Ashton Irwin Explained

Ashton Irwin
Birth Name:Ashton Fletcher Irwin
Birth Date:1994 7, df=yes
Birth Place:Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
Years Active:2011–present
Occupation:Musician
Associated Acts:5 Seconds of Summer

Ashton Fletcher Irwin (born 7 July 1994) is an Australian musician, best known as the drummer of the pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer. Since 2014, 5 Seconds of Summer have sold more than 10 million albums, sold over 2 million concert tickets worldwide, and the band's songs streams surpass 7 billion, making them one of the most successful Australian musical exports in history.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Early life

Ashton Fletcher Irwin was born on 7 July 1994 in Hornsby, New South Wales. His father, who is an American, left the family when Irwin was two years old. His mother, Anne-Marie, struggled with alcoholism,[5] and as a result, he spent his childhood "hanging out with drunk people at pubs".[6] He later elaborated, "My upbringing is […] interesting, I didn't have a father, my mom has struggled with alcoholism my whole life. I've grown up kind of bringing other people up…I've had to be relentlessly positive, and I have a very depressed mind". Irwin frequently moved houses as a child, mainly residing in Richmond and Windsor. Irwin's mother "didn't have a lot of money" and as a result, Irwin would "struggle to eat from week to week".[7]

Irwin's uncle was a drummer in a death-metal band and his step-father played drums in a punk-rock band. Irwin learned how to play drums at nine years old after asking his step-father to teach him.[8] Irwin helped raise his younger siblings, half-brother Harry and half-sister Lauren, whilst attending Richmond High School, from which he graduated in 2012.[9] During his high school years, prior to the formation of 5 Seconds of Summer, Irwin formed a jazz-funk band called "Swallow the Goldfish" with his classmates. Ultimately departing from the band, Irwin pursued a year of higher education at a TAFE college, studying music, before choosing to leave due to his commitment to 5 Seconds of Summer.[10] [11]

Career

See main article: 5 Seconds of Summer. In late 2011, Irwin received a Facebook message from friend and future band-mate, Michael Clifford, asking if Irwin was interested in casually playing music with him, Calum Hood and Luke Hemmings. Irwin agreed, eventually joining the trio in posting song covers on Hemmings' YouTube channel, and forming the 5 Seconds of Summer lineup.[12] After months of posting song covers together, the band began attracting interest from major music labels and publishers and signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.[13] Irwin has since released five studio albums with the band, each met with worldwide success: 5 Seconds of Summer (2014), Sounds Good Feels Good (2015), Youngblood (2018), Calm (2020), and 5SOS5 (2022).[14]

Apart from the band, Irwin has song-written and provided instrumentation for other artists, including Andy Black, The Faim and Makeout.

On 23 September 2020, Irwin announced the release of his debut solo album, titled Superbloom, which was released on 23 October 2020. It was preceded by the single, "Skinny Skinny", a track about issues concerning body image, something Irwin says he has "never confronted in a creative form". Irwin stated that "Superbloom explores my inner philosophies and feelings about the walk of life I have found myself on". He reiterated: "It brings me the greatest joy of all that I am in a band that allows me to create freely inside and outside of it".[15]

On 2024, Irwin announced the release of his second solo album, titled Blood on the Drums, which will be released on 17 July 2024. It was preceded by the single, "Straight to Your Heart", the track was described as an ’80s new wave-influenced alt-pop anthem, and was co-written and produced by Irwin in collaboration with John Feldmann. Irwin described the title as "a metaphor for how much I've given my music." Unlike Superbloom, which was created during the pandemic and focused on personal reflection, Blood on the Drums takes a more outward perspective. Blood on the Drums will be released in two parts: The first eight tracks were released digitally on 12 June, with the complete album released on 19 July 2024..[16]

Personal life

Irwin has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and is an advocate for mental health.[17] [18] In 2018, Irwin admitted that during 5 Seconds of Summer's two-year break, he dealt "with [his] feelings in the beginning [of the hiatus] with just alcohol".[19] In April 2020, Irwin revealed that, at the time, he had been sober for ten months.[20] During the band's 2019 tour, Irwin documented, via his social media accounts, ice baths he partook in before each show as an affirmation of overcoming his substance abuse.

Irwin previously dated model Bryana Holly, with the pair dating for a year before splitting in June 2016.[21] In 2018, Irwin began an on-again off again relationship with fashion blogger and photographer, Kaitlin Blaisdell.[22]

In 2017, it was reported that Irwin bought a five-bedroom mansion in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.[23] In 2018, it was reported that Irwin had bought a second property, a penthouse, in West Hollywood.[24] As of 2020, Irwin's net-worth is estimated to be $20 million (USD).[25]

Discography

See also: 5 Seconds of Summer discography.

