A ‘Saucy’ Interview With Ashlee Keating

As a Billboard-charting music sensation, Ashlee Keating is a true multifaceted talent, and she took over the pop music scene by storm this summer with her latest single “SAUCY.”

The hot new track, which represents feeling confident and loving the skin you’re in, quickly became an anthem for both empowering women and the LGBTQ community. Created by a top-tier team of producers, the vibrant “SAUCY” music video racked up over 100,000 views in the first week since its release.

Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, Keating discovered her love for music at a young age. Her style is a perfect mix of upbeat and inspirational, with lyrical themes of loving yourself and living your best authentic life. Between the artist’s colorful aesthetic and dance-worthy catalog, Keating has also become highly regarded within the LGBTQ community as an ally and activist. She strives to spread messages of love, positivity, and confidence through all her work.

OFM caught up with Keating to talk more about “SAUCY” and her passion for performing.

Ashlee, we cannot get enough of your summer bop, “SAUCY!” Can you begin by telling us more about the concept and inspiration behind the track?

Well, I’m a saucy girl! (Laughs) But for real; it’s hot; it’s summertime; we’re feeling good; we’re feeling extra, and we’re trying to be the best version of ourselves. Basically, it came about very randomly. It was during the pandemic when things started opening again, and I just came back to LA to start my writing sessions and record.

We still couldn’t do much, so when I celebrated my birthday in September, a few of my girls and I went to dinner in Malibu. We were looking like the best versions of ourselves, feeling great to be outside, being super cute, and we kept throwing the word “saucy” around. “Oh, you look so saucy!” It became a thing.

When I got to my writing session, which was on Zoom with Tommy Parker, Tommy Brown, and YNG Josh, I started talking about my birthday and how we were throwing “saucy” around. It then went in the direction and vibe of where I wanted to go with my music as far as empowerment, and that’s kind of how it went about. It was our first writing session, and it was amazing.

How has “SAUCY” been received by listeners?

It’s been incredible! Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. It’s a little different than some of my previous singles, but this is definitely the beginning of a new era for me. I’m working on other music, I don’t want to give away too much, but I wasn’t sure how it was going to be perceived at first. It’s still me in pop, but it has a little bit more of an urban touch/edge, which is very Ashlee. People haven’t seen that side of me yet.

When I performed at New York City Pride, it was so incredible to see the reaction live because that’s truly when you get to see how a song connects with your fans, and I did talk to my fans after I performed. I went over to the side of the stage and said hello, signed some autographs, and I was asking which song I performed was their favorite. I did “YASSS,” “Hurt Me So Good,” and “SAUCY,” and everyone loved “SAUCY.” They were all about it, and it really meant the world to me.

The track quickly became an anthem for both women empowerment and the LGBTQ community. Do you feel like we’re still lacking these kinds of songs?

I think there’s been a lot more of that great energy and empowerment, so no. I think there are a lot of great songs out there, and for me, it’s funny because this is naturally my personality—positive and uplifting. Of course, I do have my days where I’m crying and a mess, like everybody, but I truly like to take the good out of every day. Even if it’s a negative situation, I try to bring good and positivity. For me, this is really the direction I want to go in with my music.

Ultimately, what do you hope audiences take away from your music?

I hope that they feel something. I believe feeling something is the most important thing when listening to music. Whether you’re in a relationship and you relate to that relationship-based type song, it’s a depressive song and it makes you want to have a crying day, or it’s uplifting and you want to dance, feel free, and love. “SAUCY” was just all about that, and I think it’s very important to share that.

You have a forthcoming EP coming out soon. Can you tell us more about that, and is there a release date?

It’s to be determined and I can’t say too much yet, but I’m very, very excited about the body of work that I’ve created. I worked really hard on it, and it’s definitely coming soon.

Have you always had a passion for music and performing?

Yes, music has always been my life. I can honestly get through anything with music. It’s my heart and soul, and I was always born to be a performer. From the minute I was born, I was extra (laughs). I’m not kidding. I wanted to be on stage; I wanted a microphone; I wanted a guitar; I wanted a piano; I wanted to tap dance all over the house—It was crazy.

Acting, dancing, singing, and performing was me, and then on top of that, my fashion style has always been extra as well. All those things tie into me as an artist, but music has really been my heart and soul. It’s a way of expressing yourself, and through songwriting, I have been able to personally express something to the world. It’s very artistic, and I’ve always loved it.

You did some theater work when you were younger. Would you like to do anymore acting, or do you want to strictly stick to music for now?

Music has been my focus right now just because it’s been taking a lot of my time, and I’ve been performing and working on the EP. I was really able to hone into that during the pandemic because hardly anyone was shooting TV shows or movies, but acting is definitely another part of me. I’m a very expressive person and in tune with my emotions, so when I share that, it’s through my art with music, but I think it’s important to hone into those emotions as well with acting.

Some people that I love, like Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga, they’re music icons as well as acting icons. To be honest, I would love to follow the footsteps of Lady Gaga because not only has she done so many incredible things with music, but also acting. A Star Is Born and House of Gucci, they’re on another level. Her acting is incredible. So, I definitely see myself balancing both and doing more acting gigs in the future. I love both drama and comedy. I’m very comedic as well.

I love that you also use your platform for good and give back to philanthropic organizations. How meaningful has that been to you?

It is so meaningful to me! It’s not just about making money and being with the fans. I think it’s so important to use your platform to give good to the world. I’m all about giving to the world and making it a better place, so being able to work with different organizations, it’s an amazing feeling.

What are some of your interests outside of entertaining?

I work really hard all the time, so I don’t have too much downtime (laughs). When I do, I like Netflix and chill, and I love to get massages because I’m always working out, in the gym, and dancing. When I wind down, it’s my me time. I’ll also hang out with my friends, maybe go shopping or to the movies. Just really chill, normal stuff.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your career and platform?

I want to inspire, inspire, inspire. Period! Through my music, I hope to inspire women to continue being confident and the best versions of themselves. Just do you, and that’s literally what “SAUCY” is. Growing up, as I told you, I was very extra and different. I wasn’t anything like my family, so I had to embrace that. Being saucy is what that is. So, I hope to inspire as many women as possible.

Also, I love touching on mental health, especially with what we go through nowadays. We’re always comparing each other on social media. Do you, be you, embrace body positivity, and know that you are unique in your own self. Also know that it’s OK to have days where your mind spirals and you’re not OK. The positivity of my music is to share that, to make people feel in that light.

Then with the LGBTQ community, I want to inspire and do good with that community as well. I have a gay brother and gay people in my family, and it’s a huge part of me. So, anything I can do to spread the message of love, self-expression, and freedom, as well as bring good to this world through my platform, that’s what I am going to do!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Keating on Instagram and YouTube @ashleekeating, and TikTok @ashleekeatingmusic. “SAUCY” is available on all digital streaming platforms.

Photos courtesy of Cobina Key