Ashland Craft

[00:00:14] Welcome into this episode of the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast. I'm sitting with Ashland Craft. Ashland, how are you doing today?

[00:00:21] I am good. How are you?

[00:00:22] I'm good. And I guess I didn't say my name. I probably should.

[00:00:25] Yes.

[00:00:25] My name is Quinn Eaton. Handling this episode solo, usually it'd be Shelby and myself. Shelby's a great interviewer, but today it's just me and you, Ashland, so I hope that's okay.

[00:00:34] I'll take it. I'm ready for this.

[00:00:36] Yes. Well, we've had some white claws on the table, so if that means anything, we're ready.

[00:00:41] We're listening things up a little bit.

[00:00:42] But I want to start and ask you about your experience as a contestant on The Voice.

[00:00:47] Okay.

[00:00:48] So that was back in 2017. Is that right?

[00:00:51] Yes.

[00:00:51] Okay. So I think it'd be really interesting. I know me especially, I would like to kind of hear about some of those experiences, kind of like the behind the scenes stuff.

[00:00:59] What was your favorite moment being a part of that show?

[00:01:02] I had a lot of favorite moments, I think, from the show.

[00:01:05] It was my first kind of step from small town, Piedmont, South Carolina, into full out LA land, TV world, all that stuff.

[00:01:16] So it was all a new experience, but I had so much fun making all the friends that I made.

[00:01:22] I feel like I learned so much about the industry.

[00:01:24] It was almost like a crash course in a sense.

[00:01:26] And then also, obviously, getting to meet all the really cool stars that came into the picture.

[00:01:32] But I think it was really just where I got my footing as a musician in the real world, so to speak.

[00:01:38] And you were Team Miley?

[00:01:39] Team Miley.

[00:01:40] Okay.

[00:01:41] People will never let me live that down.

[00:01:42] Any fun stories with being a part of Team Miley or helpful things that she was able to grace you with?

[00:01:49] I mean, there were so many things I feel like that I could relate to her on because we were somewhat close in age.

[00:01:55] So that was really nice to kind of have, one, somebody you watched growing up on TV be right in front of you, showing you the ropes a little bit.

[00:02:04] I love that she had a bit of a background in country music, obviously with Billy Ray Cyrus being her father.

[00:02:11] But I feel like she helped me grow into myself and really take leaps that I maybe wouldn't have before vocally or just with confidence.

[00:02:21] I just was so young and I was so fresh into the world.

[00:02:24] So she really helped ease me into the process, I would say.

[00:02:27] And what was your favorite performance that you did while you were with the show?

[00:02:31] I know my personal one would be, you know, the rockified version of Delta Dawn that you did.

[00:02:38] That's the one that stands out to me.

[00:02:39] But while you were competing, what was maybe besides that one or if it's that one?

[00:02:43] But what was your favorite that you had?

[00:02:45] Oh, I would have to say Delta Dawn because I didn't mean to take the answer there.

[00:02:53] You picked the right one.

[00:02:53] Ding, ding, ding.

[00:02:55] I love that one because I was covering that song back when I worked at Wendell's Dippin' Branch, which was Honky Tonk in South Carolina.

[00:03:05] And so I think it just had a connection for me just as far as my past where I've been to then, but in a different rendition, so to speak, in a bigger version.

[00:03:14] And I just love Tanya Tucker.

[00:03:15] I love older country music and I love being able to kind of bring it forward again in maybe a new way.

[00:03:22] It was definitely a different take on it.

[00:03:24] And I think throughout some of the songs that you've put out, which smooth transition to your debut album, Traveling Kind, there's always a little bit of rock.

[00:03:33] It feels like a touch of rock.

[00:03:35] I don't know.

[00:03:35] I don't want to speak for you on that.

[00:03:37] But obviously, after The Voice, your debut album comes in 2021.

[00:03:42] Does that feel like it was just yesterday or does it feel like it was a long time ago with your debut album?

[00:03:47] Ah, I'm so close to that album.

[00:03:50] So I feel like it's always going to feel like I just put it out, even though I know it was probably, what, three-ish years ago now.

[00:03:56] But it was such an important stepping stone in my career to finally be able to put, to come into the world and into the scene and put my stamp on country music.

