Local musician attempting to move up in “Top Hitmaker” competition

Paige Ashley of Amherstburg is competing in the “America’s Next Top Hitmaker” online contest.

A musician from Amherstburg is attempting to win an online competition in order to further propel her musical dreams.

Paige Ashley is a participant in the “America’s Next Top Hitmaker” contest and is doing well thus far. She is seeking to gain even more community support as the contest progresses further.

The winner of the contest will receive $50,000, a photoshoot in Rolling Stone magazine and a five-minute set at the Global Citizen Festival in New York.

“I saw an ad on Instagram and I thought ‘I might as well try out. It’s free,’” said Ashley.

That was roughly six weeks ago and Ashley sent in her music link and registered for the competition. She said she has been singing as long as she can remember and learned to play guitar during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 19-year-old has been releasing her own music on streaming services since she was 15.

“I’m hoping to release some more this summer,” said Ashley.

Weekly voting takes place at https://tophitmaker.org/2025/paige-ashley and top winners in each round move on to the next. While she has a lot of support thus far, she wants that to continue and get even more.

“It’s a lot about pushing yourself and marketing yourself,” said Ashley, “and that’s what I’m going to do. I want to thank people for supporting me. Everyone has been great.”

Making music has always been something that has been cathartic for her, she said, and she writes songs to express feelings she otherwise might not be able to say. Music has also been a part of her family as her mother and siblings have sung.

Ashley has performed at area festivals and restaurants, some of which include the Cottam Fall Festival, Twigs Bar & Grill and Amherstburg’s G.L. Heritage Brewing Co.

“I like to perform at charitable events,” she stated. 

Future goals include getting signed by a record label and she thanked her music teacher Brian Jacques, her family and girlfriend Sloane for their help along the way. 

“Ever since I was little, I’ve been telling people I want to be a rock star,” she said. 

Local musician attempting to move up in “Top Hitmaker” competition

By Ron Giofu