Q the A with Ashley Puckett~

Ashley Puckett was born and raised in North Huntingdon, just east of Pittsburgh, Pennsyltvania. Ashley realized her passion for music at a young age, performing at vocal competitions and community events, and eventually, landing at open-mic nights and shows in bars and clubs, doing anything to keep the music and her passion alive. Her musical influences have been empowering..shaping the artist she has become: Ladies like Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Carol King and LeAnn Rimes. At age sixteen Ashley picked up the guitar, began writing songs, and the adventurous country girl hit the road.

Somewhere between skydiving and bungee jumping, Ashley was introduced to world class Singer/Songwriter/Producer, Bryan Cole and Lead Sound Engineer, Doug Kasper at Tonic Studios. With legendary musicians Mike Brignardello (bass), John Willis (banjo), Mike Johnson (Steel Guitar), Heidi Engel and Tammy Petty ( Background Vocals) and hot newcomer, Adam Ernst, Ashley’s debut album and lifelong dream, “Never Say Never” was made a reality. The album will be released on MTS Records on February 14, 2020, with first single, “Medicine” having been released in August 2019. The single charted nationally on the IndieWorld Country Record Report and Airplay Today country charts.

New single, “Bulletproof” was released on January 9th, 2020, Ashley’s birthday. The song raced to the top of the iTunes country singles chart in South Africa, also becoming a Top 10 radio hit on the New Music Weekly country chart.

“I’ve never given up on where I wanted to be (in the music industry), however, when life pulls you in so many different directions, it sometimes takes you off-guard, and it becomes very easy to lose sight. I believe everything happens for a reason, and although I feel I’m always at the wrong place at the wrong time, somehow that led me to the right place at the right time, to say ‘It’s now or never’ after meeting Bryan and Doug. The energy the three of us have, working together, and their dedication is so exciting…I know this is just the beginning of something spectacular.”

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What first got you into music?

Music has been in my life since I can remember as a little girl. I sang my first song around age five, which was “You Were Mine” by the Dixie Chicks. By highschool, music was all I cared about between singing and songwriting. I knew music was a passion I was always going to cherish. Some people have to search for their purpose and what really makes them happy, but for me, it’s kind of like it found me, I never really had to wonder.

Who inspired you to make music?

I am inspired by a lot of people! I enjoy singing and writing about real life, love and situations that people can relate to. Sometimes I can be inspired by loved ones and sometimes strangers. It just all depends on where my mind is and what’s going on around me. it really does help surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Modern Country with a twist of soul and blues at times. I’m a bit more on the traditional side of the country if I can help it while still trying to stay with the new era of the country that is very popular right now.

What is your creative process like?

It really all depends on when I get an idea, or an inspiration and what it’s about. I don’t really stick to a “process”, it’s more of a random moment when ideas hit. I’ll record something on my phone, write something down or both. Some of my best work is out of nowhere stemming from a situation or something someone did or said or something I thought about. If i think too much about something, it’s usually not the same, so i usually let it go naturally.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I love collaborations and duets! There’s a lot of artists I’d love to collaborate with. Miranda Lambert is one, i think we’d have a lot of fun working on something together. I also really think some of those unique voices out there like Chris Stapleton, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chase Rice, and Cole Swindell to name a few would be a great sound together and I love their style so i think we’d be able to create something beautiful that people would love.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

I’d probably again say Miranda Lambert! I’ve had more time to think about this and I also think I’d be a great fit with someone like Sugarland. Jennifer Nettles is wonderful and also has a unique sound, so i think we’d fit together well.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

I’m living right in the middle of a dream slowly coming true. i am not sure where i’ll be in a year from now or five. The only thing i can say is if you are really passionate about something, don’t give up on it. There’s a plan for all of us and it’s not always what we think it is. I’m extremely grateful for all that I’ve accomplished this far in life and in music and it’s because I have supportive people beside me and a heart that never gives up. It’s important to celebrate the little successes along the way to a big goal, too. That’s something we lose sight of a lot because it’s not our “end result” and sometimes our journey is more important than where we might plan to be one day.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

Absolutely! Usually my songs haha. Honestly, the eco in the shower is great and i love to run through my own songs as if i’m in a stadium. It’s also my favorite place to sing songs. I’m still in the process of writing. If I have half a song, sometimes the calmness lets me just “let go” and my mind wanders into some great ideas! There are also those times when I wake up to a song in my head from something I’ve listened to the night before and in that case, it’s that song.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I enjoy a lot of things. I love the car business, I’ve also always had a love for Gemology. i’ve always wanted to get a degree from GIA (Gemology institute of America). I almost did once. I love all things diamonds, gems and pearls. I always thought it would be fascinating to work with beautiful shiny things all day appraising or selling or dealing even sounds fun.

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

I’ve performed at a lot of different types of places. I really can’t say I’ve not enjoyed any location for a show. I really do enjoy more intimate settings and such, i think it compliments my music a lot more and i’m super excited for an upcoming show in November at Jergels Rhythm Grill in Warrendale, PA… it’s a great looking venue, great sound, and a lot of fun to be there!

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet, especially nowadays, is where all the people are. I’ve gained a lot of fans this way. I’m very active on social media and just as I do, when I hear or see something interesting that I want to learn more about, I search the internet. So, I imagine now that people are hearing me on the radio across the states and such, they can look up a song or my name and find all kinds of stuff. It’s been a huge marketing tool for music, products, and in general just learning about new artists and staying in touch with up to date information. Music now more than ever is at everyone’s fingertips online.

What is your favourite song to perform?

My favorite covers right now are “Angel” from Sarah McLaughlin ,”Because You Love Me” from Jo Dee Messinna, or “Tin Man” from Miranda Lambert

As far as my songs, “Weightless” or “I will Remember You”

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

haha. I’ve not really been in much trouble…. but there was this one time… just kidding…

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Success isn’t overnight. Sometimes, it’s the journey getting to where you end up that matters. Also, don’t let anyone or anything stand in the middle of you and a passion.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

The one thing i dislike most about the industry is really just how difficult it is to “break in” so to speak. There are so many great artists out there that just never get heard by the right people, don’t get a fair shot at a music career without knowing someone or having a ton of capital to front. I suppose “fairness” don’t really exist anywhere so i’m not sure it’s something that could change if somebody wanted to make it change, however, its little things like radio promotions costing an arm and a leg to get music out, which, if you’re not on a major label is more difficult because they reserve A LOT of airplay for those mainstream artists because they can afford it. Artists are in the business for the art of sharing music, but those in the business “Helping” artists once they get discovered, if they even do by major labels, all of those people are typically in it for the “Business” part of it.

What’s next for you?

I’m still in the mist of enjoying the album release of “Never Say Never” since February. Once things start to get back to normal, there will be a lot more going on, but I’m just focussed on sharing my music and building a fan base and taking things one day at a time for right now. I’m still writing alot and this is really all just the beginning for me.

How important is the current climate crisis to you and how do you think you could help?

Climate is a lot more important that most realize because it’s something that affects life over time, and it’s not a “right now” thing which is just how a lot of people think and go about their lives. There’s a lot we can do to help, I think the problem is our habits. A switch to clean energy has been something that’s been helpful, unfortunately, there’s just not enough people doing it. There are simple things we all could be doing more that don’t cost anything such as using reusable water bottles and just simply actively using a recycling bin.

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