Ashley Paul releases new single as she pivots into jazz and adult contemporary

Ashley Paul has released “I Just Had to Fall” via Dauman/Universal, a single that opens a new chapter as she expands beyond dance-pop into jazz and adult contemporary. The rollout also sets up a December 29 performance at 54 Below in New York City and a new trio project built around standards and original songs.

Why it matters: - Ashley Paul is broadening her sound beyond the dance/pop EDM lane that first built her audience. - The shift positions Paul for the jazz and adult contemporary markets, where vocal performance and storytelling carry more weight. - The release also builds toward a New York City live date that will introduce the new direction onstage.

What happened: - Ashley Paul released the new single “I Just Had to Fall” via Dauman/Universal. - The song is now available on all major streaming platforms. - Paul will perform “Hearts Up After Dark” at 54 Below in New York City on December 29. - The show will blend standards and original music from Paul’s catalog.

The details: - “I Just Had to Fall” is described as the first step in a broader musical direction that includes new recordings and live performances. - The single will also be played on Smooth Jazz radio. - A different mix of the single will be released in August. - Paul is working with Bizkit and Butta on new music. - Bizkit and Butta are a four-time Grammy-nominated, Soul Train Award-winning duo from Philadelphia. - Bizkit and Butta produced John Legend’s Billboard No. 1 hit “Tonight.” - The Ashley Paul Trio will serve as a new live and recording project. - Upcoming trio recordings will include “Fever” and “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” - The trio will also record original songs from Paul’s catalog. - The recordings are expected to reach major streaming platforms. - The 54 Below set will include “Bingo Baby,” “Hearts Up,” “Fever,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and additional songs.

Between the lines: - The rollout suggests Paul is trying to extend her audience without abandoning the catalog that established her. - Moving into jazz and adult contemporary can signal a focus on vocal identity over club-driven production. - The trio format gives Paul a more intimate live setting that may help reposition her as a vocalist and interpreter as much as a recording artist. - Paul’s recent releases have already shown traction across radio and streaming, which may help support the transition.

What's next: - A new mix of “I Just Had to Fall” is set for release in August. - More music from Paul’s work with Bizkit and Butta is in development. - The Ashley Paul Trio’s recordings are expected to arrive on major streaming services. - Paul’s December 29 54 Below performance will serve as the live debut of this new chapter.

The bottom line: - Ashley Paul is using a new single, a trio project and a New York City showcase to redefine her sound around jazz, adult contemporary and live storytelling.