Ashton Francis (CA)

Biography

Ashton Francis (formerly Ashton Martin) — born and based in Toronto — is a creative visionary, recording artist, songwriter and co-founder of What Matters Most;an independent recording label/artist collective that champions family, unity and self-actualization, paving an easier path for future generations to follow. Though his circumstances aren’t by any means unique — a co-parent pursuing dreams of a thriving musical career, a business owner building towards longevity with philanthropic efforts — his approach is;that he aims to share his experiences as truthfully and transparently as possible in hopes that listeners will identify and empathize with their shared stories. Authenticity is an integral element of what gravitates audiences towards his music and is the driving force behind the decision to drop Martin from his performing name by replacing it with Francis, his surname.

Since the change to Ashton Francis, he has released Expression I & Expression II of the three-part EP series appropriately titled Tha III Piece: Expression I, II and III. Expression III is slated for release in September 2022 and boasts production from Boi1da. The noise he’s been making in Toronto presented him with opportunities to open for artists like Bun B, J.I.D, and Savannah Ré. He’s also secured coveted development opportunities that were notable nationwide: CBC Searchlight 2021, as a top 10 artist out of over 2000 applicants;a Remix Project alum, which developed artists like Jessie Reyez, WondaGurl and, FrancisGotHeat;and an RBC Launchpad Music Entrepreneurship program placement, that fostered his business acumen as a creative entrepreneur. In addition to prior accomplishments, Ashton has also secured rotational radio play on Canada’s most notable terrestrial stations;CBC The Block, Flow 93.5 (currently 93.5 Today Radio), and G98.7 (currently Flow 98.7).

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