Get To Know: Asha Jefferies, the melancholic pop songwriter from Brisbane

If you’re a firm believer of ‘catch flights not feelings’, you won’t be after listening to Brisbane songwriter Asha Jefferies’ somber, melancholic tracks.

Ahead of her upcoming tour, Jefferies has released a brand new track, ‘Crybaby’, which combines the patience of folk with the urgency of pop.

On the track, Jefferies says that, “‘Crybaby’ is about the reignition of my own inner fire and learning how to not hold myself back. I wrote the track with my friend and producer Aidan Hogg (Jaguar Jonze) during quarantine, after a huge writer’s block.”

We were lucky enough to be able to have a chat with Jefferies as part of our Get To Know series. And if we’re being honest, she’s as dreamy as her music. Find out more about Jefferies below.

How did your artist name come about? 

I was born with it! When I started performing at open mics when I was 12 I didn’t think to have a cool stage name. I haven’t thought to since.

How would you describe your music to your grandma? 

Nan, it’s a little sad but uplifting at the same time. Think John Denver and Janis Joplin.

Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about? 

‘Crybaby’ – the devastation and transformation of a break up that shook and healed me. We ended up getting back together and now we make art together (he’s a filmmaker).

‘Break’ – letting everything in my life evolve into where it needed to go from breakdowns to breakthroughs.

‘If You Were My Hero’ – dating someone because a psychic told me I would lol.

What do you love about your hometown? 

I love Brisbane as a gentle, slow city with great young creatives and the best looking dogs.

Career highlight so far?

Justine Clarke following me on Instagram and playing the Brisbane Riverstage with City and Colour a while back!

Fave non-music hobby? 

Catching ferries along the Brisbane river and looking after my succulents.

What’s on your dream rider?

A really good pet nat, fish tacos and a king-size bed.

Dream music collaboration?

Sarah Aarons, Kanye West, Sharon Van Etten.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

A lifestyle including a beach house, three dogs, riding my bike to the studio, writing and producing music all day, gratitude.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

‘Africa’ – TOTO or ‘Complicated’ – Avril Lavigne.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Always pick pistachio when it comes to a good gelato place. Also, found in one of Padraig O Tuama’s poems – “you might as well love”.

What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music? 

Potato. All types of potato.