Asha Maclean grew up in a deeply creative household, so it’s little surprise that she emerged as a multitalented artist in her own right. Immersed in music and dance from a young age, she first caught attention at just 14, when she uploaded a video of herself singing a Billie Eilish song, and hasn’t looked back since.
Her latest single “Yoga”, is a breezy, infectious blend of pop and R&B that captures the emotional tug-of-war of modern relationships. As it grooves along with a confident swagger, it also showcases Asha’s effortless vocal style and songwriting flair. In this interview with XS Noize, Asha discusses her creative evolution, the artists who inspire her, and what fans can expect next.
Let’s start at the beginning. When did your journey with music begin, and when did it become clear this was more than a hobby?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember—it’s genuinely the only passion I’ve ever truly had. Even as a kid, I never went anywhere without my iPod. I was obsessed with singing along to Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, The Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears, and so many others. I used to stay home from the park just to sing karaoke in my room or dance for hours to Just Dance 2. I knew then that this wasn’t just a phase—it was what I wanted to do with my life.
Who would you say influences your music the most, and do your inspirations shift over time?
My inspirations definitely evolve. Vocally, I look up to artists like Ariana Grande, Tori Kelly, and Beyoncé—powerhouses who’ve been on my karaoke playlist since middle school. Melodically, I’m drawn to SZA, Kehlani, and Ariana again. My team and I love to modernise older sounds—whether it’s 90s hip-hop, 2000s R&B, or even 70s singer-songwriter vibes. But two bands that consistently inspire me are Queen and The Internet. They bring something timeless and genre-defying to the table, which I really admire.
What do you think makes you stand out as an artist in today’s music landscape?
Versatility. I don’t like boxing myself into a single genre—I want people to be surprised by what I release next. I also think my songwriting sets me apart. I write both solo and collaboratively, and everything comes from a very real, intuitive place. I’m not afraid of sounding inauthentic because the songs are my truth.
Tell us about your new single “Yoga.” What’s the story behind it, and why did it feel like the right time to release it?
“Yoga” is about the emotional ups and downs of a relationship—when someone makes you smile, feel sexy, and occasionally drives you a little crazy. It’s relatable, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for summer. The Cheri Dennis sample gives it nostalgic appeal, while the lyrics are playful and the hook is instantly catchy. We wanted a song that people could dance to and keep on repeat all season long.
The music video has a real laid-back, personal feel. What was the concept behind it?
We wanted the video to reflect me—just being myself, in sweatpants and a tee, with my hair down. I also knew I had to dance in it—it’s such a danceable track, and hip-hop dance was actually my first love. It was shot by the amazing Crick Visuals and choreographed by Soraya Lundy. We had an all-female crew, and honestly, it’s my favourite video I’ve ever done. I had so much fun filming it.
You’ve had support from some major outlets and artists. Is there a particular co-sign or piece of praise that’s stayed with you? And how do you deal with criticism?
One that really meant a lot was from Darius Rucker. He’s been incredibly supportive and has given me advice I’ll carry with me. It’s surreal to have someone with his legacy in my corner. As for criticism—I honestly find it amusing. If someone’s taking the time to comment, even negatively, it means they noticed. The biggest artists have haters, so if I’ve got one or two, I must be doing something right.
You’ve got a growing social media following—do you feel pressure to maintain it, and is it possible to succeed without being on those platforms today?
Not yet—I actually enjoy being on camera and sharing bits of my life. I’ve always liked posting. Social media is such a direct line to fans now. Sure, it can feel like work, but then you realize people genuinely look forward to what you post. That connection is invaluable, and I think it’s hard to build a career today without it.
Are there any shows or tour plans on the horizon?
We’re working on upcoming performances now—announcements will be out soon! I haven’t performed in a while, so I’m itching to get back on stage and share everything I’ve been working on.
For those who haven’t seen you live yet, how would you describe an Asha Maclean show in just a few words?
Colourful lights. Groovy tempos. R&B with a twist. Maybe even a few dancers thrown in!
Lastly, with “Yoga” out now, what’s next for you creatively?
We’re riding the “Yoga” wave this summer, but there’s talk of an EP down the line. Expect some live shows across the U.S. and a lot more content on my socials. You’ll definitely be seeing more of me this year!
Be the first to comment