Beauty In The Breakdown

L.A.-based electronic/dance-pop band Beauty In The Breakdown is set to break out big-time with the release of its debut EP, Neon, on May 20th. Neon plays more like a mini-album than a brief EP, with 7 original tracks and one remix that pack in catchy, dance-pop energy, complex instrumental arrangements, reflective contemplation, and insightful lyrics. Neon was recorded at Sun God Studios in Tarzana, L.A. and produced by Sahaj Ticotin.

Beauty In The Breakdown is led by flame-haired frontwoman Chastity Ashley (the touring percussionist for Duran Duran) and she is joined by Ian Alexander, Alexandria Reyes, and Tim “Sonix” Rouse. Ashley is a native of the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles and her desire to create and perform music was sparked by going to local concerts and catching such legendary acts as Santana and War. She studied at the Percussion Institute of Technology and soon became an in-demand percussionist in various bands.

While Ashley was successful in her career as a percussionist, the idea of creating her own music called to her strongly and in 2013 she formed Beauty In The Breakdown with Alexander (guitar). They added Reyes (bass) and Rouse (keyboards, synths) to the line-up and ran through the music festival circuit and other venues, building up a tight live performance unit and gathering up a growing number of devoted fans.

The tunes on Neon mainly keep up the dynamic energy of their live performances, starting with the amped-up, ebullient EP-opener “Satellite”. This ode to love is filled with short-strummed guitar refrains, a fast-clacking beat, and shiny, lightly ringing electro notes which form a vibrant background for Ashley’s clear and sweet vocals as she sings brightly “Got me wide awake and dreamin’ / You give love a deeper meaning.”

Next number “It’s Not Too Late” throws some shadows into the mix with its low-tone electronic grind and sharply smacked percussion and drum beat, but its pace and lyrical content are upbeat. Ashley exclaims positively and directly that “I know that there’s no need to hide / and nothing’s ever black and white / so don’t run from the light.” Ashley’s percussionist skills are showcased at song’s end, where she briefly breaks out with a couple of blazing percussion solos. “Around The Word”, which features DJ Rap, incorporates a strummed acoustic guitar motif and prominent, pulsing EDM rhythm. The spinning sonic whirlwind is given a lighter touch with Ashley’s cheerful lyrics as she declares radiantly “Nothing in the world can bring us down from where we are.”

Bittersweet symphonic strings and a marching beat run through the lament “Falling Forward” as a mildly forlorn Ashley ruminates about a broken-up relationship, wondering if “…maybe things… might get better / or maybe things just stay the same.” Percolating electronic notes and shaken percussion support Ashley’s emphatic vocals as she reminisces “I still wish you were around” and “Every memory I had / like a treasure in my mind.”

Nineteen seventies-infused dance grooves inform the infectious, uplifting “Deep Love”. It’s peppered with reverb electro-notes, zingy synth lines, a clapping beat, and swinging chorus. Ashley proclaims “You gave me hope / when my hope was gone.” on the first verse and is accompanied by a bevy of backing vocals on the flowing chorus sections. “Ride” plies a smooth vibe on its laid-back verses and then moves forward with mellifluously picked guitar lines, lower bass line strum, and a shuffling beat. A quicker, choppy tempo builds up on the chorus as Ashley comes in with the encouraging advice to “Just…take a chance.”

Symphonic strings and acoustic guitar strum start off the bleak, but then finally life-affirming “On My Way To Die” which delves into a failed relationship that was marred by “lies” and “shame”. The beginning guitar lines fade away as a measured tempo of pronounced drum hits, reverberating electronic notes, and zig-zags of synth distortion come in. Poignantly pulled symphonic strings underline Ashley’s stark lyrics that “…if you do come back to me / it doesn’t mean you’ll set me free.” The situation and her mindset seem extreme, but then Ashley has a revelation that she brings to life with her powerful voice. She realizes that after being traumatized “There’s nothing left in yesterday.” and while the old self may “die”, she can “renew” herself and free herself from the past. It’s a potent statement to make – complex, empowering, and richly rewarding. - Stereo Embers Magazine

“Chastity commanded her audience's attention with passionate lyrical annunciations and used her powerful percussion background to create a sense of power that radiated throughout the room.” --Click link to read more - Music Connection Magazine

L.A.-based electro-rock/electro-pop foursome Beauty In The Breakdown is making a name for itself in the mainstream music realm, sharing the stage with Skrillex, Iggy Azalea, and Ke$ha and blazing an up-tempo electronic music trail that’s as hot and bright as lead singer Chastity Ashley’s flaming hair color.

