Country musician Ashley Barron credits Johnny Cash and today’s country stars like Miranda Lambert and Eric Church as musicians that help create her music. Weaving life experiences and stories into her music, which she describes as “passionate, home-grown, and relatable music.”
Barron’s single “Let Me Go” was released late last year and she filled us in on the new music.
What inspired your single, “Let Me Go”?
When I wrote “Let Me Go,” which was two years ago now, I kept thinking of my ex. How we were so on and off and it could never come to an end. Then my label came to me at the beginning of this year and said, “We want to release this as the next single.” I thought okay but little did I know I’d be experiencing one of the hardest break-ups in my life. It made me laugh because when I wrote this, I never really experience anything like it. I just went along with my co-writers and made it fit into my life. It’s funny how God works sometimes and how music is ever-evolving.
What’s your songwriting process? Melody first, or lyrics?
Every time I go into a write, I bring that day with me. So, I’ll have some words or ideas but then I always let my co-writers show me what they’re hearing in their heads, and we kind of move forward from there.
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?
Real, raw emotion. I want my fans to feel connected. I want my music to speak to their lives and what they’re going through.
How did you get started in music?
When I was in high school, I was with a voice coach who wanted to get back into recording. As I was supposed to be leaving California to attend the University of Arizona, he asked if I would stay and record an album. And now here I am.
Which musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?
I was raised on old-school country and old-school rock and roll. I have a lot of that influence in my music from the fast tempos to the fiddle in my songs. Modern artists like Miranda Lambert and Eric Church have also inspired me immensely.
What kind of guitar do you play?
Well, I wouldn’t say I “play” guitar, but I do have a Martin D-X1 that I pick up every now and then.
What does your practice consist of?
When we’re getting ready to hit the road, I make sure our rehearsals are spent bringing each song together to deliver the best show possible regardless of where we are at.
What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?
Your tone is your sound. I believe that it’s always evolving.
Which artists are you listening to right now?
Honestly, I am all over the board when I’m listening to music because I really love all genres. It just depends on what kind of mood I am in.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
My music guilty pleasure would be heavy metal rock but my entertainment guilty pleasure would be binge-watching Netflix.
What three things can’t you live without?
Three things I can’t live without would be my family, my phone, and my Yeti water cup.
What have you been doing during quarantine to stay connected with fans?
I’ve been doing many Facebook lives and staying active on Instagram as well. We released my latest single, “Let Me Go,” and the official music video!
What’s next?
I’m praying like crazy to get back out on the road but until then we are busy finishing up the album and continuing to write new music daily!