[00:04:05] And I grew up around country music, Christian music, 80s rock music.

[00:04:09] So that's where a lot of that, I think, comes into play.

[00:04:12] Thanks, Dad.

[00:04:13] But yeah, I think no matter what, that's going to kind of come through a little bit in most of the songs because I just love rocking a little bit.

[00:04:21] And I'm assuming that you had kind of somewhat of a built-in fan base from The Voice.

[00:04:26] I'm sure there were some people that were fans of yours from the show that followed you to your music.

[00:04:31] What was it like seeing some of those fans react to your debut album?

[00:04:36] It was just an unreal moment.

[00:04:37] I just never thought I'd see the day where I'd actually get to release a CD and a record and a vinyl and all those things.

[00:04:44] And it's always nerve-wracking because, I don't know, you don't really do it for everybody else.

[00:04:49] It's kind of your goal to show everybody, hey, this is who I am and this is what I hope to bring to country music.

[00:04:54] And all you can do is hope that people resonate and people like it.

[00:04:57] That is the number one goal, but through your own stories.

[00:05:01] So I feel like that's the gift that we were given to be able to hopefully connect to people on that level.

[00:05:06] But yeah, I was very happy to see that people took to the record and wanted more.

[00:05:12] So I'm trying to give them more now.

[00:05:14] And I have plenty of questions about that here in a bit.

[00:05:18] But you mentioned your own stories.

[00:05:21] Something that I saw, and hopefully my research serves me right here, was that your dad built a recording studio in Yurl's Garage whenever you were growing up, right?

[00:05:29] Did your research.

[00:05:30] I am.

[00:05:30] I'm trying.

[00:05:31] I'm trying over here.

[00:05:32] So was there almost a full circle moment when you were in the studio?

[00:05:37] I'm sure you weren't using that studio for your debut album, but was there a full circle moment where it was like, okay, wow.

[00:05:43] Like I remember the days where I was using a recording studio that my dad built me in the garage.

[00:05:48] And now here I am.

[00:05:49] I'm like, I'm assuming using a more sophisticated, no offense to your dad.

[00:05:54] I don't know him at all.

[00:05:55] But just that full circle moment of making your debut album.

[00:05:59] Was there a full circle thing there?

[00:06:00] My dad, I always say he can build absolutely anything.

[00:06:04] He can make anything.

[00:06:06] And he had his shop.

[00:06:07] He still has it that he was running his business out of.

[00:06:10] He worked on cars locally, you know, whoever would come.

[00:06:13] And he knew how much I loved music.

[00:06:15] And so he built a literal padded room in the very back of his shop where I could go out there.

[00:06:22] And he bought me a little programming session that I could figure out.

[00:06:26] And that was the start of something that I didn't even know was possible.

[00:06:30] So to be now in a studio and to look back on his moments, I'm like, I'm just I'm truly grateful to have parents that wanted to support that dream from day one and went out of their way to hand build something.

[00:06:41] That could potentially move me forward or just keep me inspired in my career.

[00:06:45] So it is very unreal.

[00:06:47] And that is something I very much hope to repay him and both of my parents for one day.

[00:06:53] It's huge to have that kind of support.

[00:06:54] Yes.

[00:06:55] And I'm assuming they kind of recognized your talent from an early age.

[00:06:59] And you kind of mentioned it already.

[00:07:01] Some of your musical influences, rock bands like Def Leppard, country acts like Chris Stapleton, right?

[00:07:08] That bring a lot of energy and hard rocking to their music.

[00:07:13] You're obviously doing well in the country music genre.

[00:07:15] But is there any part of you that just wants to go full rock at some point?

[00:07:20] Oh, man.

[00:07:22] I just love music and I have so many influences.

[00:07:27] Country music is just who I am.

[00:07:29] It's at the core of everything that I know, how I was raised.

[00:07:33] But that being said, I think music is so much more than just a genre.

[00:07:39] I think it can connect all across the board.

[00:07:41] And if that were to ever lead me to like delve into other things, I would absolutely be open to it.

[00:07:46] But country music, 110%, like, you know, just is what made me.

[00:07:52] So planting a seed, maybe a concept album at some point.

[00:07:55] I think people would be on board.

[00:07:57] You'll have to help me come up with ideas for that.

