Availability: Immediately
Citizenship: Canadian/South African
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Biography 

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Ashleigh-Marie is a Canadian/South African singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist making music for hearts that refuse to stay broken. Her sound is defined by powerful vocal performances and poetic lyricism, rooted in folk, country, and rock with a hint of pop flair. 

 

On the southernmost tip of Africa, she started her career under the name ‘Ashcoustics’ and performed across Cape Town’s grassroots music scene for three years before her debut release, 'No More'. The project earned local and international press features, a nomination for Best Music Video at the 2023 South African Independent Film Festival, and a live showcase on 'SABC Expresso Show', South Africa’s national morning television program.

 

After relocating to Toronto in the fall of 2023 to study Music Business, Ashleigh-Marie quickly began establishing herself within the GTA and Durham Region music scenes, making her Canadian debut at Toronto's historic Horseshoe Tavern before securing a weekly live residency at Bond St. Events Centre and Boston Pizza. The following summer, she joined the Canadian Musicians Co-Operative Emerging Artist Program, performing at festivals including Embody Fest, Bradford Carrot Fest, and ONXS Music Festival. 

 

Now, Ashleigh-Marie leads weekly community-engaged street performances with Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre Busking Program while preparing a new body of work for release in early 2027. Inspired by saying goodbye to South Africa and building a new life in Canada, the project explores identity, loss, resilience, and belonging. 

 

Writing from the wreckage and coming out swinging, Ashleigh-Marie steps into her next chapter with a story that is just beginning. 

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Experience

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​Performance: 

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• Performed in over 200 hospitality and live music venues across South Africa & Canada.

• Held 3 residencies in South Africa and 2 residencies in Canada.

• Hosted 3 successful open mics in South Africa & Canada - two at live music venues and one at Canadian Music Week.

• Performed 4 festivals.

• 2 summers busking in Ontario, Canada

• Performed over 10 showcase events in South Africa & Canada (both recorded/streamed & in-person)

• Performed at weddings and corporate events. 

• Over 200 songs in cover repertoire. 

• 20 songs self-written original music. 

• Released 1 EP containing 4 tracks (ashcoustics)

• Released 1 Music Video.

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Musicianship:

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• ​Songwriting: 10+ years 

• Vocals/Singing: 10 years

• Guitar: 5 years 

• Ukulele: 5 years 

• Piano: 3 years (inactive)

• Bagpipes: 2 years (inactive)

• Cello: 1 year (inactive)

• Recorder: 4 years (performed at a concert level, currently inactive)

• Music Production: 1 year​ (ongoing)

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Education

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DIPLOMA IN MUSIC BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

SEPTEMBER 2023 – APRIL 2025

Durham College, Oshawa, Ontario

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• Graduated with a cumulative GPA of 4.95 and honour roll standing for 4 consecutive semesters.

• Gained experience in event planning, website design, and artist/merchandise marketing and promotion.

• Developed skills and knowledge in revenue management, tour booking, contract negotiation, artist/venue management, music publishing, contract law, networking strategy, and administration.

• Built a network and prepared for various roles within the music industry.

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DEVELOPING YOUR ARTISTRY 

JANUARY 2022 – APRIL 2022

Berklee College of Music Online

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• Completed with an A grade distinction.

• Developed a professional Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to enhance digital marketing and brand visibility.

• Mastered strategies for career longevity, including workflow planning and health-centered professional habits.

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