About Ashley Cortes

Ashley Cortes is a versatile and dynamic singer-songwriter from the San Francisco Bay Area, known for expressive vocals, compelling melodies, and engaging performances in English and Tagalog. She often accompanies herself on acoustic guitar, piano, or electric bass; bringing an authentic and heartfelt presence to every stage.

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Ashley graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Professional Music, specializing in Songwriting, Vocal Performance, and Entrepreneurship; and earned a Master’s degree in Music Business at New York University. During her academic career, she was honored with the Professional Music Entrepreneurial Award at Berklee and the Global Pathways Opportunity Scholarship at NYU.

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Committed to fostering inclusivity and representation, Ashley uses her music to create meaningful connections, particularly within the Filipino community. She has performed across the United States and the Philippines; and has worked with well-known Filipino artists including Manny Pacquiao, Lani Misalucha, Ariel Rivera, Vice Ganda, Sam Milby, Angeline Quinto, and Jose & Wally. She has also been a featured artist and voice-over actor for Pacha’s Pajamas, an interactive children’s story alongside Mos Def, Cheech Marin, Lester Chambers, and Genevieve Goings; and has appeared on stage at iconic NYC venues such as at Carnegie Hall and Birdland Jazz Club.

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Ashley competed in the global singing competition Star Makers International, where her standout performances led to the opportunity to record and promote the coronation song “I Rise Above”, written and produced by Jonathan Manalo, creative director of ABS-CBN Star Music. She performed the track on Showtime Online U, iWant ASAP, and Wish Bus; and shared insights about her journey in interviews on Radyo630 with DJ JhaiHo and MOR Entertainment’s Good Time To.