Ashley Smith
ASHLEY Smith, 24, is a member of Lisburn's promising new unsigned
band 'Whanau' who recently released their debut EP. He loves playing guitar,
singing and writing new songs.
What do you like doing on your day off?
Probably just chill at home, play guitar and maybe try to write
something new. Either that or go round to one of my friends' places and
hang out.
If you were to choose your favourite meal what would it be,
where and why?
I reckon you can't beat a good old chicken curry. As spicy as
you can please, with extra curry sauce. The Man Lee in Ballymacash is
normally pretty good.
What has been your proudest
moment?
Holding one of the new Whanau albums for the very first time. So much
hard work went into it and to finally stand and hold the finished piece
was something else. The album launch night was also one of my proudest
moments, a lot more people showed up than we'd expected, everything ran
smoothly and a great night was had by all.
What was the most frightening moment of your
life?
It's pretty frightening every time I get on stage, but normally after
the first few songs I seem to relax and let loose a bit.
How would you describe your taste in clothes?
Well, normally pretty plain, although if I was on a beach somewhere, I'd
be surfing it up. I suppose I'm a sucker for leather jackets and jeans
most of the time.
What would you do lf you won a million pounds?
You mean what wouldn't I do? For a start, I'd have my own recording
studio on a beach in the Bay Of Plenty in New Zealand and I'd move all
my friends and family out with me. Beach parties every day.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
A while ago, Whanau were playing a gig in Auntie Annie's in Belfast and -
me being me - I was too busy talking and forgot to plug my guitar in
when I got on stage. We all started to play the first song and I was
wondering why there wasn't any sound coming from my guitar. Really
professional of me? Although I just continued to blame the sound guy.
What music do you like?
I listen to a very wide range of music and there'd be way too many to
list here. Although I will say that Pink Floyd are probably my favourite
band ever. I also really love the vocal tones of Kelly Jones
(Stereophonics) and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam).
What sports person do you most admire?
Well being a Newcastle Utd fan ever since I was a kid I'd have to go
with the obvious and say Alan "the legend" Shearer.
Describe your best ever holiday. What would your
dream holiday be?
Returning back to New Zealand. Even if just for a few weeks, I loved it
there and made so many great friends. It would be awesome to see
everyone again - there's only so much Facebook can do.
What is your greatest remaining ambition?
Probably the greatest remaining ambition of any local artist. To sell
millions of CDs worldwide of course. What else?
If you could spend a day with a celebrity whom
would you choose?
Does the celebrity have to be living today? I'd have loved to have met
Bob Marley, the guy had such an amazing view of how life should be and
of how people should be and act toward each other.
If you were stranded on a desert island what
three things would you want with you?
My guitar for sure. My fishing rod and maybe a speed boat so I can do a
runner when I get bored.
Favourite things
- Car: Anything convertible
- Film: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Comedian: Billy Connolly
- CD: Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon Book: The Hobbit
- Actor: Charlie Sheen
- Actress: Holly Valance
- Drink: Wine
Ulster Star
14/10/2011
