Melbourne-based singer/songwriter, Ben Ashton has been writing and performing music since his early teens. Ashton's compositions embrace a range of styles-he moves effortlessly between lyrical folk/pop ballads, to country rock and 'can't-get-it-out-of-my-head' upbeat adult pop. All of Ashton's songs share a rock-solid lyrical foundation, and benefit from bold instrument selections and arrangements. The end product is engaging and rich.

Brought up on a healthy diet of Neil Young and Simon and Garfunkle records, Ashton developed an appreciation for songwriting, founded on simple melodies, clean arrangements and uncomplicated vocal harmonies. Playing guitar from an early age, Ashton is driven by an inherent interest in music to experiment with any instrument he can lay his hands on. He dabbles in mandolin and banjo, and once went to some lengths to learn piano, rescuing and restoring a fire-damaged piano from a church hall.

Ashton's music is influenced by contemporary artists such as alternative country-rocker, Ryan Adams, E from experimental ensemble, Eels, and indie music revolutionary, Sufjan Stevens.

With a solid grounding in Melbourne's live music scene, Ashton's performances are powerful and enchanting. He has enjoyed working with some of Australia's music elite, including ARIA award winning keyboard maestro, Bruce Haymes (ex-Bachelors of Prague; Paul Kelly Band), cellist, Helen Mounfort (ex-Not Drowning, Waving; My Friend the Chocolate Cake), and pedal steel talent, Garrett Costigan (Lisa Miller Band, Cyndi Boste)

On his debut album, Morning Edges, Ashton has put 'story-telling' songwriting at centre-stage, resulting in an impressive 12-song collection that promises to stand the test of time.

Has 'lyric-based' songwriting become old-hat; 2007's new 'cringe-factor'? Not if Morning Edges, the breathtaking debut album from Melbourne artist, Ben Ashton, is any indication. With this impressive 12-song collection, Ashton has put 'story-telling' songwriting right back at centre-stage.

Morning Edges evokes memories of Australia's rich songwriting history-there are shadows of Australian greats such as The Dingoes, Richard Clapton and Paul Kelly. In style, Ashton can be compared with alternative country-rocker Ryan Adams and E from experimental rockers, Eels.