We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Barron. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
“Checkmate” is such a powerful title. Can you explain how the concept of a game of strategy, like chess, influenced the themes of love and personal growth in your album?
The concept of my album, Checkmate, comes from my belief that whatever sets you back in life will eventually move you forward. As long as you choose to learn from your trials and not let them overtake you, you can live with great peace!
You mentioned that writing these songs was a form of therapy after a difficult breakup. How did that experience shape your songwriting and approach to making this album?
When I started writing these songs for Checkmate I decided I just wanted to be real, to tell my story. I know I’m not the only one to go through such hard times and I find comfort in relating to others. I hope my music does the same.
Your band leader, Aaron Stapler, played a crucial role in producing “Checkmate.” What was it like working with someone who knows your live performance style so well?
Working with Aaron on this album was so fun. Because he knows my sound so well, I was always excited to get cuts back from him. I could give him a one-word answer for how I wanted a song to sound and he knew exactly what to do from there.
“Checkmate” feels like a journey through love and heartbreak. What message do you hope listeners take away from these songs?
When my fans listen to my album Checkmate, I hope they feel connected. These songs tell a heartbreaking story that ultimately leads to triumph.
You’re known for being vulnerable in your music. How do you find the courage to share such personal stories with your audience, especially through songs like “Betrayed” and “Destroy Me”?
I know I am not alone in the things I’ve gone through in life. When I was a teenager listening to Miranda Lambert’s songs, I felt like she was speaking to me. That’s because she chose to tell the truth and I want to do the same.
You’re also very active as an ambassador for the National Scleroderma Foundation. How do you balance your music career with your advocacy work, and how has your personal experience with scleroderma influenced your music?
Working with the National Scleroderma Foundation is a huge honor. They’ve added so much purpose to my career. I never thought my journey with this disease would be relatable for so many. It gives me great joy to be able to connect with those like me.
Having shared the stage with some big names in country music, how has performing alongside artists like T. Graham Brown and Maddie & Tae influenced your growth as an artist?
Every artist I’ve shared the stage with, whether they know it or not, has helped shape me as a performer. I’ve learned so much from being on the road with these great artists. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided.
Contact information:
- Website: https://www.ashleybarronofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarronofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleybarronofficial/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybarronofficial?lang=en
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchP2A4P0Jh22O4sGekG_MA
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