7 Minutes in Heaven with Ashley Jones

Last year Ashley Jones' To Feel Alive Around Here was placed on the Official Ballot for the 2008 Grammy Awards. Now she's back with a brand-new album full of inspiration. Her Songs About Falling released last week at an enthusiastic release party. If you weren't able to make it to the party, you can buy a copy of the album here and catch her playing live at The Haven and City Grace. The busy musician, who is an independent artist in World Vision's Artist Associate Program, took time out of her schedule to answer a few questions.

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Asphalt Eden: What inspires you?

Ashley Jones: People, relationships, everyday stuff, extraordinary stuff...it's all pretty inspiring.

Asphalt Eden: Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
Ashley Jones: Someone who knows how to build a boat :)

Asphalt Eden: If you had to have a portrait of yourself made, what artist would commission?
Ashley Jones: Any artist? Dead or alive? Caravaggio ... every time I see one of his paintings I'm drawn in by the way he balances the light and the darkness -- and I think I'd need a little of both in my portrait.

Asphalt Eden: What is your favorite time of day?
Ashley Jones: I'm not a morning person but I love the sunlight in the earliest part of the day.

Asphalt Eden: Where in New York is the closest place to your own personal Garden of Eden?
Ashley Jones: I love Bryant Park in the summer when they play movies on the lawn. You're surrounded by people, surrounded by trees, surrounded by skyscrapers.

Asphalt Eden: What's on repeat on your iPod?
Ashley Jones: I [am] more of a fan of the shuffle... This morning I rode the subway to Trace Bundy's album, Adapt. It's all instrumental acoustic guitar -- makes a pretty great soundtrack for the daily commute.

Asphalt Eden: If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

Ashley Jones: Just one? Hmm... Where should I be headed next?