A couple of years back, learning of my neighbors’ musician sons, of course I wanted to go listen and support their music. Little did I know that I was in for a serious treat. Conor Ashe and Ryan Ashe are serious and accomplished musicians and bring the goods! I am now officially a fan.

  

Using their superb musicianship as their art of communication, these wise words were shared with me by professional musicians Ryan Ashe and Conor Ashe recently as I sat down with them to learn more about their music career and their inspirations as the music duo known as Common Allies, also known as The Ashe Brothers.

 

Conor and Ryan, now living in Long Beach, California for the last five years, are the twin sons of Judy and Patrick Ashe, who are residents of The Glen, moving to Stonebridge from Naperville about five years ago.

 

How it all started. Growing up in Naperville, graduates of District 204’s Neuqua Valley High School, with its Grammy Award-winning music program, both Conor and Ryan praised the school and the musical inspiration they experienced there, as well as their previous orchestra experience from 2nd grade through 7th grade. Upon graduating from Neuqua, the Ashe brothers continued their education at the University of Iowa, majoring in Business and International Relations, with a focus in Film, Cinema and Comparative Literature. Both also earned Certificates in Entrepreneurial Management. Conor noted that they often refer back to these entrepreneurial studies as full-time musicians. They believe that evolving as a creative in the business is an ongoing process. Now 10 years out of college, both noted that they are still learning and honing their craft.

 

Both Conor and Ryan are songwriters and vocalists, with Conor’s focus on Acoustic Guitar, Bass, and Keys. Ryan focuses on Lead Guitar and Percussion. Their vocal precision together is astounding. Influences of Rock n Roll, Americana, Bluegrass, Psychedelic, Alternative Rock, and Jazz all come into play in their concerts. Hint: The chances are great that any request you toss out to this accomplished duo at any of their concerts will be met with creative perfection and they will even perform it a bit better than the original you remember!

Common Allies’ most recent album is “Melancholy Days”; to be found wherever you buy your music, and they will be working on a new record in studio later this fall. They noted that they plan to start recording more now, as they have honed their craft and are producing better music now due to constant performing and practice. Ryan notes, “As years go by, I look at where guitar was and is now. Lots of Country and Jazz. I like to mix those two together as much as I can.  And Country is so cool, it gives you a different way to touch the strings.”

 

When did you know you wanted to be a musician? Conor quickly noted, “I wanted to be a musician since I was 4 years old. My goal was to be an electric guitar player." To which Ryan chuckled and replied, “I didn’t even know what the heck he was talking about. I wanted to be an architect, or a school principal. Credit goes to our parents for supporting our musical endeavors from an early age. We started taking piano lessons in 2nd grade. We always watched Alvin & The Chipmunks and Gumby and the 80s and 90s sing-along iterations.”

 

What are some of the most memorable moments in your career so far? “We were honored to have been invited to open for and play with the legendary Jefferson Starship, as well as a gig covering for Art Garfunkel in Naperville a few years ago when a blizzard grounded the music icon in New York City.”

Talk about working with other musicians. I asked about their inspiration for the generosity they show to their fellow musicians sharing the stage and they sum up their approach as this: “There is joy in being part of a like-minded group of people, a 'no-ego' team effort, that allows something greater to be achieved when you’re making music. It’s about being grateful for what you’ve got and grateful for family.”

 

It is clear that love for family runs deep and plays a very large part in their humble demeanor as they credit their Mom, Judy, for helping them with so many aspects of their music business, noting that “our Mom is the most wonderful and creative woman we’ve ever known!”

 

Conor and Ryan enjoyed sharing this story with me that they say their Mom loves to share: “One day when we were 5 years old our Mom took us to see a football game of our next-door neighbor’s son who was a star on the team. Mom anticipated that we would be tossing a football about in the backyard the next day. Instead, we were playing in the yard in our plastic knight helmets with feather plumes on top and playing our plastic toy horns, emulating the marching band. Little did she realize that’s what we cared about. I guess as they say, the ‘rest is history’.”

 

How does being twins influence your work and your music? Ryan noted, “I’ve never known what it would be like to not have this guy working with me, and me working with him. We have such a tight, close friendship. People are always like, ‘what’s it feel like to be a twin?’ We always say, I don’t know. What’s it feel like to not be a twin? It's all we’ve ever known, especially since we are tight. We have a close friendship. We balance it along with alone time when we need it.”

 

What’s next? Conor and Ryan are working on new music and are back in the recording studio after returning last month from their concert tour in Ireland. “It is a good time for us to record. We’ve had several years of touring and performing since our last recordings. We have more to bring to the table now since we’ve had the time to hone our skills. Our recordings now will be much closer to what you experience when you see us live.”

 

The Ashe Brothers will be back in the Chicago area on tour in December 2024 and January 2025, and typically also tour here in July/August. They play several local Aurora/Naperville area and Chicagoland venues such as Frankie’s in Naperville, the Roundhouse in Aurora, Jonny Cab’s in Burr Ridge, and more, with the “big goal” one day to play the Chicago Theatre.  

Ryan and Conor invite you to keep up to date on their concert performances by visiting their website commonallies.com. I encourage you to catch one of their shows when they are back in the area. Besides being such talented artists, their genuine love for the music and their audience make it a show you’ll smile about for days.

 

What is one thing that you’d like for people to know about you? Ryan was quick to answer. “I’m confident that Conor and I will provide you a world-class experience when you come to hear our music. You will not regret coming to see us in concert. You’ll have a really good time.”

 

Never shy to have the last word, I, as the author, would like to say that I wholeheartedly agree. See you at their next local gig!  You’ll be glad you came.