Ashley is the touring percussionist for Duran Duran and she brings the sharp flair of that world-renowned band to her work in Beauty In The Breakdown. Ashley is joined by Ian Alexander (guitar), Alexandria Reyes (bass), Tim “Sonix” Rouse (keyboards, synths), and Christmas Collazzo for Beauty In The Breakdown, crafting tuneful and high-energy EDM for the masses. The band’s debut EP Neon is slated for a May 20th release.

The bittersweet and pensive lead single On My Way To Die takes the band into different territory; it’s an electronic-based lament and not an amped-up EMD tune that Beauty In The Breakdown is known for. It displays another facet of the band, starting briefly with a sonically deceptive intro of just strummed acoustic guitar and symphonic strings pull before diving into a strong, but measured drum beat and alternating, fast blasts of synth noise. As the melancholic symphonic strings return, Ashley sing-talks with a vivid finality the bleak lyrics that “There’s nothing to give away / There’s nothing left in yesterday / I’m on my way to die.” - Indie Music Review

L.A.-based electro-pop outfit Beauty In The Breakdown is on the way to breaking out big-time with the release of its debut EP, Neon. The act is led by energetic and enthralling frontwoman Chastity Ashley (vocals, percussion) who is joined by Ian Alexander (guitar), Alexandria Reyes (bass), and Tim “Sonix” Rouse (keyboards, synths). Ashley is a native of the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles and at the time of this interview, an upbeat Ashley discloses, “I’m in Los Angeles, where the sun shining and the birds are singing.”

It’s an exciting time for the members of Beauty In The Breakdown with the debut of their Neon EP. Ashley is especially pleased “…to see people connect with us on a level that has brought inspiration their way and to watch them truly immerse themselves in the music. We couldn’t be happier about it.”

The group crafts tuneful high-energy yet reflective electronic dance music that is perfect for the dancefloor and also for the headphones. Ashley breaks down the band’s blended EDM sound, stating that it’s “…a conglomerate of all our influences that we have brought to the table. I like to call it tribal pop as it’s percussion-driven anthems infused with EDM.”

Neon plays more like a mini-album than a brief EP, with seven original tracks and one remix that pack in catchy, dance-pop energy, complex instrumental arrangements, reflective contemplation, and insightful lyrics. Ashley’s words are a big part of the draw and give deeper meaning to the EDM-based sonics. When asked about the themes found on Neon, she replies, “I would have to say the theme is authentic self-expression of your inner being which holds no boundaries. Its music that allows you to be who you are while experiencing real life situations like, loss, heart break and overcoming obstacles.”

Neon was recorded at Sun God Studios in Tarzana, L.A. and produced by Sahaj Ticotin. Ashley describes the recording process as “…positively explosive. We had so many ideas that we really had to try and limit it down. We flow and we connect very organically which allows for the music to come out effortlessly. It’s a great feeling.”

Ashley is not only involved in Beauty In The Breakdown, but is also the touring percussionist for Duran Duran. She divulges that the band found her and that they “…came to my drum company Toca Percussion which I’m a signed artist to and asked for a fiery percussionist. I was recommended and the rest is history.”, enthusing that, “They are the best!”

Ashley’s interest in music started early on, and her desire to create and perform music was sparked by going to local concerts and catching such legendary acts as Santana and War. She studied at the Percussion Institute of Technology and soon became an in-demand percussionist in various bands. While Ashley was successful in her career as a percussionist, the idea of creating her own music called to her strongly and in 2013 she formed Beauty In The Breakdown with Alexander. They added Reyes and Rouse to the line-up and ran through the music festival circuit and other venues, building up a tight live performance unit and gathering up a growing number of devoted fans.

The band has shared the stage with Skrillex, Iggy Azalea, and Ke$ha, but Ashley’s homebase of L.A. still affects her mindset and the music she creates. She acknowledges that her environs “… affects me immensely as I write what I see. You become a product of your environment, so it becomes immersed in the music. I’m a born and raised native so the people and the geography always influence the tunes we create.”

