Kassi Ashton is a rising star in the country music industry known for her distinctive voice, powerful lyrics, and unique style. Born and raised in California, Missouri, Ashton began singing and writing songs at a young age, drawing inspiration from her family’s love of music.
After moving to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a professional musician, she quickly caught the attention of industry executives and signed with UMG Nashville, one of the biggest record labels in the country.
Since then, Ashton has released a number of critically acclaimed singles and an EP, collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, and garnered a dedicated following of fans who are drawn to her honest, authentic approach to country music.
With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Ashton is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new voices in the genre, and her impact on the industry is sure to be felt for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Kassi Ashton is a rising star in country music known for her unique style, powerful lyrics, and soulful voice.
- Ashton draws inspiration from personal experiences and emotions, often tackling themes that are not often explored in mainstream country music, such as mental health struggles, addiction, and domestic violence.
- Ashton is an advocate for mental health awareness and support services, participating in various initiatives and activities to promote mental health advocacy and self-care.
- Ashton’s impact on the industry is sure to be felt for years to come, challenging traditional notions of what a country artist should look and sound like, and providing opportunities for diverse artists.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Kassi Ashton’s early life was marked by a deep love for music that was instilled in her by her family. Growing up in California, she would often sing and perform at local events and shows. Her parents, who were also musicians, encouraged her talent and helped her hone her skills.
Ashton’s musical journey began in earnest when she moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. She began writing and performing her own music, drawing on her personal experiences and emotions to create songs that resonated with her audience. Her unique blend of country, pop, and soul quickly garnered attention, and she soon found herself signed to a major record label.
Despite her success, Ashton remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that music has brought her, and she continues to inspire others with her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics.
Moving to Nashville and Signing with UMG Nashville
Relocating to the music capital of the world and securing a record deal with one of the largest labels in the industry is a significant achievement for any aspiring artist. For Kassi Ashton, this dream came true when she moved to Nashville and signed with UMG Nashville in 2017. This move marked a turning point in her career as she shifted from performing at local venues to working with industry giants.
The following are some of the emotions that Kassi’s fans felt upon hearing about her move to Nashville and signing with UMG Nashville:
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Excitement: Fans were thrilled to hear that Kassi had signed with such a prestigious label and couldn’t wait to hear what she would release next.
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Pride: Many fans in Kassi’s hometown of California, Missouri, felt a sense of pride knowing that one of their own had made it big in the music industry.
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Anticipation: Kassi’s move to Nashville and record deal sparked a sense of anticipation as fans eagerly awaited her next move and what she would bring to the industry.
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Hope: Kassi’s success gave hope to aspiring artists that with hard work and dedication, they too could make it big in the music industry.
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Inspiration: Kassi’s journey inspired many fans to pursue their dreams and never give up on their passions.
Debut Single ‘California, Missouri’
With a powerful and soulful voice, Kassi Ashton’s debut single ‘California, Missouri’ has been making waves in the country music scene. The song tells a vivid and emotional story of Ashton’s hometown and the people who shaped her into the artist she is today.
The lyrics paint a picture of a small town where everyone knows each other’s business, but also looks out for one another. Ashton’s raw and honest delivery captures the heart and soul of the town, bringing to life the stories and memories that make it so special.
The song received critical acclaim for its storytelling and Ashton’s unique vocal style. It showcases her ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern production techniques, creating a sound that is both fresh and authentic. ‘California, Missouri’ also earned Ashton a spot on CMT’s Next Women of Country list, solidifying her as a rising star in the genre.
With her debut single, Ashton has proven herself to be a talented songwriter and performer, and fans are eagerly anticipating what she has in store for the future.
Collaborations with Keith Urban and Maren Morris
Collaborations with country music stars Keith Urban and Maren Morris have brought a new level of exposure to Kassi Ashton’s rising career.
In 2018, Ashton was featured on Keith Urban’s song ‘Drop Top’ on his album ‘Graffiti U.’ The song was praised for its catchy beat and Ashton’s soulful vocals. Ashton also joined Urban on his ‘Graffiti U’ tour, further expanding her reach to country music fans across the country.
Ashton’s collaboration with Maren Morris came in 2019 with the release of ‘All My Favorite People.’ The song, which also featured Brothers Osborne, became a fan-favorite and was praised for its upbeat, infectious energy. The collaboration with Morris, who is a Grammy-winning artist, brought even more attention to Ashton’s unique sound and style.
These collaborations have not only allowed Ashton to work with some of the biggest names in country music but have also helped her gain new fans and solidify her place in the industry.
EP Release: ‘Violins’
The release of her EP ‘Violins’ showcases Kassi Ashton’s unique sound and storytelling abilities, further solidifying her place as one of country music’s rising stars.
