Ash Koley is Canadian duo – one name, 2 people, and they hail from Winnipeg.
You may recognize their song "Don’t Let Your Feet Touch Ground" from radio and the Lotto 649 TV promo campaign. Their single hit the top 10 charts on Canadian AC and Hot AC.
They've toured with Sarah McLachlan on the Lilith Fair Tour and had a song featured on a recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
These past few weeks have been just as busy for Ash Koley and Phil Deschambault, with appearances at LG Fashion Week and shooting their new video, for their new single 'Brighter At Night', but they still managed to find some time to answer some questions for the Bsides.
So what was it about the music business that captivated two self proclaimed nerds from Winnipeg?
Just a love for music I guess, I am not sure if being from Winnipeg played a role in this or not. Both Ash and I primarily grew up on British music. Feel very lucky to have grown up in Winnipeg as the cold does keep you inside and focused on music.
Growing up what was the music scene growing up in Winnipeg?
Ash and I are pretty much pop music and Winnipeg is mostly based in rock or folk music so we were never really a part of any music scene in Winnipeg other than the people we came across in studio.
Among influences your bio includes the bands: Abba, Eurhythmics, Peter Gabriel, Queen, The Cardigans, Michael Jackson, Scissor Sisters, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Prince and Frank Sinatra. So if you were to create an iPod mix - what songs would you pick as your ultimate faves from each artist/band?
ABBA: Winner Takes it All
Prince: When Doves Cry
Peter Gabriel: Salisbury hill
Radiohead: No Surprises
Frank Sinatra: One for my Baby
Eurhythmics: Here Comes The Rain Again
Michael Jackson: Smooth Criminal
Scissor Sisters: Mary
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody
The Cardigans: Favorite Game
Is there anyone (artist/band) that as a group you would want to collaborate with?
Peter Gabriel or The Eurythmics.
What was it like to have your single infectiously catchy single “Don’t Let Your Feet Touch Ground” get picked up for the Lotto 649 spot?
Felt very lucky and are very grateful to Lotto 649 for the spot.
If you did win the lottery jackpot, what would be the first thing you would do? Any splurge?
Take my family on many, many trips around the world. And studio gear and other technologies of course.
What was it like touring with Sarah McLachlan on the Lilith Fair Tour?
It was an honor to be among such great talent and such wonderful people, especially for our first tour. We would be fortunate to get an opportunity like that again.
Love the video for 'Don't Let Your Feet Touch Ground'...very So You Think You Can Dance - was that influenced by a dance background?
Ash does not have a dance background and often jokes about her inability to dance, I suppose that is why we thought it might be fun to expose our weaknesses. Gives people a good chance to get to know us.
Here is the video for their infectiously catchy single “Don’t Let Your Feet Touch Ground”...
And since Phil is a dad...I had to ask him questions about fatherhood....
How did becoming a dad change how you looked at your career?
The moment I had a child I stopped doing things for myself and started doing things for my wife and son. The moment I did this my decision making process changed for the better, by a long shot. Things work out far better when you do them for others.
Best piece of parenting advice you ever got?
Do what works for you.
What is the most important thing you have learned about parenthood that you can pass on to other dads/moms?
Be patient, lots of love, and pay attention to your child.
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