Professional Music student streams to success in L.A., Vegas and more
See how Ashley Sienna streamed her way to a billboard in L.A., a festival in Las Vegas and even struck a deal with Disney Plus for one of her songs. Videographer: Jake Stendel
Ryerson Professional Music student at The Creative School Ashley Sienna, 18, has always loved to sing. So, when the pandemic hit, it’s no surprise that that’s what she turned to.
“Sometimes, I would stream up to five hours a day,” she said, referring to the platform Sessions, where she would perform live for people all over the world - from her room.
And if she wasn’t singing - she was writing. To date, she’s released nearly 30 original songs - with her second EP coming out soon - and says inspiration strikes in the unlikeliest of places.
“I’m most inspired in the middle of the night… I actually write most of my songs in my walk-in closet, because that’s where it’s most quiet,” she said with a laugh.
While it may seem quirky to some, for the Toronto-born singer, who lives in Niagara Falls, Ont., it’s working.
In 2021, Sessions named Sienna top performer on the platform, giving her the title, ‘Rising Star’ - and a billboard in L.A.
“It’s so crazy, because I remember dreaming of having a billboard, let alone in L.A. - and it actually happened,” she said.
Another high note came not long after: the opportunity to sing at the Life is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas, where even her idol, Billie Eilish, was performing.
Adding to the excitement? One of her songs is now also being used in a Disney Plus show.
“I never imagined I would have a sync deal,” she says with a smile.
The Creative School’s Professional Music program
As Sienna continues to grow her career, she’s doing a lot more than writing in her closet: she’s studying in the inaugural year of Ryerson’s Professional Music program, housed within The Creative School - and says it’s a perfect fit.
I didn’t even apply anywhere else,” she said. “When I read about it, right away, I just thought, ‘This is it! This is what I want to do.’
So far, she says the experience is giving her valuable tools - and professors who have been instrumental in guiding her along the way.
“I recently had the chance to connect with Dalton Higgins and Noah Schwartz. They’ve really helped me and given me advice about how I can grow my music career,” she said.
This May, Sienna will be performing at a launch party to celebrate the program. Hosted by The Creative School, the in-person party will feature live music from students, along with many notable members from the music and media industry.
Sienna is already excited about what her next year in the program will bring - and in the meantime, she’s releasing another EP that she describes as “a bit on the darker pop side - like Billie Eilish.”
“I’m really excited because it’s a bit different from my other music. I’ve already released a few singles from it and so far I’ve had a really positive reaction,” she said, adding with a smile, “Stay tuned.”
The Professional Music students have launched a Spotify playlist. To listen in, visit their feed (external link) .
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