Singer-songwriter and actor Asher Monroe chatted about his new album “Windows of Time.”
Monroe released his latest studio offering, “Windows of Time.” An introspective journey of songs about never giving up and living life without fear, the eight-track LP is unique and timeless as it spotlights Monroe’s distinct maturity not only in his artistry as a singer, songwriter, and producer but also in his personal life as a husband and father.
It was produced by the iconic Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, and Barbra Streisand). “Windows of Time” is packed with hushed drama, rich musical instrumentation, and colossal choruses.
On the song selection process for the new album, Monroe said, “The song selection was very unique and different this time. It was basically just me and Walter sitting down on the piano, and we would work together for four to six hours. We would play on the piano and I would sing melodies. It was a very similar process to how he and Mariah Carey wrote songs together. For months, this was our routine, and then we started picking our favorite songs.”
“Each song speaks for itself,” he said. “At the end of the day, it became a beautiful body of work. The common thread was probably having Walter attached to this project, which made it sound like a cohesive piece. It is layered in a way where it’s not overcoating my vocals and that was a big focus even in the mixing. The songwriting was uniquely different for each song. I am very proud of how it turned out,” he elaborated.
The album was written over a span of three months while Monroe was in Croatia, locking away his phone, reading the Old Testament, and jumping into the sea every day, allowing himself to act as a channel for whatever inspiration came.
The result is a soul-baring reflection of songs that open a new chapter for Monroe as he focuses on storytelling and opens his heart in a way he never has before. “I was actually where I wrote all of the lyrics for it so it was super fun,” he said.
The album opens with the piano-driven “Wanderlust,” spotlighting Monroe’s testament of life and passion for the world’s beauty as he sings of admiring different locations around the globe and the freeing feeling of traveling.
The cinematic and alluring “Midnight Masquerade” is a sincere portrayal of the corruption of power and narcissism we see throughout the world while “Try Me” speaks to taking the power back within us, leaving the victim mentality behind, and encouraging those who need it to do the same.
Monroe delves into the intricacies of love with the poignant and eloquent ballad “A Rose Amidst The Thorns” as it touches on the difficulties of sifting through layers of another’s past pain but accepting all that they are.
Meanwhile, the sultry “Why Do You Love Me?” tackles the insecurities we face when we are our most vulnerable. Delicate closer “The Golden Road” is accompanied by a stunning ensemble of strings as it weaves the album seamlessly together with the message of choosing the path in life that calls to you.
Speaking of “The Golden Road,” he noted that this was Sir Elton Johns’s personal favorite tune on the CD. “When I first send him the album, he told me that was his favorite song, so that was cool to hear,” Monroe admitted.
Monroe listed “Story of a Bird” and “Midnight Masquerade” as two of his personal favorite tracks on the record. “It was a magical ride for me when I was writing ‘Story of a Bird’ so that was my favorite song lyrically. Production-wise, my favorite song was ‘Midnight Masquerade’,” he said.
On being an artist in the digital age, Monroe said, “You need to adapt. As long as you put out music, there are going to be new formats and new ways to share music. I am always trying new tactics such as Spotify playlisting to get my music out and heard because that’s the end goal. You just need to keep exploring and find new ways to get your music out there.”
Monroe listed Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Sam Smith as his dream collaboration choices in music. “Lady Gaga would be at the top of my list. I love her charisma, songwriting, and the way she constantly reinvents herself,” he said. “I would love to write for Bruno Mars and Sam Smith. I definitely love collaborating, it just has to be organic and the right fit.”
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Monroe responded, “Exploring New Worlds.” “I am really into breaking my fears and tapping into the unknown,” he said. “I love trying things that I haven’t done and putting myself in uncomfortable positions to stretch my abilities.”
Regarding his definition of the word success, Monroe said, “Success is really truly finding my true purpose for living. It is so important to stick to the journey of your heart’s desire.”
“Windows of Time” is available on digital service providers by clicking here. “It was a wonderful journey and I am so grateful for the whole process,” he said.
To learn more about singing sensation Asher Monroe and his new music, visit his official website, and follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
