Douglas singer-songwriter Alice Ashe is set to take her music to Los Angeles after a social media connection led to an opportunity to work with one of the industry’s leading songwriters.

Alice will travel to LA to take part in Hitmakers 2026, a song-writing event bringing together established professionals and emerging talent from across the music industry.

Her journey began after she connected with Lauren Christy, a seven-time Grammy-nominated songwriter who has worked with major artists including Avril Lavigne, Dua Lipa and Bebe Rexha.

Alice initially attended Lauren’s online songwriting course, where she was given an insight into the creative process behind some of Avril Lavigne’s biggest songs, including ‘Sk8er Boi’, ‘Complicated’ and ‘I’m with You’, as well as Lauren’s collaboration with Dua Lipa on ‘Blow Your Mind (Mwah)’.

She said: ‘I found it all amazing to behold to be honest, it was so cool and really inspiring to watch and see.’

Following the course, Alice had a call with Lauren, who offered advice on her developing career and told her she liked Alice’s debut single, ‘Six Feet Under’.

The pair connected, with Lauren subsequently offering to mentor Alice.

When Alice discovered Lauren would be speaking at Hitmakers 2026, she decided to make the trip to LA.

‘It just felt right to make the jump to go out there and be amongst other great songwriters.’

The event in October will also feature professional songwriters who have worked with major artists including Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Rihanna and Yungblud.

Lauren has also offered to write a song with Alice during the trip without charging her a fee, in exchange for song-writing credit.

For Alice, working alongside someone with Lauren’s experience represents an important step in her career.

‘I personally want people around me who have been there and done it, and Lauren is definitely that person, she’s one of the best songwriters full stop.’

The trip has been supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, with Alice describing the funding as ‘absolutely crucial’ as she establishes herself as a full-time musician.

‘Without the support from the Arts Council, the trip may not have been possible for me, so I’m absolutely grateful and so pleased with their support.’

Alice also hopes her journey will encourage other aspiring musicians, particularly young women, to pursue their ambitions.

‘I really want other aspiring musicians, but especially young women that are aspiring singer-songwriters like myself, to know that your dreams are very possible,’ she said.

She believes being curious, having self-belief and being willing to create opportunities can make a difference.

‘I could have easily just stayed in my comfort zone and decided not to go, but then I wouldn’t be writing a song with one of the best songwriters in the music industry.’

Ultimately, Alice hopes to return from LA with inspiration, new connections and, ideally, a hit song.

‘Something indescribable, has really pushed me to go to LA, I could have easily just stayed in my comfort zone and decided not to go, but then I wouldn’t be writing a song with one of the best songwriters in the music industry. I want this to inspire other people to be brave and follow their dreams.’