As far as new music is concerned, Ashley reveals that “We just finished two new singles as well as acoustic versions of “Satellite” and “Around the World.” That’s all I can share at the moment, but it’s exciting to say the least.” She goes on to relate that “We are very excited to create a full length which is coming very, very soon.”

Beauty In The Breakdown is making a name for itself in the mainstream music realm, blazing a captivating electronic music trail that’s as hot and bright as Ashley’s flame-red hair color. The members’ burning desire is to create thoughtful and danceable EDM-based music and bring it to the world. As Ashley explains, “This type of music holds a passionate place in all of us and it’s where our truest expressions feel comforted. It’s a natural place for us to reside in, so it’s where we are enjoying the ride.” - Delusions of Adequacy

There is a great career to be had as a backup musician. Getting the chance to tour the world with some of the major stars while still staying relatively unknown by the masses has its perks. The bug often bites though and the lure of being at the front of the stage becomes very strong. This has caused our recent find Chastity Ashley to form her own band Beauty In The Breakdown.

The inventive group from Highland Park in Los Angeles, California has come together to bring a new sound to the mainstream with touches of Rock, Pop, EDM and even some World Music sounds. Chastity had early exposure to some of the greats in the LA scene and gravitated towards percussion. Never one to go in half-ass, she went full force and studied at the Percussion Institute Of Technology and honed the skills to become a major player. Touring bands took notice and she was soon in bands opening for Motley Crue and Aerosmith and eventually landing a gig as the touring percussionist for Duran Duran.

These experiences only opened up her passion to pursue her own original music. Chastity Ashley officially formed Beauty in the Breakdown with Ian Alexander (Guitar) and the two went about dialing in their musical vision. Pulling from their talent pool of industry friends, they soon recruited pros Alexandria Reyes (Bass) and Tim “Sonix” Rouse (Keys/Synths) to capture the full BITB sound. The connections the members of the band have built up paid off and Beauty In The Breakdown locked down some big time festival slots including Sundance, LA Pride, and NAMM. The mix of styles connected with listeners and they knew they were on to something when they sold out The Teragram Ballroom.

Things Are Mooving Fast For Beauty In The Breakdown

At this point Beauty In The Breakdown enlisted producer Sahaj Ticotin of the band RA (Universal) to flesh out their material at his Sun God Studios in Tarzana. The result is the debut EP Neon, that fleshes out the full potential of the band.

A great introduction is the single “On My Way To Die”. The mellow atmospheric guitar intro soon gives way to Chastity’s sultry and emotionally charged vocals. The big time production fills the sonic space with polished electro sounds mixed perfectly with the arena rock energy. This is truly a song that could appeal to a wide array of audiences whether they be on the dancefloor or in their bedroom alone with headphones on. Enter the world of Beauty In The Breakdown at: http://www.beautyinthebreakdown.com/ - Indie Band Guru Magazine

The band, Beauty In The Breakdown, with members: Chastity Ashley, Ian Alexander, Alexandria Reyes, and Tim “Sonix” Rouse, take on a sound and a style that embody all that inspires. Their unique melodic masterpieces are designed to convey the very fabric of who we are. - The Examiner

From Duran Duran to Aerosmith, Motley Crue to Alice In Chains to Cypress Hill — Chastity Ashley, percussionist and lead vocalist for the band BEAUTY IN THE BREAKDOWN, is a musical and rhythmic force to be reckoned with.

When did you start performing as a percussionist?

“I started performing actively when I was 12.”

Why did you choose percussion as your talent?

“When I was 10 years old, my folks would take me to concerts at Lincoln Park in east Los Angeles. There were always bands that played with huge percussion like War, Malo, El Chicano and Tierra. The music was so infectious — specifically the percussion — and I knew then that this is what I wanted to do. Lay down the rhythm.”

It has been said that you are one of the best female percussionists in the world. What do you think of that?

“Honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming and humbling. I have so much that I still want to learn and there are so many incredibly talented female percussionists out there that are really taking it to the limits. Hearing that only makes me want to practice harder and to strive to deliver cutting edge beats that continue to inspire my spirit and others’.”