[00:07:59] Just reach back out to Whiskey Rift during that time.

[00:08:01] Perfect.

[00:08:02] That'd be perfect.

[00:08:02] And obviously, you know, you're saying that you're loyal to country music.

[00:08:06] Would you describe your sound as country?

[00:08:09] Or would you, if someone had maybe never heard you before, would you say it's a couple of different things put together?

[00:08:15] How would you describe what you're doing?

[00:08:17] 100%.

[00:08:18] I would never sit here and say, like, I am 110%.

[00:08:21] My music is traditional country.

[00:08:23] Like, I'm very well aware that it is not that definition.

[00:08:28] But that is, like I said, what inspired me.

[00:08:31] And I think, obviously, with the way that I talk and the way that things just come out, it's going to be country no matter what.

[00:08:36] I've said that from the get-go.

[00:08:37] But regardless of that, in the recording studio, my number one goal is to always make sure that at the heart of it, we are trying to stay true to the country.

[00:08:49] I won't say traditional, but to country values and aspects in music and chord progressions and this, that, and the other in tones and instruments.

[00:08:56] So it is always at the forefront.

[00:08:59] Like, I don't know, not that it's necessarily a sound, but I just think there is an embodiment that comes along with country music that I try to hit every time that I can.

[00:09:09] And a big part of country music, there are a lot of love songs out there in the country music genre.

[00:09:16] And you put your own out recently, Morning Person.

[00:09:20] I did.

[00:09:22] And I've listened to it hitting snooze multiple times.

[00:09:25] Perfect.

[00:09:26] Can relate to that more than anything.

[00:09:28] And I'm sure other people can as well.

[00:09:29] But obviously, it's somewhat of a unique approach to a song because it's your first love song, right?

[00:09:35] Yes, that I've released.

[00:09:36] And it's basically, correct me if I'm wrong, revolving around the fact that you're not a morning person, but you'd love to find that person that makes you one.

[00:09:44] Is that correct?

[00:09:45] Absolutely. That is the goal of manifesting that with this song.

[00:09:49] And where did that, because obviously it's complex.

[00:09:52] I'm a huge fan of it.

[00:09:53] I know a lot of other people are.

[00:09:55] Thank you.

[00:09:56] No problem.

[00:09:57] And where was that inspiration for that song?

[00:09:59] Was that something that you had kind of messed around with as an idea for a long time?

[00:10:04] Well, I think it's so funny.

[00:10:06] Because my journey here and with relationships have been very interesting.

[00:10:11] And I think at the time, I was in like a very fresh situation.

[00:10:17] And I was like, we've just been writing about so much like other stuff.

[00:10:22] I feel like I need to write something that does hit the heartstrings a little bit because there is that part of me.

[00:10:27] And there's that for so many people that are so happy in relationships right now and want to express that.

[00:10:33] So we were joking around myself, Farron, Rachel's, Tranny Anderson and Dallas Wilson were all on that song.

[00:10:39] And I think we were all just like sitting in the driveway.

[00:10:42] And maybe Tranny mentioned something about doing a love song.

[00:10:46] And I think me and Farron probably rolled our eyes because we're both like, okay.

[00:10:50] But we did have that conversation of, you know, it's not never bad to like write what you hopefully want to find one day.

[00:10:57] So I am still to this day, not a morning person.

[00:11:01] Don't let the song fool you.

[00:11:02] Yeah, like I said, we're hoping to get there.

[00:11:05] But I've always been a night owl.

[00:11:07] I've always been on gig time.

[00:11:08] And being a morning person would be amazing because I feel like I would get so much more done and be a productive member of society.

[00:11:17] But I do believe that there does come a day where maybe you do find somebody that finally just be like, okay, this is finally worth waking up to and wanting to make breakfast and coffee.

[00:11:29] And not only that, besides the relationship aspect, but I think I've gone through a lot of change over the past year.

[00:11:36] And I feel like maybe symbolically for me, it kind of stood for finally being in a situation that you weren't in before that you would so desperately hope to find just with yourself even.

[00:11:47] I feel like I was kind of floating around in the middle and met a great group of people that I can finally collaborate with.

[00:11:53] And I finally feel at home, so to speak.

[00:11:55] I finally feel like I can be myself and look forward to things and look forward to seeing what's next.

