About Ashley Puckett
Why country music ?
~ Iʼve loved country music since I was young. The first song I had ever sung was at age five, it was “You were mine” by the DIxie Chicks. I listen to all kinds of music; country, pop, R&B, and even some latin from time to time, depending on the mood. I always come back to country when I sing and write because itʼs what I relate to most and how I am able to express myself the best. I love the storytelling and as you will notice with my style, itʼs where I can be the most open, vulnerable, and when given the chance, romantic.
If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Such a great question! Making me think on this one… Iʼd have to say a duet with myself and Chris Stapleton or Myself and Merle Haggard would be awesome!
What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ Each of these songs were chosen for a reason, each completely different. If Iʼd have to say one means the most, Iʼd almost be torn between “Never Say Never”, “I Still Chose To Ride”, and “I Will Remember You” “Never Say Never” is just such a beautiful love song that is so expressive and, to me, paints the picture of a beautiful fairytale life and how happiness and love evolves over and over. Itʼs a song that even if you donʼt have that fairytale yet, gives you hope. Also, it reminds you to “Never say Never” and believe anything is possible (a separate meaning) which is why I chose this as my album title. Itʼs also a very well mixed song on the album that with my tones and the arrangement
is the most precious and seamless one to listen to in my opinion.
“I Still Chose To Ride” is probably the song I can say should be my anthem song on this album. Itʼs the one that I didnʼt necessarily at first realize that it may be my life spelled out word for word. I go after what I want and I often find myself looking ahed and knowing the future or certain decisions may not be the best ones, but Iʼm stubborn, and go the direction I feel I want to at the time. This song is about doing just that as I sing “But still I walked into the line of fire, put my heart right in harms way…”
Lastly, is “I Will Remember You”. This one is special to me because itʼs one of those songs that can be interpreted in two ways. Anyone can relate to loving and loosing whether, someone has just moved on, out of your life or in the distance, or someone who has passed. This song is one of the most touching songs on the album to me. If thereʼs a song I may or may not have teared up while recording, it would be this one. Everyone is different so I think this song will touch some in regard to love and relationships, and even friendships, and then the other half will be those who have lost a loved one that may come to mind.
What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ I am an avid thrill seeker. I think that is probably most surprising to people just getting to know me. Most peoplesʼ idea of fun or stress relief is doing things like going to see a movie, hanging out with friends, taking a walk or hike etc. Me, I enjoy jumping out of planes and bungee jumping off of bridges and one day hope to see the edge of space in the Mig-29 … just simple stuff to have fun. haha.
Also, I have two different colored eyes – itʼs called Heterochromia. One Blue, one Green. You would think that isnʼt something that should come as a surprise, but Iʼm surprised how many conversations Iʼve had with others who took a very long time to notice.
Give us one country song you never want to hear on radio anymore and tell us why.
~ haha. I canʼt choose one. Honestly, if a song is so over played and that Artist is doing so well and fans are loving what they are sharing, that’s supposed to be a good thing!
When I have country radio on or Pandora, I donʼt know the last time Iʼve skipped a song for any reason at all.
What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would?
~ Well, I can say I like the “out of the box” questions the most. Anything completely “out of nowhere” that is just random and more fun…. One thing related to my career however, is perhaps, “Other than everyone knowing your name and your songs being played everywhere, what is one goal you have that will really make you feel like the star you set out to become?” – I think as an artist, we just assume one day if we work hard enough we are going to get a lot of radio airplay, song downloads, CD purchases, people wanting to take pictures and signing autographs, but a little deeper than what we all kinda think will happen or hope to see happen; my one goal to really feel Iʼve become successful in my own heart is to win a Grammy. Iʼve always wanted to win an ACM or CMA award and such, but to win a Grammy, I feel – to me – will make me feel like a job well done.
Describe the ultimate recording studio
~ Iʼve been to only two different studios but I think I learned enough at Tonic Studios, where I recorded my album about what I like in a studio. In addition to technology, they focused on “the mood” which, to me is very important. I like the dim lighting, cozy, intimate feeling when I record. Even on more up beat songs, I like to just be able to focus and have fun, not be in a big open space and feel as if Iʼm in the audience light being judged. It should be a different experience between the two I think.
Johnny or June ?
~ June. I think I relate to her in more ways than one. Definitely June.
Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ Sometimes I still do get nervous. Iʼm not really sure what determines whether I do or donʼt. I can say I remember a time when a shot of fireball before hitting the stage worked, but I never made that a frequent occurrence to know if that maybe calms the nerves enough haha. Sometimes Iʼve learned breathing and concentrating only makes it worse for me – it helps trying to be as real as possible with the audience with one shared goal of having fun, rather than trying to just be impressive up in the spotlight. Although, that was much easier said than it ever is done.
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ I think the most memorable day or days was meeting Bryan and Doug at Tonic Studios and talking about making an album. Really, the whole process was probably the most memorable thing Iʼve ever done thus far in my career. During that meeting, a lot of the “what ifʼs” and “this will/will not ever happen for me” and such- all the doubts Iʼve ever had about really having a shot at it in the music business was washed away. I was at a time in my life where music just seemed so far away for me and this seemed to be “that opportunity” you donʼt want to walk away from. That day and that whole year was truly an amazing journey shaping the artist Iʼve become and Iʼm very proud of it.
