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Photo credit: Melissa Core - Cabello
PERSEVERANCE – Who is a perseverant person?
The type of individual that is hardworking and finishes what they start, despite barriers and obstacles that arise. The pleasure received from completing tasks and projects is very important to those who are high in perseverance.
When I was a young adult, I was always told by my parents to “finish what you start”. Do not start a project without finishing just because of roadblocks of discouragement. Finishing a project or task will build confidence despite the end results. In fact, it will give you the boost required to take on something new or develop a plan of action for future tasks or projects.
Did I always finish a project to its completion? No. It was only as I grew older that I recognized the importance of those words “finish what you start”. Despite what may seem to be insurmountable odds, tasks or assignments should be seen to fruition. I look for character traits in artists that have passion. They excel and are project oriented. Passionate artists produce with the hope of success. Most artists like this will experience a level of success. Because failure is not an option. They give everything they must to pursue projects to the end. They “finish what they start”.
Which suggests an exciting artist to hear perform. Her name is Ashley Barron. A country artist through and through. Captivating and projects a strong talent as a country singer. She is our guest today, and we look forward to what answers she will have to share with us.
ABOUT ASHLEY BARRON
Emerging on the country music scene, Ashley Barron showcases her uniquely powerful and gritty vocals during every performance. Inspired by strong women in country music like Miranda Lambert and Loretta Lynn, Barron incorporates her life experience into her songwriting to create passionate and relatable music that embodies loss, heartbreak, betrayal, and the occasional crazy night out with the girls. She's come a long way from singing in her bedroom and participating in high school choir and music lessons in her hometown of Sacramento, California. After declining acceptance into the University of Arizona, she chose to pursue her dream—a career in country music—and vigorously began recording and performing. When it comes to her fans, Barron is an open book. In her music and as a writer, she is committed to being vulnerable and sharing her story, regardless of how painful. "I was taught to never give up, and if I can help someone push through a rough time, then I'm sharing my story."
Perseverance paid off. Her first single, "It Might Get Loud," came out in 2017 when she was 23 years old. In 2019, she released "Wrote a Song About It." The following year, her single "Beer in a Bar" received critical acclaim and topped the Billboard chart at #37. Her next single, "The Wind," a hope-filled anthem that embodies the spirit of a strong woman who perseveres regardless of the circumstances, debuted on the Billboard chart at #59 and was the second song added on country radio, eventually making its way to #37. Her single, "Let Me Go," was added to the Top 30 on the Music Row singles chart. Barron worked with the executive producer of Rascal 3 Creative, Jimmy Lynch, on her music video for "Let Me Go," which played nationwide on TCN, Music Choice, and GAC. Released in September 2021, Barron's self-titled album reached over a million streams in the first month. In December 2022, Barron released an original Christmas song, "Walmart Cart Christmas," which had more than 300 spins and was played on 40+ radio stations. During the summer of 2021, Barron had the opportunity to tour with and open for the legendary T. Graham Brown. She has also opened for other artists, including Dylan Scott, Maddie & Tae, Tyler Farr, and Craig Campbell.
INTERVIEW WITH ASHLEY BARRON AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: At a young age of 23 Ashley Barron started making her mark on the world of country music with her song “Wrote a Song About it”. From there she was a super star in the making. With a few words, it makes it seem easy. A bio, or quote from a media company, doesn’t even touch the amount of time and work that goes into the making of a hit song. In fact, there is so much more to it. The key element to the beginning of success is “Perseverance”. We want to know what challenges Ashley had to overcome to get to where she is now. Undoubtedly, there are key character traits that are involved.
Guitar Thrills: Hi Ashley. Thank you for taking the time to interview with Guitar Thrills Magazine. We are excited for you. You are a talented artist, and you have the proof to back it up. However, we would like to know about the challenges you face as an artist.
Ashley: Comparison. The music industry is so different these days, with Instagram and TikTok. It’s love or hate. The hardest part is how easy it is to get lost in the comparison game. I have to remind myself all the time that social media is just a highlight reel.