The EP, which features seven tracks, takes listeners on a journey through Ashton’s personal experiences and emotions, all while showcasing her powerful vocals and impressive songwriting skills.
Each song on ‘Violins’ tells a different story, from the heartbreak of ‘Field Party’ to the self-love anthem ‘Pretty Shiny Things.’
Ashton’s ability to convey complex emotions through her lyrics is truly impressive, and her distinct sound, which blends traditional country with pop and rock influences, sets her apart from other artists in the genre.
With the release of ‘Violins,’ Ashton proves that she is a force to be reckoned with in the country music world, and fans can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.
Touring with Maren Morris and Devin Dawson
Touring alongside Maren Morris and Devin Dawson has allowed for Kassi Ashton to expand her audience and reach out to a wider range of country music fans. As an opening act for the two well-established country artists, Ashton has been able to perform in front of large crowds and gain exposure to new fans.
This opportunity has helped her to establish herself as a rising star in the genre and build a solid fan base. Ashton’s unique sound, which blends traditional country elements with pop and rock influences, has resonated well with audiences during the tour.
Her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics have earned her acclaim from both fans and critics. As she continues to tour with Morris and Dawson, Ashton will have the chance to further showcase her talents and gain even more fans, paving the way for a successful career in country music.
Songwriting Process and Inspirations
During the songwriting process, Ashton draws inspiration from personal experiences and emotions, often infusing them with traditional country themes of heartbreak, love, and small town life. She believes that honesty is key to good songwriting, and that sharing her own stories and emotions with her listeners is what makes her music relatable. Ashton also cites the influence of her musical heroes, such as Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, who have paved the way for women in country music and inspired her own songwriting.
Ashton’s songwriting process usually begins with a melody or a phrase that she finds intriguing. From there, she works on developing the lyrics and creating a narrative that fits with the melody. She often collaborates with other songwriters, such as Luke Dick and Josh Kerr, to bring different perspectives and ideas to her songs.
Overall, Ashton’s songwriting process is a deeply personal and collaborative experience that allows her to share her own experiences and emotions with her audience while staying true to the traditional themes and sounds of country music.
Personal Life and Mental Health Advocacy
Regarding her personal life and mental health advocacy, Kassi Ashton has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, and has used her platform to raise awareness and promote self-care. In an interview with The Boot, Ashton shared her experience with panic attacks and how it affected her personal and professional life. She also emphasized the importance of seeking help and reaching out to people who can provide support.
To further promote mental health advocacy and self-care, Ashton has engaged in various initiatives and activities, including the following:
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She has collaborated with mental health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness and funds for mental health support services.
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She has shared her personal journey and insights on mental health through her social media platforms and in interviews, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage people to seek help.
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She has written songs that tackle mental health themes, such as her single ‘Field Party,’which addresses the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the toll it takes on mental health.
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She has participated in mental health awareness campaigns such as the ‘I’m Listening’initiative, a program that aims to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
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She has encouraged her fans to prioritize self-care and mental health by sharing tips and resources on her social media accounts, such as meditation apps and mental health support hotlines.
Through her advocacy work and personal experiences, Kassi Ashton has become a voice for mental health awareness and self-care. Her efforts have not only raised awareness but have also provided support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.
Future Plans and Upcoming Projects
Kassi Ashton’s personal life and advocacy for mental health have been integral parts of her career in music. However, she has not let these aspects define her entirely.
Ashton is also focused on her future plans and upcoming projects, which promise to be exciting for her fans. Ashton has several upcoming projects that she is working on, including new music releases and collaborations with other artists. She has recently teased a new single on her social media accounts, which has generated buzz among her followers.
Her forthcoming EP promises to be a fusion of country, rock, and pop genres, highlighting her versatility as an artist. Additionally, Ashton has expressed her desire to collaborate with other artists in the industry to create unique and inspiring music.
Overall, Kassi Ashton’s future plans and upcoming projects demonstrate her commitment to her artistry and growth as a musician. Her fans can expect new music releases, engaging collaborations, and diversity in her musical style. The anticipation for her new work is high, and it is evident that Ashton is determined to deliver quality music that resonates with her listeners.
Impact on the Country Music Industry
The emergence of Kassi Ashton has brought significant changes to the country music industry. As a woman of color, Ashton’s presence in the predominantly white and male-dominated industry has challenged traditional notions of what a country artist should look and sound like.
Her unique blend of country, rock, and R&B has attracted a diverse fan base and has opened doors for other artists who don’t necessarily fit the mold. Moreover, Ashton’s music tackles themes that are not often explored in mainstream country music.
Her songs address issues such as mental health struggles, addiction, and domestic violence. By doing so, Ashton has raised awareness and started important conversations about these topics within the country music community. Her impact on the industry is undeniable, and her influence will continue to shape the future of country music.