[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: AASHER

Since his impactful debut ‘S.H.I.F.T’, Aasher has been drawing attention from heavyweight stables like TDE and Dreamville. His unique storytelling style and dynamic flow, reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, have also earned him a co-sign from Meek Mill. Get familiar with him via this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

Refreshing, dark, cinematic, catchy, fun.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

Something unique about my creative process is I fast for three days before starting a project to hear exactly what I’m supposed to talk about in my art. Also to understand my approach, because whatever I present needs to be something that myself and the people can listen to and learn from.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

As of right now, the first song would be ‘betray me’ just because it’s the most recent song i’ve put out and a great reference of where my head space is today creatively.

What inspired you to make that song?

I was inspired by true events and experiencing betrayal at a pivotal time in my life. it changed a lot within me and musically.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

The most vulnerable is tough because all of my music is very vulnerable. From me telling the world about the things I’ve been through as a child, to my mental health issues, to my health issues, to now relationship and ego issues. So, it’s hard to pick one but maybe the one when opening up about the people closest to me committing suicide. Sorry to get dark [laughs].

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

The best experience I’ve had on stage was in March of 2022 at my release show for my last project. It was a magical night, a sell-out crowd, just great vibes. My worst experience was September of 2022 because the police came in and ruined my whole mood which had me forgetting all my words and didn’t really wanna perform anymore.

What is your favourite song to perform?

As of right now, my favorite song to perform is ‘C.H.A.N.G.E.S’ because of the momentum and build up it has. The famous sample ‘Changes’ by Charles Bradley, the horns and his soulful tone is everything and the crowd already knows what time it is when it plays.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

I’m not sure if I have a particular artist, song or album that made me wanna make music because music was a part of me before I was even born but I did have some early influences. When I was younger, I watched a lot of Beyonce, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Michael Jackson, and as I got older, some influences were Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Future and Drake.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Aasher is my given name besides one less A. My original name means blessed and I added the other A because there were a whole lot of Asher’s and nobody could ever find me so I added another one [laughs].

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

If I weren’t doing music, I would be dead to be honest. It is the only thing that keeps me alive and motivated to do well besides God. Music is everything to me literally.

What’s success to you?

Success to me is impacting as many people as possible in a positive way. The money, fame, houses and cars all come with it but true success to me isn’t measured by those things alone.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

The moment that made me change direction was when I was diagnosed with lymphoma in June of 2020. I couldn’t walk or do anything on my own so I was literally forced to sit down, which changed me for the better since. I became extremely focused on music and understanding my value and what my mission is on earth. Funny enough I’m very grateful for that time because it made greatness and completing the mission an absolute priority.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

Instagram @aasher__ is what I’m on the most and also my Spotify here.