Hi Ashlyn, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?

• I was majoring in Elementary Education at Clemson University. I always loved kids and grew up with 5 younger siblings who I adore. I wanted to have a practical back-up plan, but when the pandemic hit, I realized I would never be fulfilled in any field other than music. I changed my major to Performing Arts Voice and decided to stop hiding my original songs from the world. I was always a singer, whether it was in church or school choir or national anthems for basketball and football games. I’d say that my inner child would be overjoyed with the path I’ve chosen and where I’m at today.

What made you want a career in country music?

• I grew up in the south. My family loved all kinds of music- from rock and R&B to gospel, pop, country, etc. I admired Hannah Montana and quite literally wanted to be her as a child. She was a popstar with that famous country twang and that is exactly what I’ve always aimed for in my music. I first went to Nashville when I was 17 and got to visit the Grand Ole Opry with someone who is like a second mother to me. She encouraged me to sing in the circle during a tour. I was so scared, I almost didn’t do it. But when I started to sing “I Will Always Love You”, people actually cared to hear me. I felt at home there. 

Who are some of your musical icons?

• Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato

What is the background story behind your brand new single “Blind Horse Blues?”

• “Blindhorse Blues” is an upbeat breakup song based on the iconic honky tonk bar in my hometown, the Blind Horse Saloon. I first went here with my boyfriend and was amazed at the history it holds. Ask any country singer about the Blind Horse Saloon in Greenville and they’ll have a story or two to tell. This place was my mom’s old stomping grounds and now I get to sing about it.

How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?

• Fun, Pop, Twangy, Angsty

What are a few of your favorite venues to play at?

• Being that I started all this in the middle of a pandemic, I haven’t been able to play many live shows! I will say, the biggest place I have performed at is the Spectrum Center. I’ve sang the national anthem for the Charlotte Hornets a few times and there’s not much I can compare to singing in front of such a large crowd.

What is your recording process like when creating and making new music?

• My favorite songwriting technique is something called top-lining which is basically humming and singing random words until you get a hook or something catches your ear. This is how my best songs are written. I like to find a catchy melody first and then pick out the words later. But sometimes it’s the other way around!

What is one of your favorite quotes?

• “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

• I’d just like to say a huge thank you to my FOUR incredible parents. Not many people can say that their broken home turned into a blessing- I was raised differently than most and I am forever grateful for the different perspectives they’ve given me. My Mom & Stepdad and my Dad & Stepmom are all polar opposites and somehow managed to work as a team while I was growing up. They made sure I never went without and always did their very best in raising me. They gave me a huuuuuge family and more blessings than I can count, not to mention my love and knowledge for music.