BROOKE ASHTON – INTERVIEW – T H E S O N G B I R D

Our Del Osei-Owusu recently caught up with Americana Country singer Brooke Ashton for a quick chat.

Hello Brooke how are you?

I’m well! The springtime sunshine makes me happy!

Congratulations on the release of ‘The Love Of Song’ how does it feel?

It feels like a major accomplishment. This album was a LONG time in the making. The odds were stacked against me… I had every reason to quit and never finish. I’m so glad I kept going and made it happen!

It references your love for music in its title what’s your favorite song from it?

It’s a toss up between Homesick and Ramblin’ Man. Both of those songs make me feel something special in different ways. Homesick is deeply personal and nostalgic- it makes me emotional to think of my family back home where I grew up. The melody and chord structure of Ramblin’ Man stirs energy in my soul every time I hear it. I’m proud of that song.

What’s your favorite memory of recording it?

I had the opportunity to work with an incredible Strings composer on this record. Every time he came into the studio to record I was moved to tears. I remember the recording for “Rainy Day” specifically-feeling like I was doing what I was supposed to at that moment in time. It all made sense at that moment.

You’re an artist from South Carolina how did it begin for you?

I kind of accidentally started writing songs when I got my first guitar for my 15th birthday. I had taken piano growing up and wrote a song or two with no lyrics, but when I got my first guitar I just fell into writing and never looked back. Writing complete songs felt familiar to me. It felt like “home”!

I realized that no one would ever hear my songs unless I started singing them myself. I gathered the courage to attend my first open mic locally and it just snowballed from there. Songwriting is my passion and connecting with others through music makes me an artist. I’m so grateful to be able to share music the way I do!

What did you listen to growing up?

Gosh I feel like everything! I like most genres of music. My Dad was always playing Classic Rock. I listened to The Eagles, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin to name a few. My Mother loved Country music, from George Strait and Vince Gill to Miranda Lambert and lots of 90’s country. Sprinkled in some Anna Nalick and Dashboard Confessional, even some Linkin’ Park! My musical influences are all over the place!

Do you remember writing your first song?

I do! I was 15. I wrote a song in my bedroom, It was called “Rebound Girl”. I’m smiling thinking about the juvenile lyrics and topic, however I still remember the hook in the chorus was pretty catchy for a first song.

You have a deep rooted understanding of the songwriting process, do you have a routine for when you write?

My typical routine consists of phrase or a melody coming to me first. Often while I am doing something non-music related. Then I sit down and figure out a chord progression and craft a song around that. I feel almost like that melody or phrase has chosen me to write a song around it. Sometimes it is a “Spiritual process- those are amazing. Sometimes I have to lean more on my experience to finish a song.

If you could go back in time to study how a song was written through to its recording and release and not be able to change anything, what song would you choose and why?

Such a good question! If it’s a song that I didn’t write, I would love to see the process behind “Let it Be” from the Beatles (One of the greatest songs ever written and the first chord progression I learned on the piano – Del) . I don’t know that I need to say much more for that one. It’s just an all-around incredible song and inspires me musically and lyrically. I’m fascinated by it.

If it was a song that I’ve already written, it would be Ramblin’ Man. I’d love to re-live that process and be happy with the outcome!

What are you listening to at the moment?

Lots of Noah Kahan, Jonah Kagan, Nathaniel Rateliff. Always appreciate some Gregory Alan Isakov, Josh Ritter or Kacey Musgraves!

What are you looking forward to doing in the next 12 months?

Writing more songs and recording them hopefully. I have another album ready, it’s just finding the time and funding to do it! I enjoy playing live gigs when I can. Maybe a trip to Nashville in the near future. I’m also a mom to 3 littles and we are building a home this year so I’m excited for all of that!