Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashes
Hi Ashes, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
LEWIS – Our story begins in July of 2023. I founded Ashe Entertainment, and began an
acoustic project called “Lewis & the Locals”. They have their own duo now, but that story is
for another time. Through the fall of 2023 the business slowly picked up and I was eventually
asked to put on a couple of events in the spring. These events included: Mercer’s Bearstock,
Mercer Law School’s Barrister’s Ball, and an official afterparty for a restaurant/bar named
Barefoot, in downtown Macon, GA. Since we were playing as an acoustic trio, I knew that
that would not suffice, and that we needed a full band for these events. So I began looking
for band mates.
I was familiar with the other guys from around the Milledgeville scene, and had previously
spoken to Erik about possibly auditioning for their band. Erik, Mason, and Chris ended up
playing in a band together called “Andalusia”, which was a popular Georgia College jam
band. Since I had spoken to Erik before, I went ahead and reached out and asked if Andalusia
would be interested in playing the Mercer Barrister’s Ball. Once that got the ball rolling, and
since I really needed a band, I asked Erik if he and Mason would like to perform Mercer’s
Bearstock and then Bearfoot’s official after party. We were going to play two pretty big shows
back to back, and get paid well for it, so these guys were interested. After the first rehearsal,
we knew that there was something special about the sounds we were creating. It was a raw
energy unlike anything that I had felt before. But, there was still one missing piece.
Once we replaced our original rhythm guitarist with Andalusia’s guitar player, Chris Hankey,
the lineup for Ashes was complete. After jamming just one time, I asked Chris to join the
band. It was obvious that these three had already established a strong chemistry, so all I had
to do was step in and do what I do, while they hold it down. After we spent the first weekend
of August 2024 rehearsing, we hit the road and played through the fall. We worked our asses
off, and are super excited to see what’s to come in 2025. Our plan is to keep working as hard
as we possibly can, and continue to be ourselves as authentically as we can, to create music
to the best of our ability.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
LEWIS – So far, it has not been a bumpy road, but like everybody else, we need more money.
But in all seriousness, the biggest obstacles that we face include everybody having to work
jobs and finish school, everyone living in different cities, and overall making ends meet
financially. But once the guys finish up school, we may move in together (potentially) and
begin working on this full time (100%). That’ll solve a couple of those problems, but life
always has a funny way of working out. Once we release music, we plan to hit the road and
promote it as much as possible, to any and everybody who will listen. Our goal is to play as
many shows, in as many places, to try and brighten as many people’s night as we possibly
can.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
LEWIS – As the owner of Ashe entertainment, I manage everything from booking to
budgeting our meals. I specialize in managing the band, and making sure that we are on
track as a business and as a group. I intentionally spent my time at Mercer University
preparing myself to run this, and I have a couple of degrees to be “on paper” certified. I am
most proud of my ability to work hard and yet separate the business from the music. As the
lead guitar player and singer of the band, if I am not locked in, it’s pretty obvious, so I pride
myself on being able to wear all hats and balance a large plate.
ERIK – I grew up in Atlanta, and moved to Milledgeville to go to Georgia College. I played in
many bands throughout my time in Milledgeville, and I eventually fell in love with the bass. I
started playing in Macon, with the current lineup of Ashes once I met Lewis. I am known for
my tight bass groves and my ability to hold down the rhythm with solid, driving bass lines.
My playing is a crucial part of the band’s sound, providing a strong foundation for the
intricate guitar work. I am most proud of the entire band for putting 100% energy into every
show.
MASON – I was born in Decatur, GA and grew up in Lilburn where I went to Trickum
Middle School. I started playing drums/percussion at Trickum and I really fell in love with it.
I continued to play percussion throughout middle and high school, where I joined marching
band. Throughout high school I continued to practice and learn how to keep time and play
together as a drumline. I enrolled at Georgia College in Milledgeville and began to look for
people to play music with. I met Erik through the Ultimate Frisbee team and he invited me
to jam with him and some friends at a local open mic night. The rest is history. I’m most
proud of the work/practice I’ve put in to become the drummer I am today.
CHRIS – I grew up in Forsyth county and went to Georgia College in Milledgeville. I bring
the groove and the backbone to the band’s sound. I specialize in creating tight rhythms that
get people moving. I’m known for my ability to lock in with the drummer and keep the
music flowing smoothly, but I’m not afraid to take it off the rails and get nasty. What I’m
most proud of is when the crowd feels the energy and vibe we’re putting out on stage. What
sets me apart is my unique style and the way I connect with the music.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
LEWIS – My favorite childhood memories are ones that I spent with my dad. Whether it was
playing wiffle ball in the backyard, listening to music, or just sitting on the couch watching
TV, I enjoyed every moment I had with him. Obviously I love my mom too. And she’s from
Germany, so I was blessed enough to travel around Europe as a kid with my family. But my
dad is my ultimate hero.
ERIK – Growing up and learning to play ultimate frisbee in the super inclusive city of
Atlanta. Another core memory was going to Atlanta rock and blues camp, where I learned
how to perform and collaborate with a band.
MASON – One of my favorite childhood memories was gathering with my Mom’s side of the
family and singing songs together. I learned how to sing well with others and how to
harmonize correctly.
CHRIS – My favorite childhood memories are playing on the playground at my elementary
school, and hanging out with my friends, telling jokes and playing games. My friends really
liked classic rock, so I was shown all of that at an early age. I ended up playing guitar around
then too, and I wouldn’t have really gotten into it if it weren’t for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asheentertainment.com
- Instagram: @ashesmusicofficial_ | https://www.instagram.com/ashesmusicofficial_/
- Facebook: @Ashesmusicofficial
- Other: @lewisashe2 | https://www.tiktok.com/@lewisashe2
Image Credits
ALL PHOTO CREDITS GO TO PEYTON MILLER (@pmill.media)