When did you decide to become a professional performer?

“Ever since I was a little girl, this is all I ever dreamed of. I knew then that this was all I have ever wanted to do and I have never looked back.”

Your family must have been incredibly supportive.

“My family is incredibly supportive and have been ever since the beginning. When I said I wanted a drum set, my dad talked to a close friend who played with Quiet Riot. The guy came down, showed me a few chops, lent me my very first drum kit, and sent me on my way.

“My parents then managed to put up with my horrible drum skills as I started out. We were in a tiny two bedroom house, so if I was practicing there was no getting away from it. Even the neighbors could hear it from down the street, but my parents just took it in stride and let me bang away. My parents have always been HUGE music enthusiasts. They would test me on my music knowledge every chance they got. My mom would listen to Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Expose and Pat Benatar, and my dad would be listening to Tom Petty, INXS, and Santana. I was receiving quite the array of music and they pushed me constantly to be the best. They never made it easy and never told me I was great unless I truly was. To this day if I create or play something for my dad and he doesn’t give me the thumbs up, I know I have to go back and try again.”

How did you get the gig with Duran Duran?

“I have Victor Filonovich and Toca Percussion (the drum company I’m endorsed by), to thank for that. DD asked a close friend of theirs, Mindi Abair (an incredible sax player!), if she knew any young, fiery, female percussionists. She made a call to Toca, who she was also endorsed by, Victor recommended me, and the rest is history. (Thank you Vic, you’re the BEST!).”

What are those guys like?

“They are all incredibly wonderful human beings that never treated me like just a back-up member but rather as a band member. They showed me respect in all I did and let me contribute my ideas into the sound whenever I could.”

Do you have any fun or interesting stories from touring with them?

“Oh wow, where do I start? There are so, so many! I have always been pretty scared of flying; I’ve honestly become waaay better about it since touring with them. We would always fly private — which everyone just assumes is the lap of luxury. The reality is that flying in a private jet is quite nice, but you can also feel every bump, turn, and wind gust. We were flying from Boston to New Jersey and at one point Roger and I starting sing La Bamba because I honestly thought we were for sure game over. People were raising their hands in the air going “Wheeeeee!!” because it was a ridiculous roller coaster of a ride. When we touched down I think I literally kissed the ground.”

What was the coolest concert you ever performed with them and what made it great?

“Even though I played amazing shows like Coachella and the SWU Festival in Brazil — both of which had over 70,000 people — I would have to say Madison Square Gardens was the best. I had never been to New York and on my very first trip I got to play the Garden in a sold out show. I was thinking, ‘Is this real life??’ I remember as a little girl seeing this place in movies and on TV thinking I simply had to play there one day. Once I hit that stage I took a deep breath, looked out at the sea of souls in the audience and said to myself, ‘Be in the moment, feel the electricity, and play your heart out,’ and that’s exactly what I did. It was magnificent.”

We read that you made the final cut for house drummer of the KEENAN IVORY WAYANS SHOW at 15. That must have been an incredible experience.

“Yeah, it really was. They would have chosen me had I not been so darn young. I just spoke to Keenan about this a few months ago when we were catching up and he said it was a flipping bummer that my age determined not being able to lock it down. I believe however that everything happens exactly when it’s supposed to. Keenan said that he’s always believed I would be great, and I have no intention of letting him down.”

You studied at the Hollywood Musicians Institute under Ray Luzier from Korn. We would love to hear about it.

“He is incredible. He’s just the best. I don’t think the average person even fully understands how incredible he truly is. He is limited in what he can do in Korn because people want to hear the tunes, not an hour drum solo (of course). He is, hands down, one of the best drummers I have ever known and seen, and for him to have been my teacher and mentor means the world to me. He truly taught me the meaning of ‘pocket,’ and I’m forever thankful to him for that.”

You have worked with or opened for everyone from Aerosmith to Alice in Chains. Which experience really impacted you the most?

“I would say they all impacted me because I gained something different from all of those experiences. Opening for Motley Crue and Aerosmith was insane because it was the first time I played to such an enormous audience. But then again, I also have to hand it to Mr. Tom Morello who invited me to come and jam with him and his friends. The fact that they welcomed me with open arms after they heard me play and allowed the many sessions I had with all of them was even more beautiful. I’d like to think that every experience teaches us something that we can utilize in our life and build from.”