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"
Album detailsPeak chart positions
AUS
[26]
UK
Down.

[27]
US
Cur.

[28]
Superbloom 37 36 77
Blood on the Drums

Live albums

Title! scope="col" style="width:16em;"
Album details
Superbloom: A Live Experience
  • Released: 20 November 2020[31]
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
  • Label: AI Music Group

Singles

Title! scope="col"
YearAlbum
"Skinny Skinny"[32] 2020Superbloom
"Have U Found What Ur Looking For"[33]
"Scar"[34]
"Heart-Shaped Box"[35]
"Straight to Your Heart"[36] 2024Blood on the Drums
"Canyon"[37]

Songwriting credits

YearTitleArtistAlbumNotes
2016"Drown Me Out"Andy BlackThe Shadow SideComposer, drums, percussion, background vocals
"Homecoming King"Composer, drums[38]
"We Don't Have to Dance"
"Ribcage"
"Stay Alive"
"Beautiful Pain"
"Broken Pieces"
2017"Ride It Out"MakeoutThe Good LifeComposer, drums
2018"Summer is a Curse"The FaimState of MindComposer, drums
2019"The Promise"Andy BlackThe Ghost of OhioComposer, drums
2022"Let Me Let You Go"One Ok RockLuxury DiseaseComposer, drums[39]

Videography

Music videos

!Year!Title!Artist!Role
2018"Valentine"5 Seconds of SummerHimself, Director[40]
2019"When I Get Home"Ivy LevanLove Interest[41]
2020"Skinny Skinny"Ashton IrwinHimself, Director[42]
2024"Straight to Your Heart"Ashton IrwinHimself, Co-director[43]
2024"Canyon"Ashton IrwinHimself

Awards and nominations

See main article: List of awards and nominations received by 5 Seconds of Summer.

