by Kenneth Morton

Ash Price is the mastermind behind Synthetic Season, an electro-dance party that fans of bands such as Breathe Carolina and brokeNCYDE are sure to enjoy. His latest recording Tiny Little EP has just been released on Itunes and when Ash is not performing music, he keeps busy with his own clothing line called Sugar Strand. Here is a recent interview we conducted with this promising artist…

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Synthetic Season, and how long the project has been going?
I'm Ash, Synthetic Season is my solo 'band' name. I've been making music as Synthetic Season for around a year now & started touring in March of 2009.

Where are you from and what is your local music scene like there?
I currently live in Essex, UK. Not far from London. The music scene for electronic/ pop music is almost nonexistent here. But it won't be for long haha.

Describe your music to an elderly relative who thinks is so sweet that you are in a band.
It's fun, energetic, danceable music that anyone could listen to. I try to make my music enjoyable for everyone!

What made you decide to pursue this style of music and to work on your own instead of with an entire band?
I played in hardcore/ metal bands for years, either on drums or on vocals. I love playing in a full band because it allows all of the members to work with each other and bounce ideas. I decided to start Synthetic Season after I finished a music technology course at college. The course was run really badly so I had to learn a lot myself. I'm now at the point where I'm comfortable enough to write, record and produce all of my music.

In the recording process, how easy or difficult has it been to do everything on your own?
It's hard to say. I love writing and recording my own music but sometimes it can get a little tiresome. Having to do everything from start to finish. I can't complain though. It allows me take FULL control of my music and tweak at it whenever I like. I usually wake up at 4am and won't go back to sleep until I've mixed a track haha.

Where do you get some of your ideas for your lyrics? Please cite a few songs on your new EP and what they are about.
The majority of my lyrics are about relationships, love etc. Not necessarily real life experiences but lyrics people can relate to and still enjoy singing to a beat. For You was written about my girlfriend who lives in Manchester.

How often do you play live and what are your live shows like?
I try to get on as many shows/ tours as I can. I finished a UK tour with Jeffree Star in March and was scheduled to support brokeNCYDE in June (I was still on the tour but not as Synthetic Season). I've got some real exciting shows and tours booked in the next few months that I can't wait for! I go on stage with the intention to party, have fun and bond with the kids at the shows. There's too many bands nowadays that are so obsessed with achieving a 'professional' image, they forget their roots and morals.

How many tattoos do you have and when did you start getting your tatts?
I don't know how many tattoos I have. Not enough.

Any strange or unusual Myspace stories you’d care to share, such a proposals of marriage or…?
I don't know about stories as such. But I always get randoms sending me their phone numbers. I don't ring them haha.

Have you ever done session work with any other bands? If so, what was that experience like?
I played Synth for a band on a recent tour. I didn't enjoy it as much as Synthetic Season.

The Queen of England invites Synthetic Season to perform one song for her and a massive audience for a Royal Command Performance. What song would you do for the Queen and why?
Any of my new songs would get her booty shakin'.

Tell me about your clothing line and what inspires you when you design your shirts?
The name of my clothing brand is Sugar Strand. I've always been inspired by cute illustrations/ characters etc. I started Sugar Strand with the intention of producing bright, clean, sweet designs that I would wear myself. You can check it out @ WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SUGARSTRAND.

Have you ever wanted to do an entire album of just you and an acoustic guitar as opposed to a keyboard?
I used to write acoustic music a few years back. I recorded an EP and played a few shows. It sucked haha.

What’s up next for Synthetic Season?
Release new EP. Tours. Merch. Sugar Strand. I'm getting super busy!

Any messages for people reading this article now who would want to check out your music?
If you decide to check out my music, thank you so much! Come out to a show and party with me!

SYNTHETIC SEASON links

Synthetic Season on Myspace: The Official Myspace Page for Synthetic Season!
Sugar Strand on Myspace: The Official Myspace Page for Ash's clothing company!
The Highwire Daze Home Page: Return to the Main Page!

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