Tell us about your band BEAUTY IN THE BREAKDOWN? How did you guys meet?

“Well, it started with Ian and I. We originally met on the road as we were both in touring rock bands at the time. After having an undeniable connection and having such similar influences we decided that we should try our own project together. He moved from San Diego to Los Angeles and we have been at it ever since.”

What would you describe as your genre?

“That’s definitely a tough question because there are so many influences infused into our music. I would say we are a Pop group but that really limits the vast array of genres intermixed into our sound and who we are. We are also Dance, World, EDM, Alternative and Electro… So yeah, Pop! [laughs]”

Can you tell us about all the members?

“Ian Alexander, Christmas Collazzo, and Rome. Each one of them has so many incredible qualities that have become part of the very fabric of what we have created together. Ian is a brilliant songwriter and guitarist with beautiful flamenco influences. Also, he gets stopped everywhere we go because people think he is Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s hilarious! Christmas is hands down one of the best drummers I have ever met and not just because he is in my band. He can play anything you throw at him, it’s mind-blowing. And Rome is our mad scientist. His immense creativity and vision have truly brought this project to life on so many levels. I don’t know where we would be without him.”

Who is the craziest and why? Who is the funniest and why?

“Oh my goodness… Well, we are all a different shade of crazy in a positive way. Just like Seal said, “You’re never gonna survive, unless, you get a little crazy.” We all have nicknames though and I’ll let you decide why. Ian is Hank, I’m Sasser, Christmas is The Kraken, and Rome is Polish Rick [laughs]!”

Who inspired your music as you have grown?

“There has been quite the array of influences throughout my life. But lately, with all of us, I would say that inspiration is derived from different types of music that influence the experiences we are currently sharing in our lives. For instance I have really got into Marina & the Diamonds, and Rome loves Chvrches.”

What was the most exciting moment of your career?

“So far, one of my main highlights has been being featured in DRUM! Magazine. When I used to go to Guitar Center as a little girl I would say, “I’m going to be in that magazine one day.” When it happened and I was honored for my drumming, it made me truly grateful for this life.”

What is the best advice you ever received?

“Two things. One is: Do onto others as you would want done onto yourself. This business is a lot smaller than people think; everyone knows everybody. It’s extremely important to be a solid and loving human being. The other one would be: Never have a Plan B. Only have a Plan A, because if you have a Plan B, that’s what will ultimately become your plan and destiny.”

What would you like the readers to know about you and BEAUTY IN THE BREAKDOWN?

“The reason we are all making music and creating the sound that we have is because we truly love to play. None of us got into this with the intention of being rich and famous. It has always been about the music and being in love with creating it from our respective instruments. It’s the one thing that we all do where we completely let go. A sacred place that allows us to express our deepest secrets and passions. We believe in sending a message of hope, and reassuring others that people really are beautiful and that we are all in this together. We are here to unite the masses and share our truth with positive vibrations. And of course, to remind people to always dance!”

For more information about Chastity Ashley and BEAUTY IN THE BREAKDOWN, go to www.beautyinthebreakdown.com. - Talent Monthly Magazine

Chastity Ashley the Featured Artist for Roland USA' s international electronic drums ad campaign featured on every Virgin Airlines flight in the US and abroad. - Tom Tom Magazine and Virgin Airlines

