Releasing her EP rather be alone, multi-talented singer-songwriter and emerging TikTok influencer Ashlynn Malia has already had her music feature on television, including Stephen King’s new show The Stand. The Los Angeles singer-songwriter shares confessional pop lyrics that express her struggle with anxiety and find solid relationships in the 21st Century. This EP has a lot of heart and is definitely a listening experience that can be enjoyed for hours on end, with subtle electronic hooks that will have you possibly have you moving along to the rhythm within minutes.

We chatted with emerging singer Ashlynn Malia below. 

Stream/ Download: rather be alone 

Please describe your sound for us.

Pop meets R&B and folk music. Dark pop.

You have previously mentioned that you have struggled with anxiety. How has this album helped you in this regard?

I have anxiety and this EP gave me a place to put it. I always write to make the problems in my head smaller – sometimes to release them completely. I’m happy I was able to turn my anxiety into art.

How did it all start for you?

Songwriting started as a way for me to cope with my anxiety, but I’ve loved music since I was born. I grew up surrounded by musicians at my family’s music school.

Which three artists would you say made you want to create your own music?

Lorde, Lianne La Havas, and probably Miley Cyrus since I was obsessed with Hannah Montana as a kid.

What is your go-to gear/equipment when creating?

Literally just a piano, a guitar, and a notebook. My process usually starts very simply- then once the song is written, I bring it to my producers.

What are some of your key influences in your music? Whether it be the sound created by others, imagery, films or any kind of art form.

Dance is definitely a big influence on my music- it’s another great love of mine. Because of it, I observe how my body reacts to music, not just how my brain reacts. It makes me experience it, and in turn create it, in a whole different way. I’d say my life experiences are also very big influences on my music. I write about what I live through.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar?

Remi Wolf!!! My roommate and I have her music on REPEAT.

Congrats on having your song ‘Desperate’ featured in CBS series The Stand! How did you feel releasing that your song was featured on a production featuring an A-lister cast?

It felt surreal knowing that ‘desperate’ was featured in The Stand. It was an even crazier experience watching the episode it was in and hearing it. I remember I was at my parent’s house that day, and I was like “I wrote that in the living room over there! And now it’s on our tv!!”

What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a performer? As an attendee?

It was recent – I did a small concert and performed my new EP rather be alone live for the first time. I was surrounded by some of the best, most supportive energy I’ve ever felt.  I’ll never forget how magical it was.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

You can expect some more music videos for sure! Live recordings, too. And we may have a few new singles in the works.

Famous last words?

This shit is temporary.

Follow Ashlynn Maila:

TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify | Apple Music