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Ashton Irwin

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Ashton Irwin
Irwin in 2014
Irwin in 2014
Background information
Birth nameAshton Fletcher Irwin
Born (1994-07-07) 7 July 1994 (age 30)
Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
Genres
OccupationMusician
Instruments
  • Drums
  • vocals
Years active2011–present
Websiteashtonirwinofficial.com

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".[5] Irwin frequently moved houses as a child, mainly residing in Richmond and Windsor.[6] 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.[6] 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.[6][10] 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.[11][12]

Career

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.[13] 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.[14] 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).[15]

Apart from the band, Irwin has song-written and provided instrumentation for other artists, including Andy Black, The Faim and Makeout.[16][17]

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".[18]

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..[19]

Personal life

Irwin has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and is an advocate for mental health.[20][21] 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".[22] In April 2020, Irwin revealed that, at the time, he had been sober for ten months.[23] 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.[23]

Irwin previously dated model Bryana Holly, with the pair dating for a year before splitting in June 2016.[24] In 2018, Irwin began an on-again off again relationship with fashion blogger and photographer, Kaitlin Blaisdell.[25]

In 2017, it was reported that Irwin bought a five-bedroom mansion in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.[26] In 2018, it was reported that Irwin had bought a second property, a penthouse, in West Hollywood.[27] As of 2020, Irwin's net-worth is estimated to be $20 million (USD).[28]

Discography

See also: 5 Seconds of Summer discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with release date and label shown
Title Album details Peak chart positions
AUS
[29] 		UK
Down.
[30] 		US
Cur.
[31]
Superbloom 37 36 77
Blood on the Drums — — —

Live albums

List of studio albums, with release date and label shown
Title Album details
Superbloom: A Live Experience
  • Released: 20 November 2020[34]
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
  • Label: AI Music Group

Singles

List of singles, with year released and album shown
Title Year Album
"Skinny Skinny"[35] 2020 Superbloom
"Have U Found What Ur Looking For"[36]
"Scar"[37]
"Heart-Shaped Box"[38] Non-album single
"Straight to Your Heart"[39] 2024 Blood on the Drums
"Canyon"[40]

Songwriting credits

Year Title Artist Album Notes
2016 "Drown Me Out" Andy Black The Shadow Side Composer, drums, percussion, background vocals[41]
"Homecoming King" Composer, drums[42]
"We Don't Have to Dance"
"Ribcage"
"Stay Alive"
"Beautiful Pain"
"Broken Pieces"
2017 "Ride It Out" Makeout The Good Life Composer, drums[16]
2018 "Summer is a Curse" The Faim State of Mind Composer, drums[17]
2019 "The Promise" Andy Black The Ghost of Ohio Composer, drums[17]
2022 "Let Me Let You Go" One Ok Rock Luxury Disease Composer, drums[43]

Videography

Music videos

Main article: 5 Seconds of Summer § Filmography
Year Title Artist Role
2018 "Valentine" 5 Seconds of Summer Himself, Director[44]
2019 "When I Get Home" Ivy Levan Love Interest[45]
2020 "Skinny Skinny" Ashton Irwin Himself, Director[46]
2024 "Straight to Your Heart" Ashton Irwin Himself, Co-director[47]
2024 "Canyon" Ashton Irwin Himself

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by 5 Seconds of Summer
Year Award ceremony Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
2020 MusicRadar Best Rock Drummers In The World Right Now Himself 3rd [48]