[00:12:01] So I don't know.

[00:12:01] I try to make it a little bit about everything.

[00:12:04] And have you gotten to play that one in front of audiences?

[00:12:07] I'm assuming you have.

[00:12:09] It's been out for, what, a month or so?

[00:12:11] Yeah.

[00:12:11] So I actually got to play it even before the song released at a festival.

[00:12:15] I believe it was in Utah.

[00:12:17] Okay.

[00:12:17] Somebody saw it on the TikTok and requested it.

[00:12:22] And I was like, screw it.

[00:12:22] I'll play it.

[00:12:23] So did it then.

[00:12:25] And then I haven't, I think I'm actually playing it Friday at a coffee shop if anyone wants to come.

[00:12:30] But yeah, so that'll kind of be, I feel like my first official debut of the song after its release.

[00:12:37] So really excited about that.

[00:12:39] I'm very used to like high energy, open in the show type feels.

[00:12:42] So I'm excited to finally let this song have its moment and inspire the lovebirds out there.

[00:12:47] That's right.

[00:12:48] And you've got some tour dates coming up in October.

[00:12:51] Yes.

[00:12:52] Some supporting Cody Johnson, some supporting Tucker Wetmore.

[00:12:56] Yes.

[00:12:56] Others, though, that you're doing solo.

[00:12:59] So my question now, I feel like that was like a super just read off the script kind of question set up.

[00:13:06] But are you excited to get on the road, obviously?

[00:13:09] Absolutely.

[00:13:09] And is there a difference in preparation whenever you're opening for someone versus doing your own show?

[00:13:15] One, yes, I'm excited to constantly be out on the road.

[00:13:19] That is, I feel like where I feel most myself.

[00:13:23] I don't know how else to put it.

[00:13:24] I just feel like I can fully be myself out on the road and meeting people and getting to hear other people's stories.

[00:13:30] But I got to do some dates with Cody Johnson, which were absolutely amazing.

[00:13:34] I've gotten to tour with him quite a bunch over the past couple of years, and he has been such a big inspiration for me, even when I lived back in South Carolina.

[00:13:41] I'm like, yes, this is country music.

[00:13:43] This is the music that we can line dance to and really get into, which is something that I love.

[00:13:48] So to tour with him has been an absolute honor.

[00:13:51] I'm super excited to get out with Tucker Wetmore.

[00:13:53] He has been absolutely crushing the game right now.

[00:13:55] And I'm excited to meet his fans and see what they're all about.

[00:13:59] And I'll be doing that acoustic, so I'm hoping they really enjoy that.

[00:14:03] Y'all, I hope you love me.

[00:14:04] But yeah, I'm excited just to stay in the forefront of what's going on in music right now and hopefully making connections along the way.

[00:14:13] Maybe do a song with Tucker.

[00:14:14] Who knows?

[00:14:15] And do you attack it as I'm opening for this person versus this is my own show?

[00:14:22] Or are you getting the Ashland show no matter what?

[00:14:25] I would say for the most part, you are getting the Ashland show.

[00:14:29] I try.

[00:14:30] You can trademark that if you want to.

[00:14:32] Add it to the add it to it.

[00:14:34] Yeah.

[00:14:35] I always try to make sure it is through and through myself.

[00:14:38] It is a bit of a nuance, in my opinion, when you're opening in those situations, for example, Cody Johnson or Brothers Osborne.

[00:14:47] Like, I don't know, just all the high energy headliners.

[00:14:49] I definitely feel like some people may argue with this.

[00:14:52] I kind of argue with myself on this.

[00:14:54] But I feel like as a first of three or second of three, it's kind of you're not responsibility.

[00:14:59] But it is my goal.

[00:15:01] I'll just say that it's my goal to get everybody geared up for the show and ready because, I mean, everybody showed up.

[00:15:06] They spent their harder money to be there.

[00:15:08] They went and got their drinks.

[00:15:09] They've got their spots.

[00:15:10] They're ready.

[00:15:11] They're ready to have a good time, whatever that means for them.

[00:15:14] So I'm hoping it's my goal to get them loose and just ready to party, even though I know they're going to be that way either way for the headliner.

[00:15:21] But I just see that as my kind of personal goal.