Chastity Ashley - Best Pop/Rock/Hip Hop Percussionist 2015 - Drum Magazine

Chastity is a force in the music industry as one of the top percussionists in the game! 2014 was a banner year for Electro Pop, highlighted by the well-received debut of genre breakouts, Beauty in the Breakdown.
As the latest inductees into Bang & Olufsen’s stable of musicians that includes Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean, Beauty in the Breakdown’s first single, “Around the World” showcased their unique sound highlighted by infectious and melodious percussion fueled by pure positive aggression. “Around the World” was awarded “Best Pop/Dance” track honors at the 2015 Akademia Music Awards.
A native of East Los Angeles, the band’s lead singer Chastity Ashley is celebrated as a master of the djembe, a traditional African drum, as well as all other percussive forms. The Latina former beauty queen was just 15 when she landed the gig as house drummer for the Keenan Ivory Wayans Show and over the years, Chastity has emerged as one of the industry’s top percussionists.
In 2011, she performed percussion on Duran Duran’s The All You Need is Now Tour which included the Main Stage at Coachella. Chastity is a 2015 nominee for “Best Rock/Pop/Hip-Hop Percussionist” award by DRUM Magazine. Providing the rebellious riffs that accentuate Chastity’s tribal pounding beats and distinct vocals is husband Ian Alexander, who delivers strong Spanish/flamenco style guitar influences as well as rock. Christmas Collazzo (drums) and Rome bass) complete the Beauty in the Breakdown sound that echoes musical influences ranging from Prince to Chvrches — it makes you move and inhale life.
Leading up to the April 14 release of their debut EP, Neon, Beauty in the Breakdown has released their 2nd single, “It’s Not Too Late” and a remix of “Around the World” courtesy of house legend, DJ Rap. Among the tracks on Neon are “Satellite,” “Falling Forward,” and “Deep Love,” and with Sahaj Ticotin of the band RA.
Around the World is available on iTunes - The Hollywood Billboard

Featured Artist in the September Issue of Music Connection Magazine. Quote "Such rich tones and bright dazzling textures are achieved, and the percussion effects are weapon-grade". - Music Connection Magazine

The Best Electro Pop Bands & Artists - Ranker

"Flawless vocals, rock-infused electronica and tight production make this Pop Dance track an instant crowd-pleaser." - The Akademia Music Awards

The 2015 Sundance International Film Festival was highlighted by record-breaking acquisitions and a handful of ground-breaking indie films celebrated as cinematic accomplishments, including: Dope, The Overnight, Going Clear and The Hunting Ground, among others. This year -- more than ever -- the spotlight was shared with the music industry and the Park City Live mainstage featured headlining performances from Lil Jon, Diplo and Iggy Azalea. Despite the hype around these performances, the Sundance spirit continued its mission of supporting indie artists and showcased Electropop breakout group, Beauty in the Breakdown. As the latest inductees into Bang & Olufsen's stable of musicians that includes Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean, Beauty in the Breakdown wasted no time in turning the Bang & Olufsen House by Emerge into a dance party.

A native of East Los Angeles, the band's lead singer Chastity Ashley is celebrated as a master of the djembe, a traditional African drum, as well as all other percussive forms. The Latina former beauty queen was just 15 when she landed the gig as house drummer for the Keenan Ivory Wayans Show and over the years, her talents continue to be showcased, most recently during the Duran Duran world tour. Ian Alexander, whom has strong Spanish/flamenco style guitar influences as well as rock, provides the rebellious riffs that accentuate Chastitys tribal pounding beats and distinct vocals. Musical influences that range from Prince to Chvrches are credited for the dynamic, refreshing sound of Beauty in the Breakdown -- "it makes you move and inhale life," Chastity explains.
Their Sundance set was an unannounced preview of Beauty and the Breakdown's debut EP due out later this month on the heels of their first single, "Around the World." The infectious beat is a modest hit supported by a memorable music video that showcases Chastity's persussionist skills. In addition to a remix of "Around the World," the EP includes their new single, "It's Not Too Late," "Satellite," "Falling Forward," and "Deep Love," and welcomed collaborations with Sahaj Ticotin of the band RA and house legend, DJ Rap. - Buzznet Magazine

At the DC show, my most enthusiastic applause was saved for percussionist Chastity Ashley, who reminded me of a modern day Sheila E (again bringing the past into the present!) and provided extra oomph to Roger Taylor's drums. I'll be honest: Ms. Ashley was so good I started swearing. My rough string of expletives loosely translated to "Goodness gracious, where did they find this lovely and talented lady? She is so good!" I hope we see her again. - Blue Bird Reviews

“Infectious and melodious percussion driven electro pop rock fueled by pure positive aggression.” Coming from LA, BITB are definitely a band you need to keep your eye on. With awesome production & smooth vocals it is easy to get lost while listening to their record. - Record Label Submissions

Cover Feature of Chastity Ashley of Beauty In The Breakdown 2013 - Hollywood Music Magazine