Notes and References

  1. 17 July 2019. Australia's Annual Music Exports Worth $137M: Report. 7 August 2020. Billboard.
  2. Web site: Why 5SOS are finally feeling the love in Australia. 7 August 2020. Sunshine Coast Daily. en.
  3. Web site: 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER: Umusic. 27 July 2020. Umusic. en-US. 12 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200212064035/http://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/5-seconds-of-summer-announce-new-album-calm-out-march-27/. dead.
  4. 31 January 2020. 5 Seconds of Summer. 27 July 2020. Billboard.
  5. Web site: Campbell. Rachel. 7 August 2018. "I've always been terribly afraid of becoming an alcoholic:" 5SOS's Ashton Irwin on facing demons. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190109174341/https://www.altpress.com/features/ashton-irwin-5sos-alcoholic-fears/. 9 January 2019. 24 May 2020. Alternative Press.
  6. Web site: Ashton Irwin. 24 May 2020. People.
  7. Web site: 5SOS's Ashton on his childhood: 'We'd struggle to eat from week to week at times'. 7 August 2020. Pressparty. en.
  8. Web site: Sound Legacy – Ashton Irwin of 5 Seconds of Summer. 23 July 2020. www.youtube.com. 4 March 2016 .
  9. Book: Hey, Lets Make a Band!. 2014. 978-0-06-236644-3. 15. Summer. 5. Seconds of. HarperCollins .
  10. Web site: 5SOS on leaving school to pursue music: 'We had to prove to our parents it was worth it'. 22 May 2020. Pressparty.
  11. Web site: Creswell. Toby. 9 March 2013. The songs may change but the story of a hit remains the same. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161021172433/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/the-songs-may-change-but-the-story-of-a-hit-remains-the-same-20130309-2fsb2.html. 21 October 2016. 22 May 2020. The Sydney Morning Herald.
  12. Web site: Staff Reporter. 14 December 2015. '5SOS' News: Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood Talked About how Ashton Irwin Joined the Band. 27 July 2020. Realty Today. en.
  13. News: Creswell. Toby. 30 July 2012. Smells Like Teen Spirit. The Age. Melbourne. 11 August 2012.
  14. News: Savage. Mark. 24 June 2018. 5SOS on demons, lies and gun control. en-GB. BBC News. 27 July 2020.
  15. Web site: 5SOS' Ashton Irwin Announces First-Ever Solo Project: 'I'm Ridiculously Excited to Share This'. People. Mier. Tomás. 23 September 2020. 23 September 2020.
  16. 5 Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin Announces Second Solo Album. Rolling Stone Australia. Downs. Sarah. 5 June 2024. 5 June 2024.
  17. Web site: Campbell. Rachel. 7 August 2018. "I've always been terribly afraid of becoming an alcoholic:" 5SOS's Ashton Irwin on facing demons. 27 July 2020. Alternative Press. en-US.
  18. News: 19 June 2018. 5SOS: Mental health help in music not enough. en-GB. BBC News. 4 August 2020.
  19. Web site: 5SOS' Ashton Irwin reveals that he's scared of becoming an alcoholic. 27 July 2020. Girlfriend. 9 August 2018 . en-us.
  20. Web site: Freedman. Adrianna. 27 March 2020. 5SOS Overhauled Their Self-Care Routines. Then They Made 'CALM.'. 27 July 2020. Men's Health. en-US.
  21. Web site: 17 June 2016. Ashton Irwin And Bryana Holly Have Officially Broken Up. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180402140912/http://www.j-14.com/posts/ashton-irwin-and-bryana-holly-have-officially-broken-up-105521. 2 April 2018. 24 May 2020. J-14.
  22. Web site: Garcia. Lesley. 4 April 2019. 5SOS Ashton Irwin and Kaitlin Blaisdell Are Sweet As Sugar & Spice. 27 July 2020. Hollywood Pipeline. en-US. 27 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105346/https://www.hollywoodpipeline.com/2019/04/04/5sos-ashton-irwin-and-kaykay-blaisdell-are-sweet-as-sugar-spice/. dead.
  23. Web site: McClain. James. 29 January 2017. 5 Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin spends big on Studio City. 27 July 2020. DIRT. en-US.
  24. Web site: 5SOS Drummer Ashton Irwin Drops Millions for West Hollywood Penthouse. 27 July 2020. TMZ. 3 February 2018 . en.
  25. Web site: The Richest Bands In The World. 27 July 2020. finance.yahoo.com. 15 June 2020 . en-US.
  26. Web site: ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. 16 November 2020. 14 November 2020.
  27. Web site: Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100. Official Charts Company. 18 July 2022.
  28. Ashton Irwin Chart History (Top Current Album Sales). Billboard. 18 July 2022.
  29. Web site: Superbloom. iTunes. 27 September 2020.
  30. Web site: Blood on the Drums. Apple Music. 4 June 2024.
  31. Web site: SUPERBLOOM: A LIVE EXPERIENCE. iTunes. 20 November 2020. 20 November 2020.
  32. Five Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin sets solo LP 'Superbloom,' drops 'Skinny Skinny': Listen . . 24 September 2020 . 28 September 2020 . Brandle, Lars.
  33. Web site: 2 October 2020. Ashton Irwin Shares Second Solo Single, 'Have U Found What Ur Looking For'. 3 October 2020. Rolling Stone Australia. en-AU.
  34. Web site: 17 October 2020. 'Superbloom' van Ashton Irwin . 17 October 2020. Itunes.
  35. Web site: Heart-Shaped Box – Single . . 13 November 2020 . 13 November 2020.
  36. Web site: 4 June 2024. Straigh To Your Heart. 4 June 2024. Apple Music.
  37. Web site: Ashton Irwin Shares New Track ‘The Canyon’ With Second Solo Album Out Now . Rock Sound. 17 July 2024. 25 July 2024.
  38. The Shadow Side. Andy Black. 2016. booklet. Lava/Republic. 02557 01349 8.
  39. Web site: 2022-09-01 . ONE OK ROCK Releases Single 'Let Me Let You Go,' Making-of Video Ahead of Album Release . 2022-10-17 . MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON もしもしにっぽん . en.
  40. Web site: 5 Seconds Of Summer – Valentine. 27 July 2020. www.youtube.com. 13 September 2018 .
  41. Web site: Ivy Levan – When I Get Home (ft. Ashton Irwin from 5 Seconds of Summer) – YouTube. 7 August 2020. www.youtube.com. 11 April 2020 .
  42. Five Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin Sets Solo LP 'Superbloom,' Drops 'Skinny Skinny': Listen. Billboard. 27 September 2020.
  43. 5 Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin Announces Second Solo Album. Rolling Stone Australia. Downs. Sarah. 5 June 2024. 5 June 2024.
  44. Web site: The 10 best rock drummers in the world right now, as decided by you. MusicRadar . 10 December 2020.