References

  1. ^ "Australia's Annual Music Exports Worth $137M: Report". Billboard. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Why 5SOS are finally feeling the love in Australia". Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  3. ^ "5 SECONDS OF SUMMER: Umusic". Umusic. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  4. ^ "5 Seconds of Summer". Billboard. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  5. ^ a b Campbell, Rachel (7 August 2018). ""I've always been terribly afraid of becoming an alcoholic:" 5SOS's Ashton Irwin on facing demons". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d "Ashton Irwin". People. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  7. ^ "5SOS's Ashton on his childhood: 'We'd struggle to eat from week to week at times'". Pressparty. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Sound Legacy – Ashton Irwin of 5 Seconds of Summer". www.youtube.com. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  9. ^ Summer, 5. Seconds of (2014). Hey, Lets Make a Band!. HarperCollins. p. 15. ISBN 978-0-06-236644-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Swallow The Goldfish – Shes Keeping Me Waiting (Ashton Irwin), 11 November 2014, archived from the original on 2 February 2017, retrieved 24 May 2020
  11. ^ "5SOS on leaving school to pursue music: 'We had to prove to our parents it was worth it'". Pressparty. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  12. ^ Creswell, Toby (9 March 2013). "The songs may change but the story of a hit remains the same". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 21 October 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  13. ^ Staff Reporter (14 December 2015). "'5SOS' News: Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood Talked About how Ashton Irwin Joined the Band". Realty Today. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  14. ^ Creswell, Toby (30 July 2012). "Smells Like Teen Spirit". The Age. Melbourne. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  15. ^ Savage, Mark (24 June 2018). "5SOS on demons, lies and gun control". BBC News. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  16. ^ a b The Good Life – Makeout! | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 27 July 2020
  17. ^ a b c The Promise – Andy Black | Song Info | AllMusic, retrieved 27 July 2020
  18. ^ Mier, Tomás (23 September 2020). "5SOS' Ashton Irwin Announces First-Ever Solo Project: 'I'm Ridiculously Excited to Share This'". People. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  19. ^ Downs, Sarah (5 June 2024). "5 Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin Announces Second Solo Album". Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  20. ^ Campbell, Rachel (7 August 2018). ""I've always been terribly afraid of becoming an alcoholic:" 5SOS's Ashton Irwin on facing demons". Alternative Press. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  21. ^ "5SOS: Mental health help in music not enough". BBC News. 19 June 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  22. ^ "5SOS' Ashton Irwin reveals that he's scared of becoming an alcoholic". Girlfriend. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  23. ^ a b Freedman, Adrianna (27 March 2020). "5SOS Overhauled Their Self-Care Routines. Then They Made 'CALM.'". Men's Health. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  24. ^ "Ashton Irwin And Bryana Holly Have Officially Broken Up". J-14. 17 June 2016. Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  25. ^ Garcia, Lesley (4 April 2019). "5SOS Ashton Irwin and Kaitlin Blaisdell Are Sweet As Sugar & Spice". Hollywood Pipeline. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  26. ^ McClain, James (29 January 2017). "5 Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin spends big on Studio City". DIRT. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  27. ^ "5SOS Drummer Ashton Irwin Drops Millions for West Hollywood Penthouse". TMZ. 3 February 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  28. ^ "The Richest Bands In The World". finance.yahoo.com. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  29. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  30. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  31. ^ "Ashton Irwin Chart History (Top Current Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  32. ^ "Superbloom". iTunes. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  33. ^ "Blood on the Drums". Apple Music. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  34. ^ "SUPERBLOOM: A LIVE EXPERIENCE". iTunes. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  35. ^ Brandle, Lars (24 September 2020). "Five Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin sets solo LP 'Superbloom,' drops 'Skinny Skinny': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  36. ^ "Ashton Irwin Shares Second Solo Single, 'Have U Found What Ur Looking For'". Rolling Stone Australia. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  37. ^ "'Superbloom' van Ashton Irwin". Itunes. 17 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  38. ^ "Heart-Shaped Box – Single". iTunes. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  39. ^ "Straigh To Your Heart". Apple Music. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  40. ^ "Ashton Irwin Shares New Track 'The Canyon' With Second Solo Album Out Now". Rock Sound. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  41. ^ Drown Me Out – Andy Black | Song Info | AllMusic, retrieved 27 July 2020
  42. ^ The Shadow Side (booklet). Andy Black. Lava/Republic. 2016. 02557 01349 8.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  43. ^ "ONE OK ROCK Releases Single 'Let Me Let You Go,' Making-of Video Ahead of Album Release". MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON | もしもしにっぽん. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  44. ^ "5 Seconds Of Summer – Valentine". www.youtube.com. 13 September 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  45. ^ "Ivy Levan – When I Get Home (ft. Ashton Irwin from 5 Seconds of Summer) – YouTube". www.youtube.com. 11 April 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  46. ^ "Five Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin Sets Solo LP 'Superbloom,' Drops 'Skinny Skinny': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  47. ^ Downs, Sarah (5 June 2024). "5 Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin Announces Second Solo Album". Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  48. ^ "The 10 best rock drummers in the world right now, as decided by you". MusicRadar. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
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