Meet Garret Ashton | Transmission Lost Artist

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

Hi Garret, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I Work full-time in a career other than music, but music has always been my passion. In the past, I would meet up with different musicians in hope of finding that one person or group of people that would complete me. I envisioned we would make hits together and this band would form the dust to take us to the next level. However, what actually happened would tell a much different story…

Many Musicians cannot compromise, they don’t have any money, they don’t have the proper gear, their styles did not align, they have family/work conflicts for practicing etc… and some are addicted to alcohol or drugs which they think are helping them be more creative. Perhaps this is why there are so few successful ones out there. It was very difficult to me to find musicians who would check all of the boxes.

I remember one such needy musician in particular. He was very good at his instrument and extremely talented, but he lacked the proper gear so I let him borrow my guitar amp. Things went well until about a month into it all. He then started hitting me up for money. Said that his contributions to the group were such that I should be paying him. I explained that this was for fun and that I cannot pay him to come and play music at my house.

We did not have any shows booked or anything like that. The rest of the band members and I could not for the life of us figure out why he felt so entitled for us to pay him. After bringing this up, he told me that he would take my amplifier (which he already in his possession) as payment and that I did not need to do anything else. I later took him to court and won the case, however, I have yet to see the amplifier as he is a dead beat with no job so the police could not confiscate any of his possessions. For me, the satisfaction of hearing the judge say “judgement for the plaintiff” was sufficient.

After this incident, I would no longer put my trust into musicians…

I was very depressed for a long time in regards to my music and creativity life. I felt I would waste time meeting up with musicians and starting projects that never made it anywhere. How could I do this on my own, it was the only way.

As time went on, I thought a lot and wrote a lot… One day, I was reading an article from an Austrian guy who said not to release albums as a solo artist. “Release Singles Only” he said. That’s when it hit me. I should release a new single every 6 weeks in hopes that fans would be drawn back to my music more frequently. Just like a streaming TV show or series. I don’t know if it will work for me, but I like it and I’m going to stick with it! So far I have seen momentum and am glad to see some traction taking hold. The main thing though is that it pushes me to strive to write a better song for the next release.

My work/life balance is much more in tune now. When I’m doing my music, I know what my goal is…. Have a song ready to go for the next 6 weeks. I’m focussed knowing that I have to make that deadline. It has allowed me to work when I’m at work and do music when I need to at home. Before this, my work/life balance was head in the clouds with a bunch of wasted time reaching out to someone else who would make it happen for me. You’ve gotta make it happen for yourself I think.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Transmission Lost – Means my music(transmissions) are lost into space. I do not prescribe to a specific subgenre of music. Some of my songs may sound very modern pop while others have more of an alternative edge. My musical Transmissions that I put out are Lost.

I am excited to come out with new music every 6 weeks and I can’t wait to hear the feedback! I hope this process will help me become a better musician as well as grow my brand.

I’ve learned that you have to finish songs in a timely manner, you cannot put partial songs on the back burner or you will have a plethora of unfinished work.

I want the world to enjoy my music. The level at which it is enjoyed equates to how I feel successful. My success in this project is not measured by money, but rather by streams and whether or not I am connecting with people in some way. If they’re not listening, it’s probably not very good and it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

As I create music, if I enjoy listening to it then I’m pretty sure my fans will also. This is how I try to gage whether the song is ready to be released or if it needs more work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Houston Texas you want to see NASA, very cool! Also the zoo is pretty nice. Please do not come during July-September as it will be HOT!!! You should come during the winter when the temperatures are in the 70’s usually.

You want to eat at Tony’s downtown. Be sure to call for a reservation and bring your checkbook. Finest Italian you’ve ever had. Tony passed away last year but his wife still runs the place and does a great job. You’ll probably see a famous athlete or high ranking city official when you go…

If you like Spicy Cajun, try Cajun City off of Rankin/45.

House of Blues and Revention Center are great for concerts. Downtown Houston.

You should go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico at Matagorda (about 2 hour drive from Houston). Hire a charter and catch your limit. Great fun! Nothing better than eating fresh fish.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Needshes – Otabek Salamov – Music Producer Ryan Magnasco – Cowriter/Drums
Tobias Rauscher – Fanbase Academy

Website: https://transmissionlostband.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transmissionlostband/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TransmissionLst

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transmissionlostband

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh99nwtVIANVCFLKgWU_HcA

Image Credits
Danny Baker Photography