ASTON Sucks: “I’m In A Moment In My Life Where I’m Going To Burn The Bridge”
Pop artist ASTON makes music that’ll inspire you to walk taller — especially if you’ve had a run in or two with some men that suck.
She’s worked with the likes of K-pop stars aespa, Ricki-Lee and Cosmo’s Midnight, while also creating some of the most exciting pop being made by any Australian artist. She’s just released the stomping ‘Boy Problems’, a searing rebuke of the antiquated idea that women need a man in their life. ASTON’s lyrics are both fun and ferocious, and this track’s production is so energising that it’ll get even the most sedentary person you know moving. Listen closely, and you might just recognise the inspiration for the song…
To mark the release of ‘Boy Problems’, we caught up with ASTON to find out about why people-pleasing is a waste of time and why spending money on food is (usually) a good idea, even if it leaves you shedding a few tears. Please don’t take this as financial advice, but I’ve gotta say — how could treating yourself ever be wrong?
Junkee: Cringe quote you used to live by?
It’s not cringe but my father used to always tell me “a problem shared is a problem halved”. It’s been something I’ve had to work on throughout my life. Letting other people into my problems. Honestly… now I think about it, that quote has changed my life because it strengthens relationships.
Worst advice you got and blindly followed?
Don’t burn your bridges… that is the most people-pleasing shit I have ever heard. Why should you be kind to people that have done you wrong? They don’t deserve that from you. But you know what they do deserve… NOTHING! (laughs) I’m in a moment in my life where I’m going to burn the bridge and it’s going to become the light that helps me move forward.
The worst failure you’re up for sharing, and what you learned from it?
Relationships and specifically continuing ones that I never really wanted in the first place. I have one in mind that I felt was a big failure in the best way. I’m so glad it failed. I got to learn what a boundary was and it was the birth of songs I wrote like ‘Middle Fingers’. They allowed me to get angry.
Anything you used to be wrong about?
Believing that avoiding confrontation makes issues go away. News flash… it doesn’t help at all. In the past few years, I’ve done a 180 when it comes to addressing conflict. Nearly every time it’s for the better.
Embarrassing internet habit?
TMI but leaving browsers up when I show people things on my phone. I have been CAUGHT red-handed on many occasions from stupid Google searches to… other searches. I’ve shot myself in the foot many times by not closing tabs.
Ideal morning routine versus actual morning routine?
Working on this one at the moment. I love my morning routine as I wake up early to workout and then come home and get ready for the day. I wish my actual routine was a lot shorter though. Can I please have a full-beat face in 10 minutes?! I mean with all of this technology, you’d think we would have make-up robots that could sort it out.
Something very off-brand for you?
It would have to be watching romantic Korean dramas. A friend of mine pushed me to watch one once. I didn’t like it but trusted her recommendations and watched another. It’s not a healthy representation of love or equality within a relationship most times but I think it’s more the juicy cliffhangers that keep me hooked.
Bad health decision?
Chocolate. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP CHOCOLATE!
What do you waste money on?
Living, duh. It’s hard out here. Everything is expensive and that’s just for the bare minimum. Low-key, though, I am one of many people that spend too much money on food. Have you ever had a 12-course sushi dinner before though? Worth every penny and tear I shed after balling out with my paycheck.
Worst procrastination habit?
Coming up with ideas. Do you know when you just spend so much time planning things rather than doing them? I have the most in-depth elaborate ideas all of the time and I’ll invest a little too much time in perfecting them.
ASTON’s new single Boy Problems is out now.
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Illustration credit: Matt Lauricella, @pigeonboyart