Aaron and Ashley
1999 was the year and in \"You\'ve Got Mail!\" fashion two young, aspiring Christian musicians, Aaron Fluke and Ashley Rothermel, from rural Pennsylvania towns met (by no coincidence) on instant messenger and began to develop a friendship. They quickly saw in each other the love for writing and singing music that is devoted to God. Even though Aaron and Ashley were only three hours apart, it would be five months until they would actually meet in person. By then both knew that God had more than a friendship in store for them.
In 2001, they were married and moved to the Pittsburgh Area, where Aaron had recently become the Assistant Pastor of a small Bible church; though they soon felt God calling them from this ministry and to begin a music ministry of their own. Aaron and Ashley began collaborating on songs and had a couple of concert opportunities that year. They chose the name \"Solace\" for their ministry because of the \"peace and contentment\" that Jesus Christ brings to all who trust in Him for salvation by His grace - and hope of eternal life with Him in Heaven (John 3:16-17).
\"Solace\" recorded their debut CD (My Light and Salvation) of all original folk, inspirational, and worship songs in 2002, and moved to Northeastern PA - where Ashley had grown up – that same year.
In 2005, Aaron and Ashley recorded a more contemporary, light rock EP project (Solace: Out of the Impossible); God\'s saving power and the hope of Heaven are two of its main themes. (This CD would later be featured on the \"Get Real\" program on WGRC Christian Radio and is now titled \"Aaron and Ashley: Out of the Impossible the EP\" – see explanation below.)
Aaron recorded his first solo project (Acoustic Instrumentals – Vol. 1) - which can also be seen here on Indieheaven – in 2007. (Some of the special guests on this project include Ashley\'s sister and harpist, Kelly Rothermel; violinist, Emily Karosas; and Ashley and daughter, Ryan.)
Aaron and Ashley have recently chosen to change their group/ministry name from \"Solace\" to \"Aaron and Ashley\". They are currently in the studio working on their first CD in about four years. It is hoped that it will be released by summer\'s end (2009).
Going Back Further (Individual Bios)
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Aaron (vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica) enjoyed singing in his church\'s choir as a boy and became interested in playing the guitar in senior high school. He got started playing and writing modern Christian music with four of his high school friends (otherwise known as \"40 Days\") in South Central PA. With Aaron as guitarist and vocalist, \"40 Days\" recorded their lone CD (After the Flood) and disbanded about a year later.
Ashley (vocals) also got started singing at church, but sang in choirs throughout school as well. She began writing poetry and songs in late elementary school.
In high school, Ashley continued writing poetry and singing at her church and in school groups; while Aaron continued writing and singing in college. There Aaron met guitarist, Matt Reiner, and together they would record \"Hopewell: The Higher Love Demo\". \"Hopewell\" toured throughout Pennsylvania for about a year.
(Ashley studied the piano in school for five years, while Aaron studied the violin for a short time and played trumpet in the high school band for eight years.)
Musical Influences
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Some of Aaron and Ashley\'s musical influences include: Andrew Peterson, Fernando Ortega, Sara Groves, Michael Card, The Waiting, Chris Rice, Phil Keaggy, Caedmon\'s Call, and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Three of Ashley\'s favorite CD\'s are: \"All Right Here\" by Sara Groves, \"Valley of Vision\" by Sovereign Grace Music, and \"Unfazed\" by The Waiting. \"Beyond Nature\" by Phil Keaggy, \"Far Country\" by Andrew Peterson\", and \"The Shadow of Your Wings\" by Fernando Ortega are three of Aaron\'s favorites.
Influences
Andrew Peterson, Sarah Groves, and many more...