Christmas may be leaving behind its last footprints, but there’s more festivities buried within the snow! As the weather continues to drop, there lies opportunities to build a snowman, drink hot chocolate, and spend time with loved ones, memories similar to what singer and actress Ashlee Keating plans to make during this time of the year. Known for her continuous achievements within her career, Ashlee Keating has once again impressed the world with her new single, Ice Kingdom, which is part of Coca Cola’s “52 Songs of Happiness” campaign. Ashlee’s song, Ice Kingdom is devoted to her favorite winter wonderland, where the residents of California may be getting more of a “chill” than others. The Chill itself is an annual event where the Giant Dome at The Queen Mary is transformed into an Ice Kingdom, featuring ice sculptures larger than life. However, within her lyrics, Keating describes the experience as having a personal connection, expressing that this event makes her feel “one step closer to home.” But, where exactly is home?
Ashlee Keating is originally from New Jersey, where music held a special place in her heart from a very young age. At age three, Keating appeared on Al Albert’s TV showcase, where she received the opportunity to showcase her singing talent. Afterward, she continued onto Broadway, where Ashlee starred in Hansel and Gretel. “There was never a moment when I didn’t want to do it,” Keating states. “I just kept building myself.” When Keating heard about Coca Cola’s Happiness Campaign, she decided to put her talents to work. “I picked The Queen Mary in Long Beach,” she says. “Everything is ice, and it really inspired me!” Inspiration is key to Ashlee, for she expresses her feelings through her music. In fact, one of Keating’s favorite pastime activities is to journal, and says that this is her way to cope with the different emotions she goes through. “I’m also a normal teenager who likes sports and hanging out with my friends. I want my fans to relate to who I am as a person, along with an artist.” When Ashlee hears herself on the radio, her face shines with happiness. “I get all excited and I’m like, mom, dad, it’s my song!”
When not in the recording studio, Keating enjoys spending quality time with her family. This Christmas, she looks forward to going skiing, along with spreading joy and happiness to others. An adventure lover, Keating believes that passion is a huge role in profession. When asked to give advice to young aspiring artists, Keating states,
“Whatever your dream is, always believe in yourself and never give up. If you have fun, you’ll love whatever you do.”
So, following Keating’s advice, grab your jacket, go outside, and enjoy the lasting pieces of your winter wonderland. While you’re at it, you may even download a copy of Ice Kingdom, available on ITunes today!
-Inaara M. 🙂
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleeKeatingMusic
Twitter: @AshleeKeating
Instagram: AshleeKeating
P.S. This interview was conducted by me in December of 2014 for Teen Scene Magazine! 🙂
aanokhi 