East Coast alt- electronic artist Ash Sales releases his highly anticipated album Reflections today, January 17 2025. The self-proclaimed ‘genre-defying’ artist from Gisborne brings us his perspective or 'Reflections' on a journey of self-reflection. This instrumental piece of work blends elements of rock, grunge, and EDM and would not be out of place at WOMAD, or even a world music festival in Raglan. Clearly a very talented musician, Ash Sales uses a mix of earthly sounds such as rain and bird songs as a background to his prog-rock like, storytelling guitar riffs.
The latest single from the Reflections, was Entropy, the leading track, which means a state of disorder (I had to look that up), starts us off on the immersive and harmonious listening experience, as it builds up to powerful ending. Reflections generally follows the same format until we get to The Human Experience, which includes a spoken word sample which sounds almost like a cult leaders' rant on capitalism, this in my option is the best track on the album, it holds the attention with its quick guitar riff (similar to Big Love by Fleetwood Mac).
Reflections Is a cinematic soundscape for the escapists, the road trippers (the trippers), the gap year student finding themselves at a full moon party in Thailand and the technically pure guitarists. Its self-indulgent but also a challenge to the listener to look inside themselves in a meditative state and connect with Ash' symbiotic story telling.
The album was recorded and mixed by James Rochester at Paisley Stage Studio in Napier, with mastering handled by Down Beat Mastering, ensuring a polished and immersive listening experience. Reflections marks a bold step forward in Ash’s musical journey, offering a deeply personal and evocative collection of songs that speak to the listener without words.
To celebrate the release of Reflections, Ash will embark on a nationwide tour, bringing his unique sound to audiences across New Zealand.
The tour kicks off in Auckland on January 25, followed by stops in Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
Hailing from Wellington and currently based in Gisborne, Ash Sales is a musician crafting music that defies easy categorisation. His sound blends alternative rock with instrumental elements, featuring epic soundscapes, vibrant psychedelic trance beats, and melodies all created on an acoustic guitar. Using pedals, effects, and a looper, Ash transforms his guitar into a portal of otherworldly sounds, drawing from influences like grunge, rock, pop, dub, world music, and nature.
Ash’s musical journey began at 13 when he first picked up the guitar and rarely put it down. After high school, he pursued music professionally, performing on cruise ships and at corporate events, weddings, and gigs, often alongside his wife. Though always creative, it wasn’t until 2023 that he fully dedicated himself to his original music. This project flowed effortlessly, capturing years of untapped emotion and energy.
Driven purely by passion and independent from record labels, Ash plans to release his debut album in early 2025, with three singles launching between October and November 2024. He aims to write and perform music that deeply resonates with listeners, turning his innermost feelings into melodies that move and inspire. With plans for festival performances and a drive to connect with audiences worldwide, Ash is ready to share his unique sound.