UK X-Factor Finalist Ashley John-Baptiste Releases Debut Solo Single
Singer Ashley John-Baptiste who reached the live finals of the UK X-Factor in 2011 as part of boy band The Risk, released his debut solo single 'Show The People (How To Love)' on Christmas day as a free download on Noisetrade.
Devout Christian John-Baptiste plans to impact the mainstream music world with messages of love, hope and inspiration following his controversial departure from the hit TV show. The singer decided to leave mid-way through the televised finals leading to speculation in the press as to why the Cambridge graduate had left, and the surprise replacement in The Risk from a previously eliminated contestant.
Mentor and N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos was said to be devastated to lose Ashley from the group and even tried to talk him out of leaving the show. "Having just left University, I felt like I needed to gain clarity on what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go," says John-Baptiste. "I felt that by leaving the group (sooner rather than later) I gave the boys the best chance to succeed, not only in the competition but also in the music industry." There is no animosity between John-Baptiste and his former band mates Andy, Charlie and Derry. "We're still mates and Ashford makes a great addition to the group" says John-Baptiste of his replacement.
John-Baptiste, who was put into care at the age of 4 and spent 14 years in the care system, graduated from Cambridge University in 2011 with a 2.1 in History. His first single, 'Show The People (How To Love)' is a song John-Baptiste wrote while thinking about the current state of the world. It was produced by Ian Copeland Green who has worked with Madonna, Britney Spears, J-LO, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5 and Michael Jackson, and offers a current Pop, RnB Electro sound that has become popular in the charts over recent months
"It's a song that recognizes that there's a lot of corruption in the world and a lack of love and because of that, a lot of people don't know how to love" says John-Baptiste. "I want this song to motivate and inspire people to be the best they can be and to love the society they live in." John-Baptiste is currently in the studio recording his debut album with top producers while planning a 2012 UK tour.
