We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ash Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ash below.

Ash, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

One vivid memory stands out. I was just a kid when I saw Gretchen Wilson on my TV come flying off her 4-wheeler, singing about being a “Redneck Woman” with such passion and confidence. That moment was electric and unforgettable. Her fearless attitude and raw talent resonated deeply with me, igniting a spark that would guide my path.

Seeing Gretchen Wilson and growing up in my hometown of Bakersfield, California that celebrated its country music roots made me realize that music wasn’t just a pastime—it was a calling. I knew I wanted to be part of that world, to create music that could inspire and connect with people the way it had done for me. That I knew I wanted to pursue music professionally.

Ash, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Growing Up In Her Hometown Of Bakersfield, California I Was Heavily Influenced By Artists Like Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Brandy Clark, And Gretchen Wilson. After My Growing Interest In The Music Industry Led To A Friendship With Hit Songwriter Clay Mills (“Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” By Darius Rucker), I Made A Difficult And Life-Changing Decision To Sell Everything I Owned, Jump On A Plane, And Move Across The Country To Nashvile,Tennessee To Pursue My Dreams.

From Sleeping On Couches And Even In My Car To Long Nights Playing In The Honky Tonks Of Nashville’s Lower Broadway Or Touring The Country Playing Bars I Began To Craft My Career One Stage And One Fan At A Time. Since The Beginning Of This Journey I Have Been Working Consistently In The Writing Rooms On Music Row. As A Result I Have Had Songs Recorded By Multiple Artists Including A&E TV Star & Average Joe’s Recording Artist Big Smo, Warner Chapel Recording Artist Ryan Larkins, Country Artist Noah Smith, Guitar Legend Johnny Hiland & More.

I Released Her Debut Ep, Titled Bakersfield, In January Of 2019. This Project Rose To #60 On The Itunes Top 100 Country Albums Chart And Was Met With Positive Reviews From Critics And Fans Alike. I Also Have Been Honored By The Bakersfield Country Music Awards For Her Achievements And Contributions To The Famous Bakersfield Sound. I Was Named “One To Watch” By The Nashville Songwriters Association International And Won An International Songwriting Award In 2021. As An Entertainer Of Many Talents, You Can Even See Ash Appear In Several Episodes Of The Hit Television Series “Nashville” On CMT Network.

I Have No Intentions Of Slowing Down. When I am Not Writing The Next Big Hit I am On The Road Performing All Over The Country And Playing In Some Of Nashville’s Most Famous And Prestigious Venues, Including The Bluebird Cafe, And The Listening Room. With Every Performance Ash Works To Connect With Fans By Bringing Together The Sounds And Subjects Of Real Life And Real People.

Ash Just Released a brand new single titled “Cigarette” on Friday, June 28th. She also is about to kick off her “Stuck On Indiana Tour”.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me it’s simply just seeing how people respond to all the things I am able to create. Whether it’s a song I’ve written, a social media post, a music video or even playing to a live audience. It’s so rewarding to me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

That’s such a great question. I would say for independent artists like myself it would be to do things like buy a ticket, come to a show, buy a shirt or even do basic things like follow us on social media & like & share our post or telling your friends about us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AshTaylor.Com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtaylorcountry?igsh=MW83c2doeTh5YW0wZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Mh7i5NNFC7EruvGy/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: https://x.com/ashtaylormusic?s=21&t=I5c0mgrzsg-3W4JWvAD7sw
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ashtaylorcountry?si=unYnMp3ct0s9Bo5z

Image Credits

Nita in Nashville