Now based in the USA, Ashton Nyte is a South African-born composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist, author, actor and producer. He has released 8 solo albums and 2 books as Ashton Nyte, in addition to 11 albums as The Awakening, one of South Africa's most prominent alternative rock bands. He has contributed vocals and lyrics to a number of other projects, featuring members of The Cure, Cheap Trick, Peter Murphy, The Mission, All About Eve and Beauty In Chaos, among others.
Ashton has written and performed in theatrical productions and hosted philanthropic events, including his “Rock Against Rape” concert series and presenting a lecture series at US universities focusing on tolerance and acceptance. He has had songs featured in major television shows like Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (HBOMax), The Purge (USA Network), and others.
He has been described by music journalists as "Johannesburg's Bowie" for his widely varying musical styles and theatrical performance approach. With a released catalogue of over 300 original songs, Ashton has enjoyed airplay and chart success on major independent radio stations around the world. Nyte's works have been featured on NPR/PRI in the USA, and he has performed live in-studio to 125 million listeners on the international radio show Border Crossings (Washington, DC). Nyte has toured extensively and headlined music festivals in the USA, Europe, and South Africa to upwards of 30 000 people.
2019 saw Ashton work on the score of the movie Don't Let Go with composer Ethan Gold, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2019. He completed a 36-date European Tour with British indie artist Wayne Hussey (The Mission) in September / October 2019. Waiting For A Voice, his seventh solo album, and his first book of poetry, short stories, and personal reflections was released in July 2020. His second book and eighth solo album, Autumn's Children, was released on August 25, 2023. Autumn's Children was named one of the Top 17 Albums of 2023 by American Songwriter.
In this episode of "Concerts That Made Us," Brian delves deep into the life and career of musician Ashton Nyte, exploring the multifaceted journey that has defined his extensive music career. Ashton Nyte, known for his distin...