INTERVIEW WITH EMILY ASHENDEN
Ashjesus / Alphaville / IWF
Howdy!
What’s up with Alphaville’s merch museum?
Alphaville could have done a traditional to-go situation, but as much as it’s a bar- it’s always really been about the venue! There is a wonderful open front patio/room. I thought maybe on the way to grab a to-go drink we could create a gallery type situation where everything there is for sale and goes right to the pocket of the artist! Since this is a music venue, it made perfect sense to sell merch! We collaborated the artists putting out their merch on a cocktail to represent their band and that in turn helps out the venue a little bit! Symbiotic and super fun.
How long has it been going on and how long will it continue? (+hours)
It just opened Memorial Day weekend and we’re doing it every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) 2-9.
What’s the vibe like, to have a space that means so much to people still open (in a way)
It’s amazing. I don’t know, it’s oddly moving to see the eyes of regulars or musicians that I’ve played with or seen around Alpha after this sad and strange time apart. Even though it’s not like before, a taste of the community is present.
What’s available at the merch museum?
Band t-shirts, vinyl, tapes, zines, paintings, and even more soon. Not to mention the band-sponsored cocktails.
What’s up with these siik to go cocktails (named after some of our favorite bands!)
We spoke to about 15 bands (selling mainly their merch) about collaborating on a cocktail with their favorite flavors and a snappy name! They’re helping the venue by calling upon their thirsty listeners.
Any fav moments so far?
Oh man- pop-ins from all the folks that make this neighborhood special, a neighbor saying he finally had a “cool place to walk through”, and Weeping Icon getting behind the bar to batch their own cocktail.
Are you / Alphaville recording sets on the stage for virtual shows?
Undetermined! But that’s certainly a thought.
How long have you been with Alphaville?
I started in 2018 as a door girl.
How can people support Alphaville or Ashjesus at this moment?
Come to Alpha on the weekends! As for Ashjesus, maybe listen to us? That could be sick- you might hate our “cocktail”. We’re getting fresh shirts soon so grab one in the merch museum!
What’s new with Ashjesus?
We have a new video for our song “Deev” coming out soon so we’re psyched on that!
I saw Ashjesus did a virtual set recently, can you tell us about some you’ve done and do you plan to do any more?
Yes! Jake and I have done a few as a duo while our other boys are far (Halfjesus). We have another one coming up 6/6 (we’ll be posting ticket info this week) and we just shot a live set with Tyler Bertram in Alphaville too that we’re stoked on.
Your last album/ep was “Demo II”? If so can you tell us a little bit about that?
Yeah! We released Demo II in January of 2020 so its pretty new. We recorded with Shane Furst in New Jersey and drove there in a uhaul and did it all in one day!
Working on any new music or any upcoming?
We are definitely trying to make new music right now it’s just tough with our distance! We really thrive on all being in a room together and just doing everything there in the moment, feeding on each other and improvising! But we’re figuring it out!
Who’s in Ashjesus?
Jake Harms on bass, Cammy Castan on guitar, Johnny Dynamite on drums! I just sing.
Working on any solo stuff since the quarantine?
I just have a ukulele at home so unless I’m at Jake’s working on stuff as a duo I’m just doing uke covers in between snacking.
The IWF (Isolation Wrestling Federation) was recently covered by The New York Post! Can you tell us about the IWF and how you got involved?
Yeah! Jimi Riddle and I are kinda never not in contact at this point and one day he said to me (not a direct quote) “I’m gonna make a wrestling promo and start calling people out and make them respond” and I was like “that’s funny and a business idea” and him and Casey Hopkins built it and I made a character and all the sudden there was a roster and people voting and watching and it became quarantine content!
What was the feeling like to see yourself in the NY Post?
Wild- it’s also truly the only photo I could have hoped for. My eyes are closed and you could park a Buick in my mouth.
What’s SMASHJESUS all about?
A misunderstood New York hero that smashes everything she touches. She’s trying to harness her power for the good of the federation.
Any wrestlers you want to shoutout or CALL OUT?
Harold Hopkins. I’m coming for the Women’s Belt.
How can people follow IWF?
Instagram! We are only there (for right now).
What else are you up to?
We casted the pilot for my new series “Threads”, but alas had to halt our crowd-funding due to Covid. Would not have been ethical to ask for money. Hope to get back in track by end of summer.
How are you surviving the quarantine?
I got into Grey’s anatomy for like 3 weeks so some would argue that’s hardly surviving. But now IWF, the merch museum, and Ashjesus keep my mind busy!
Can you ask yourself a question and answer it?
“How much did you weigh when you were born?”
“Almost 10 pounds, I was a whale.”
Any thoughts, words or shouts?
I hope you’re all keeping your head up, I love ya.
Links:
www.instagram.com/ashjesus
www.facebook.com/alphavillebk
www.ashjesus.bandcamp.com/releases
www.instagram.com/isolationwrestlingfederation
nypost.com/2020/05/26/friends-start-no-contact-isolation-wrestling-federation-in-quarantine/
www.instagram.com/alphavillebk
alphavillebk.square.site
www.instagram.com/streetwannabes
