwriting expertise and fast forward three years later- it’s been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I truly never imagined id A) start my own business and B) that it would flourish the way it has and that I’ve had several clients from overseas and international clients! It’s been quite a beautiful thing that I’m truly proud of.

What should our readers know about your business?
First and foremost I started my journey as a singer which led me to being a recording artist and songwriter and then fast forward to today I started my own business where I help artists achieve their goals such as co-writing, songwriting, vocal lessons, mentorship’s, creating press kits and shopping their music for sync licensing placements. I have had credits with Chaka Khan, Disney, Lifetime, Hulu, Netflix. The CW, showtime etc- and was pitching songs to major artists (still am) but about 3 years ago right around the pandemic I was super frustrated with the idea of making such beautiful music and getting told “no” that it wouldn’t get pitched for these major artists and I took it amongst myself to start my own business and create my own lane where I can write for other artists and offer them services where I believe I have expertise and help young artists achieve their goals. I felt there wasn’t many people doing that- especially someone who has walked in their shoes and know what it’s like to live the artist life and have had credits myself which is why they have trusted me to help their careers. It’s truly not something I ever imagined I’d be doing, but I believe this is what I am currently supposed to be doing. Something about helping others in an field that I already feel very confident in, feels so rewarding and fulfilling. I also felt that during my career I never had someone like myself who was directing me in this sense that I felt they just understood the journey. I feel like I can be a great mentor to some of these young artists while simultaneously also creating beautiful music and helping them achieve their goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow so many. So as far as restaurants- moxies and Joey uptown are great upscale restaurants in the galleria for a pretty affordable cost. RA sushi has reversed happy hour- so after 10pm it’s half off drinks and sushi! Cyclone Anayas is such a vibe for brunch with the best salsa fajitas and bottomless mimosas. Avant Garden is a super chill bar which looks like a house from the outside (I think it used to be a house) that they turned into a bar- always a vibe! Another favorite bar is alley kat and anything on Main Street downtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my city of Houston who has always shown me love! Both as an artist, songwriter and with my new business- lots of studios in Houston that have helped me find clientele and have hired me to work out of their studio and just the city in general for being supportive during this transformative season of becoming a business owner and focusing on connecting with music creatives in the city. Most of the work I do is virtual, however, it’s truly been a blessing knowing there are creatives I can count on for my creative work. Outside of my business I am a recording artist and songwriter- so knowing I have studios to count on such as- iMix Recording Studios, The Pentagon, Wire Road, Sugar Hill, Lucky Run etc. I thank all of the recording engineers who have also made it possible to create the music I need and also bring in clientele when I have a client traveling from out of state to come work with me. So all in all, having other creatives to count on in my own city has been a true blessing.

Website: https://AshleyTomanMusic.com

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