Never one to follow convention, Ashley Tomberlin began her love affair with music early on but initially resisted the urge. Consoling herself with art, poetry and academia, she entered University only to rediscover her true passion for music. After receiving a classical guitar as a gift, she began to play, coaxing the fiery poetry she once wrote into song. Unsure of her own voice and talent, it took another unexpected event to finally push her from obscurity, directly into the path of listeners all accross the world.

After a chance encounter in the spring of 2002, this unknown vocalist and musician from the United states began a collaboration with UK producer Laurence Rapaccioli already known for his work under the artist name Arksun. After completing a few initial tracks, they eventually lost touch until the fall of 2003 when they began to take another look at what they had created the previous year. With a renewed sense of purpose, the musical partnership finally gelled, and Luminary was born.

It wasn’t long before their music began to garner the attention of established independent labels such as Lost Language and Ministry. Ashley’s first Luminary track “My World” was snapped up by Lost Language along with “Dark Eyes” in the fall of 2003 to be included on Ben Lost’s Exhibition II compilation. Since then, “My World” has grown into a full on 3 disc release including remixes by Andy Moor, Nikola Gala and Pesh. Played out early on by Armin Van Buuren, the track thrust Luminary to the forefront and My World was quickly picked up by Tiesto to be used on his In Search of Sunrise 4 compilation album.

The second release “Wasting” was burnt into Armin’s A State of Trance 2005 compilation practically before it had even been signed as a single and was swiftly released on Armada’s infamous Soundpiercing label.

Now joining forces with Anjunabeats, Ashley and Luminary have just released Amsterdam on Feburary 6, 2006. Overall, it has been well received, charting at no. 1 for Paul Van Dyk in the December issue of Mixmag and rated 5/5 by DJ Magazine. Additionally, Amsterdam has been played out everywhere from BBC Radio 1’s “Dave Pearce Dance Anthems” to TATW Above and Beyond’s Trance Around the World and ASOT Armin Van Buuren’s A State of Trance.

Her latest collaboration with Above and Beyond on their debut album Tri-State has just been released on March 04, 2006. Collaborating with Tony, Paavo and Jono on a stunning track titled Can’t Sleep, Ashley again demonstrates her trademark vocal style of combining breathless melodies with intense emotion. This in addition to her distinctive lyrical phrasing, has helped set her apart from so many other vocalists in the genre. You can expect great things from this up and coming artist, but most of all, expect the unexpected! It has been a strange journey, but a good one, and Ashley is definitely keeping her watchful eyes on the future and her ears open to new inspiration.

Check out Ashley on the Above & Beyond release:
Tri-State

For more info on Ashley Tomberlin visit:
www.luminarymusic.co.uk
myspace.com/ashleytomberlin