Guitar Thrills: When did you figure it out? When did it all take shape for you?
Ashley: Ha, I don’t know if it really all has yet! Every stage is different, but I look at it as a challenge to keep growing. As long as God keeps opening the doors, I will continue to walk through them.
Guitar Thrills: A key point is perseverance. How did it play a role in the song “Wrote a Song About it?
Ashley: I wrote a song about It was the first song I ever wrote in Nashville. That song showed me how fun it was to write. It taught me to take hold of all the creative possibilities in songwriting.
Guitar Thrills: Did you receive the accolades anticipated when that song was released?
Ashley: When I released that song, I didn’t have many expectations. I was just excited to get new music out there.
Guitar Thrills: Who were some influential people that encouraged you to keep pursuing your talent?
Ashley: My Parents. My parents have always been my rock. They’ve never stopped pushing and supporting me throughout this journey. I’ll never forget what my dad said to me when I wanted to drop out of college to pursue music. He said, “We only regret the things in life we didn’t do.”
Guitar Thrills: Some decisions require professionals that are not in the game, and can direct you in the path that will help you, not hinder you. How did you come to the decision that a publicist was required?
Ashley: Honestly, it was just the natural next step! I was needing a change, and Dead Horse Branding came along at the perfect time.
Guitar Thrills: I know you have a single set to be released on September 13th. Can you tell us about that song, and the story behind the music?
Ashley: One morning after another breakup, I was on my knees, asking God if I would ever just be satisfied. I believe God put this song on my heart to write to share with others who may be in that same headspace. This song isn’t necessarily about love; it can apply to all areas of someone’s life. Like all the songs I write, I want others to know they are not alone in their journey.
Guitar Thrills: It doesn’t stop with the single. There is also an album called Checkmate to be released in the fall. Do you have special guests that you have collaborated with?
Ashley: I’m very excited for this album to be released because it’s the first album I really took full control of. I chose my band leader, Aaron Stapler, to be the producer on the record, and he absolutely crushed it!
Guitar Thrills: Music is one of the main reasons why we interview our guests. However, when we find out that our guests are involved with a special organization, we must dive into it a bit more. I know you are a Celebrity Ambassador for the Scleroderma Foundation. For our readers, please give us a brief overview of what Scleroderma is, and how it impacts you personally? Why is it so important to you?
Ashley: Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that is ultimately caused by the hardening of tissue. This can impact the outside of your body as well as the inside. I was diagnosed with linear scleroderma, meaning the outside of my body, at 5 years old. Thankfully, my condition became dormant around middle school. In the year 2020, my mother was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, affecting the inside of her body. It took her life that same year. When the national Scleroderma Foundation came to me and asked for me to come alongside them to help spread awareness, there was no doubt in my mind. The answer was yes.
Guitar Thrills: That is awesome. I am positive that your involvement will make a huge impact. Keep up the excellent work.
Guitar Thrills: You had some previously released singles such as “Betrayed” and “Cryin’ in a Bar”. I can only imagine how the message of those songs was embraced by many fans of yours. How was it received by your fan base?
Ashley: It’s been so amazing to watch the response from the fans to each of these singles leading up to our album release. I can’t wait for everyone to hear more!
Guitar Thrills: Adding to the success of a release often requires touring. Did you tour, and who did, or did you open up for another artist?
Ashley: We have been on and off the road this summer. We’ve played shows with Joe Nichols and Craig Morgan this year. We’ve also taken time to come home and play shows all around Nashville. It’s been a busy but great summer.
Guitar Thrills: Do you have a particular instrument that you are fond of? Also, what is your brand of choice and why?
Ashley: I’m not much of a musician, actually! I leave that up to the professionals around me. I have the most amazing players in my band, and I’m honored to share the stage with them every night.
Guitar Thrills: I am glad that we had a chance to chat. I hope the best for your upcoming releases, and please keep us in-tune with what is happening in your music career. Thank you.
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