[00:15:23] But I feel like I am excited to have more of a headlining set where I can show the highs, the journey, not just all the heavy hitting songs that are fast paced and full energy.

[00:15:34] I want to show, you know, the heartfelt, intimate songs as well.

[00:15:37] I hope I can get to that really soon.

[00:15:39] And you already mentioned a couple of names like Cody Johnson, Brothers Osborne that you opened for.

[00:15:44] I've got here.

[00:15:45] You've also been for Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Marcus King.

[00:15:49] I don't want to put you on the spot, but if you had to pick a favorite.

[00:15:51] Oh, God, don't do this to me.

[00:15:53] I can't do that.

[00:15:55] I can genuinely tell you this, and this is not me kissing anybody's butt.

[00:15:59] You can best believe you're not going to get that from me.

[00:16:02] Every single one of those artists has been on my bucket list, and I don't know how we got here.

[00:16:08] I will just say that I am very blessed they gave me the opportunity to be in those positions.

[00:16:14] So when I say I can't choose, I genuinely cannot choose.

[00:16:16] That's fair.

[00:16:17] Because, like, I was listening to every single one of those people coming up, not even thinking I was going to be here, but just as a genuine fan and as a music lover.

[00:16:25] So it just all, I feel very, like, unworthy in a sense, but I'm just so grateful, like, to have those opportunities.

[00:16:33] I hope it's not the last.

[00:16:34] That's for sure.

[00:16:35] Well, regardless, it's a great opportunity for you to possibly bring in new fans whenever you're opening for someone and discovering your music, which is fantastic.

[00:16:44] And before you released Morning Person, you put out somewhat of a teaser, right?

[00:16:48] You said you had a new song and also a new chapter.

[00:16:51] Yes.

[00:16:52] I'm going to ask about the new chapter.

[00:16:53] What does that look like for Ashlyn Craft fans that are eagerly waiting for you to possibly release another album, possibly?

[00:17:00] That is the goal.

[00:17:02] I am going for number two right now.

[00:17:04] I think it's been a long time coming.

[00:17:06] I've been writing my butt off.

[00:17:08] I haven't stopped doing anything between the last record and now.

[00:17:11] If anything, I've just been grinding twice as hard trying to just stay on the road and listening to what people want to hear and writing all the things.

[00:17:20] But yes, record number two is what is in the process.

[00:17:24] I think I'm allowed to say at the moment.

[00:17:27] So hopefully I am.

[00:17:28] Don't want to get you in trouble.

[00:17:29] I feel like I've asked a couple of questions.

[00:17:31] Well, it's out there.

[00:17:31] So I'm so excited and I'm so thankful for the people that have kind of stuck with me along this journey.

[00:17:38] I'm very new to the whole Nashville journey.

[00:17:40] And I just I love to sing.

[00:17:43] I love to write music and I love to meet people and have a great time.

[00:17:47] And I'm hoping I can have a successful career in all of that as well.

[00:17:51] So I'm just praying that the second record is what everybody's been waiting for.

[00:17:57] And I know I have.

[00:17:59] I think I think people will just be happy to have another record out there by you.

[00:18:03] And I am curious, what's your writing process like?

[00:18:05] Is it something where you let songs come to you or are you sitting down at a desk or on, you know, in a I'm going to set an hour aside and I'm going to try to come up with some things?

[00:18:15] What is it? What does that process look like?

[00:18:17] I need to do that.

[00:18:19] I definitely find my inspiration just from living life.

[00:18:23] I feel like there's a lot of times where I'll just be sitting there and it'll kind of rapid fire a couple of ideas that come to mind.

[00:18:29] And then you'll have days where it's just like nothing.

[00:18:32] You know, it's a very hit or miss process for me.

[00:18:35] And I still tell anybody I'm very new to the writing, the legitimate writing process.

[00:18:39] But I think I'm just constantly trying to find inspiration from every day and a random thought that'll cross my mind that maybe I twist in a different way.

[00:18:47] I don't know.

[00:18:48] It's just it's something that is very sporadic for me.

[00:18:51] I'll say that.

[00:18:52] But I am I have been recently thinking about how to find new ways to just maybe poke the bear a little bit, find find more inspiration in places that I normally maybe wouldn't.

