Mix together boundless ambition, a knack for storytelling, a disco-funk groove, and a love for connection, and you get Ace Love. Born Asher Azeem and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Ace’s journey began in a third-world country where hardship and perseverance shaped his early years. From singing at the age of 8 to crafting beats at 9, Ace’s love for music blossomed against all odds, fueled by a natural talent and a desire to inspire others.
With his magnetic charm, soulful voice, and a relentless drive to push boundaries, Ace Love is forging a path that blends vulnerability with bold innovation. His debut album, Valor & Honor, is a 10-track masterpiece that explores love, loss, and redemption through the lens of funk-pop, R&B, and disco.
Let’s dive into Ace Love’s journey and the story behind his album, Valor & Honor.
Penny Powell: What was the first song you ever wrote, and how does it compare to your current work?
Ace Love: The first song I wrote was in high school, titled “Been Too Long.” The main distinction between that song and the records I produce now would be the writing, as it was undeveloped and not well thought out. I had already figured out how to produce high-quality tracks, but my mastery nowadays lies in my lyrical cadence, and that is evident within every track of Valor & Honor. The lyrical cadence has been years in the making, so you can expect even better and more vivid writing in future projects.
Penny Powell: What’s a moment during the making of Valor & Honor that you’ll never forget?
Ace Love: I would say the moment I came up with the opening notes of Valor, the first track on the record. That melody really came from above, and I took complete advantage of that moment as I produced that melody with an electric guitar immediately. Right after putting those notes down, I knew that song would be the most popular, as I only needed to add drums and vocals to make that song the most popular song on the record. That moment of realization is unparalleled, and I can’t wait to keep producing catchy melodies with the upcoming albums.
Penny Powell: You have a distinct blend of funk-pop, R&B, and disco in your sound. Are there any other genres you’d like to explore in the future?
Ace Love: Absolutely! I’m quite experienced in the genre of rap, as I’ve practiced years to develop my rhyme schemes, melodies, and lyrical cadence. After the upcoming rap album, there will be a synthwave-pop album, but I have yet to finish that record. Just know that these records will keep you on the edge of your seat, and that’s the way I wrote those albums.
Penny Powell: How did you approach the concept and themes for the album Valor & Honor, and what was the core message you wanted to convey?
Ace Love: The themes should always fit the way the music makes you feel. A slow and melodic piece asks for the theme of loss and vulnerability, but Valor & Honor is made with the themes of redemption and pride. The message being that expressing yourself may save yourself from a bad time since you don’t bottle it up. What I want my listeners to know is that love triumphs all other emotions. And the reward for expressing love is more beneficial than the other emotions. Not only to the self but for everyone around you.
Penny Powell: What’s the most meaningful or impactful feedback you’ve received from your fans or peers about your music?
Ace Love: The most impactful feedback I’ve received is that this record has revealed a part of my listeners that they’ve never experienced before. I feel that if people attempted to imitate this style of music I’ve put out, they’d discover things about themselves they’d never known. And in that way, the music becomes their solace and inspiration for how they’re character develops. My music being a driving factor in the building of good character and of their ambition is utterly flattering. My listeners also relate me to other great artists, and that admiration never goes unacknowledged. I always try to reply to all my fans with constructive feedback to build the way they represent themselves.
Penny Powell: Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the right mindset for creating music?
Ace Love: Of course! Warming up the vocals is always good, but I usually end up listening to my previous bodies of work and end up making new and better music. When you revisit your old work and get inspired, I think it triggers a spark in your creative mind to be better and more expressive, and that’s a factor in improving your music. I compare my old vocals, production, and writing, and that’s the ritual. Once you’re a professional, you perceive your old work with critical thought, and that becomes a source of betterment. So my routine before I ever produce or write is going back to where I started and asking myself why and how I am better than before. To be proud of where you are now rather than where you were develops a sense of progression, and I keep that in my practices.
Penny Powell: If you could tour with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Ace Love: Actually, I would tour with a number of artists. But one that stands out would be the XO crew. I’m only now starting my own label, and I’m heavily inspired by the lifestyle and productivity their team brings to the table. Every tour is full of life, yet I would also imagine a tour with artists like Tate McRae, whose team is explosive with their performance arts, and they’re only improving. Those two teams would be amazing to tour with, although I know it’s not likely to happen, but I’d want my team to deliver in the same way they do. Overtly expressive and knowing no bounds. That’s a tour.
Penny Powell: What’s something you’ve learned through your music career that you wish you knew when you started?
Ace Love: That you can’t do it all alone. A team is almost necessary when you want to succeed. You need people to rely on and that are constantly sharing ideas with you that are thought-provoking and progressive. So I’d say to all those that make music alone, find people that are just as invested in the art as you. That evidently aids in being more creative and speeds up the rate of production.
Penny Powell: How do you see your music evolving in the next five years?
Ace Love: Well, what you can expect is a more serious progressive arc with every album that will drop for the next five years. I’ve already started writing my fourth album, and it will take on much more serious and meaningful undertones within every track. So what I’ll say is that I haven’t come into the industry just for fun; I’ve come to leave a mark. Every album is sophisticated, and the progression in the character arc will be noticeable in the future.
Ace Love continues to bring his music to life with the release of the lyric video for “Valor,” the electrifying opening track from Valor & Honor. The video features Ace strolling through the city streets, blending his captivating presence with the track’s bold energy and lyrical depth.
Follow Ace Love on Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify to keep up with his latest releases and witness the evolution of a rising star destined to leave a lasting mark on the music industry.