Charlie E. Ash grew up in the southeastern part of the American Midwest , in the state of Illinois. While you can definitely hear the influence of pop music that emerged from America’s heartland in his music, you’ll hear the undeniable influence of pop artists from “across the pond” as well. Raised in a family full of writers and musicians, Charlie was introduced to music icons like Elvis, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, & The Mamas & Papas by the time he was 7 years old. As he got older and began playing multiple instruments (guitar, piano, drums), his influences continued to lean toward pop music that was anthemic, fun, emotive and mostly British with one monumental exception being his love for U2.  

Having musicians and singers as parents as well as having a great songwriter in the house in his father, Charlie was surrounded by music and musical influences his whole life. Family gatherings almost always included guitars, singing, and many times whole band performances as one room in his house was used for his Dad’s band rehearsal space. When many kids were out playing ball  or other games, Charlie could be found playing guitar or piano, or studying others while they did. 

By the time he was in high school he was playing in a cover band with his Dad and brothers as well as  a band that played songs he was writing that he started with a brother, a cousin and his best friends They performed anywhere they could in the tri-state area, traveling in an old ambulance they had converted into their band van. 

Just a few  years out of high school, Charlie signed his first record deal with Curb Records, with his band THE ALTERED. The Dove Award Nominated record Yours Truly followed with years of touring and playing festivals all over the United States. 

Five years later, Charlie and his brother signed with another record label, Pamplin Records, under a new band name, Ash Mundae. The result of this deal was the ear candy, moody pop collection of songs produced by Matt Bronlewee and Jimmy Cooper, who also co-wrote much of the record titled Model Citizen. 

Charlie followed that up by signing a development deal with A & R Jeff Blue at Interscope Records. His band Hether out of Nashville TN, where Ash was now living, was making waves in the indie scene and caught the attention of Blue while he was at Warner Brothers. As an indie band, they had the distinction of being the only unsigned band (at that time) to have their music used on a WB television show. The show was Smallville. 

Leaving Nashville and relocating back to the midwest, Charlie found himself once again playing in a band with family and friends and traveling all over that part of the country playing rock and roll with his band World in White. Writing and recording a full length record and two Ep’s and working with EMI writers and producers like Skidd Mills, World in White featured Charlie free from the confinement of a guitar and simply being a rock and roll front man. 

Upon coming back to the midwest, Charlie also began building his own recording studio where he is now able to write and record his solo work. No longer working in the construct of a band, Charlie E. Ash is making pop music that is the culmination of much of what he has always loved in music. Big hook laden choruses, sometimes fun, sometimes moody pop that feels new yet familiar enough that you will be singing along. Free to experiment with beats and synth soundscapes, Charlie has found a way to incorporate his love of iconic rock and pop music with modern textures and vibe.  Sometimes as minimalist as an acoustic guitar and his voice and other times lush, pulsating, or majestic; the music is emotive. Charlie has the heart of a poet, citing Rimbaud, Jim Carroll, Richard Ashcroft and Bono as his greatest lyrical influences. His words tell stories of heartbreak, love, letting go, and celebration. You will likely find yourself in his words. 

In late 2024 Ash released Loud and Brave Before Sunrise, a pop record that exemplifies who he is as a pop artist, a writer, and a lover of music. Pulling lyrics from his own journey, the pop songs are personal and universally relatable to all who have loved, lost, and triumphed. 

In 2025, Charlie began releasing remixes of songs from the Loud and Brave sessions and will be releasing his own cover versions of iconic pop songs that he often performs live. 2025 will not just be a year of musical creation for Ash, as he will publish his first book, Becoming Loud & Brave in the fall and release his podcast “The Loud & Brave Podcast w/ Charlie E. Ash in December. It will feature live performances as well as commentary on issues important to the artist and sharing the stories of others as featured guests.   If you have not already, make sure to sign up for the Loud and Brave Club email list so you won't miss any of Charlie's adventures and creation!