[00:19:01] And so it's a it's a growth process for me.

[00:19:04] I figured that would be the hardest part is either trying to find the songs and, you know, like I said, set aside time or I feel like I'm the type of I'm not a songwriter by any means.

[00:19:13] But if I have any sort of idea brainstorming, it's usually I'm not doing it.

[00:19:17] It's just all of a sudden like, oh, I got to write that down.

[00:19:19] Yes.

[00:19:20] And it'll hit you.

[00:19:20] And if you don't write it down, you forget it.

[00:19:22] Exactly.

[00:19:24] Well, we're going to close out the interview with some rapid fire questions.

[00:19:28] God.

[00:19:28] But first off, fill in the blank, sad country songs and blank make me happy.

[00:19:34] Cold beer.

[00:19:35] Cold beer.

[00:19:36] Yeah.

[00:19:37] Great answer.

[00:19:37] Who is your favorite artist?

[00:19:39] If you were if you had to choose one doesn't have to be country.

[00:19:42] Oh, if I had to choose one, I'm just I'm going to be that that girl that says Chris Stapleton.

[00:19:47] I admire him very, very much.

[00:19:49] What is something that's still on your bucket list?

[00:19:53] So many things.

[00:19:54] Yes.

[00:19:56] But oh, man, this is a hard one.

[00:19:58] I have so many things.

[00:19:59] I don't even know if I could sometimes sometimes we split it up.

[00:20:02] It's like a career bucket list and a personal bucket list.

[00:20:06] I don't think we've had anybody say skydiving, but.

[00:20:08] Oh, I don't know about all that.

[00:20:11] Yeah.

[00:20:13] I just I would love I think personal career wise, I would love to like I don't know.

[00:20:18] Obviously, like I'd love to have a song on the radio.

[00:20:20] That's definitely a goal for me.

[00:20:23] And then I personally, I don't know.

[00:20:27] Just live a little bit of life.

[00:20:28] Go on a trip.

[00:20:29] Go camp in Texas somewhere.

[00:20:31] Just do something.

[00:20:34] That's sad, isn't it?

[00:20:35] No, that's a good bucket list item.

[00:20:37] Favorite sad country song of yours?

[00:20:40] He stopped loving her today.

[00:20:42] That one gets me every time or dirt cheap.

[00:20:44] That one has really been a couple hard hitters.

[00:20:47] Stabbing me recently.

[00:20:48] Yeah.

[00:20:49] What's your go to karaoke song?

[00:20:51] Something to talk about by Bonnie Raitt.

[00:20:53] Not even country, but hey, I got to give him the sass.

[00:20:56] Well, if we were talking about a rock project, I mean, if you wanted to ever put out covers,

[00:21:00] that might be a good one to write down.

[00:21:02] Or the Judds.

[00:21:03] That's always a good one.

[00:21:05] What are you doing when you're not playing music?

[00:21:07] When I'm not playing music, which is rare.

[00:21:11] I am usually hanging out with my dog.

[00:21:13] I don't really go out much these days because I get enough of that on the weekends.

[00:21:17] Or I love to go camping.

[00:21:19] We have a little spot that we go to every now and then on a river.

[00:21:22] I won't say what river.

[00:21:24] You keep that on the down below.

[00:21:26] Out of state.

[00:21:28] I'm very simple.

[00:21:29] I'm a simple gal.

[00:21:30] It doesn't take much to make me happy except for nature and time with friends.

[00:21:35] And just like, I consider that recharging.

[00:21:37] As long as my dog's there, I'm happy.

[00:21:39] Right.

[00:21:39] Yeah.

[00:21:40] And you might have just answered this one with the last one, but favorite outdoor activity.

[00:21:44] Would it be camping?

[00:21:45] I'd say camping.

[00:21:46] Yeah.

[00:21:46] There's a lot of them, but camping entails a lot of things.

[00:21:50] So I feel like that bundles it all into one.

[00:21:53] Well, Ashlyn, thanks so much for taking the time to be on the Whiskey Riff podcast.

[00:21:56] We're big fans of yours.

[00:21:57] We're going to continue to support you and best of luck with everything.

[00:22:01] Thanks.

[00:22:01] Y'all too.

[00:22:02] Thanks y'all for having me.

[00:22:03] I love you guys.