A captivating Americana journey from the vast landscapes of Ozarks — Ashtyn Barbaree’s New Album, Sent Through The Ceiling

Donna Block
9 min readSep 13, 2024

Fayetteville, Arkansas. The city is home to the famed Dickson Street Entertainment District where visitors can find restaurants, bars and live music. Where would you take a first-time visitor to town?

I’d start by taking them to Pinpoint on Block Street — it’s one of my favorite spots downtown, known for amazing cocktails and vintage pinball machines. For live music, I’d definitely recommend checking out the lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge and Smoke & Barrel. As for food, you can’t go wrong with Los Bobos — they have some of the best tacos in town.

Timeless, smoky, ethereal vocals and melodies. How does having an ethereal voice make your sound more distinctive?

Having an “ethereal” voice is not something I consciously use to stand out; it’s part of my musical expression and contributes to the atmosphere my songs create.

Heartfelt songwriting. Songwriters in the Round. What is the best advice you’ve been given in a writers’ round?

While I haven’t received direct advice in a writer’s round, I’ve been inspired by witnessing other songwriters share their most personal stories through their music. Seeing their vulnerability and honesty reminds me of the power of storytelling in songwriting, it’s not about perfection, but about connecting with others on an emotional level. That has shaped how I approach my own music.

Recent residency at Wildacres Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Passionate performances after “…days were filled with hikes, shared meals, productive writing sessions, and a few inspiring poetry classes.” You mentioned also making new friendships with two artists in residence, Katy and Jessica. Any planned collaborations?

The artists I met at Wildacres were working in different mediums, including pottery, drawing, and quilting, but the creative energy we shared was really inspiring. While we don’t have any collaborations planned right now, we’ve built strong friendships and will definitely stay in touch. I’ve even invited Katy and Jessica to visit me in Arkansas, so it will be exciting to see what comes from future conversations.

Indie-folk-Americana. For new fans, which songs would you recommend they listen to that best represent these genres?

“Nothing’s Gonna Happen” by The Staves, “If We Were Vampires” by Jason Isbell, “Emmylou” by First Aid Kit, “Wayside / Back In Time” by Gillian Welch.

College at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), degree in geology. How did you choose the major?

I chose to major in geology at the University of Arkansas because of my passion for math and science. With both of my parents being engineers and having started college-level mathematics in 7th grade, I naturally gravitated towards the sciences. I began college at 16 and explored various majors, including mathematics and engineering, before settling on geosciences. I was particularly intrigued by sustainability, environmental science, and physics classes, and I enjoyed spending time in outdoor labs observing local trees, rocks, and streams.

While I found music theory fascinating and would have pursued a degree in it if available, I chose not to pursue a music performance degree due to its time commitment, which would have conflicted with my busy performance schedule of around 300 shows a year. I did still take a few music theory classes and thoroughly enjoyed them.

“Little Darlin’,” offers a mix of criticism and encouragement to your younger self. The 2017 song “reflected on my emotional and physical growth since the days of slamming doors and getting into it with my mom. It’s a reminder that there’s a light at the end, when you power through those confusing teenage days.” Since writing this, what do you know now that you wish you did then?

Since writing “Little Darlin’,” I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes and that admitting when you’re wrong is a strength, not a weakness. I wish I had understood then that owning up to mistakes and letting go of pride would make those challenging moments much easier to navigate.

International touring. Self-titled debut EP, 2018, recorded at The New York Butcher Shoppe in Nashville with producer David Ferguson, led to your first European tour the same year. First full-length album, Better Luck Next Time, in 2020, recorded at The Studio Nashville, led to extensive touring throughout Europe. “…played in the absolutely beautiful De Drommedaris in Enkhuizen, built in 1540. The most historical venue I have ever been to. Amazing sound and kind people.” Which European venues are on your bucket list?

UK Americana Fest, Tonder Festival, Black Deer Festival, Paradiso.

Opening for Alexandra Kay, Mike Mains, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, William Clark Green, Arkansauce, and Adeem the Artist. What important roles does the support act play in a concert?

The support act plays an important role in getting the crowd excited and ready for the main act. It’s also a chance for the audience to discover new music that complements yet contrasts with the headliner’s sound. I always enjoy opening for other acts and am thankful to those who have allowed me the opportunity.

Recognition as the Arkansas Music Ambassador by Arkansas State Tourism. How do you personally help promote the state’s music?

As an Arkansas Music Ambassador, I proudly promote our state’s vibrant music scene. I highlight Northwest Arkansas through performances, networking, and sharing my passion for the area. It’s an honor to represent and celebrate Arkansas’s rich musical heritage.

Nominated for Acoustic Act of the Year (this year) and Americana Artist of the Year (last year) at the Arkansas Country Music Awards. How do these recognitions validate your work?

It’s encouraging to be recognized for my work, and while I’ll continue learning and developing my craft, I truly appreciate these nominations.

Cover, Jade Bird’s “What Am I Here For.” How do you connect with this song?

I connect with Jade Bird’s raw emotion and introspective lyrics, and I appreciate her vulnerability in this song. It also challenges me to explore my vocal range in new ways.

Artistic evolution and personal growth up to this moment. Set to independently release a new album, Sent Through the Ceiling, October 25, a captivating Americana journey from the vast landscapes of Ozarks. Self-discovery, resilience, and the bittersweetness of life’s journeys. Personal experiences. Self-produced. Recorded at Haxton Road Studios in Bentonville, Arkansas with engineer Ryan Ceola, with a talented lineup of Arkansas musicians. As a multi-instrumentalist yourself, how do you bring live performance energy to recorded music?

To capture the energy of live performance in my recordings, we live-tracked most of the core instruments together. While this approach meant sacrificing some isolation and occasionally cueing each other through a window, it was essential for maintaining that authentic, dynamic feel.

‘Copenhagen’ is deeply personal to me, as it captures the time when I fell in love with my partner of six years in the midst of a Scandinavian winter. The string lights, paper crafts, mulled wine, and street markets are very romantic. Seasons and relationships have their ups and downs, and I’m thankful to love someone who brings light and positivity to even difficult situations. This song celebrates the resilience and the warmth of love in the coldest climates.” First single, “Copenhagen,” off the upcoming release. Togetherness and separation. Co-written with Mike Mains, warmth and love can be found even in the coldest climates (Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital) and captures the essence of cherished memories and enduring bonds amidst the city’s wintry landscapes. How did your partner react to hearing this song the first time?

When I first shared the song with my partner, his initial reaction was a simple ‘very interesting,’ which made me laugh. Later on, he told me it sounded great.

Second single, “Reckless Nights.” Speaks of impulse and fleeting romance. Songwriting inspired by a podcast project with NPR’s Arts & Letters, aiming for a production that portrays the ambiance of short-lived passing while emphasizing its emotive lyrical substance. How did you choose this song to represent the album’s sound?

I chose “Reckless Nights” because of its distinctive full-band, indie rock feel. Each of my albums has featured a song with this big dynamic sound, showcasing the range and depth of my musical interests.

Joining Team One Mile for a fundraiser for Camp Hometown Heroes, an organization supporting children of fallen service members, across Wisconsin, Sept 9–14. Fans can donate online here. Can you share how you came to support this organization?

Mike Campbell, the founder of Team One Mile, discovered my music on Instagram and introduced me to the One Mile Leadership Project. Learning about their crucial work with veterans, children of fallen service members, first responders, and those affected by PTSD, I felt a deep connection to their cause. I’m honored to support this important mission and excited to perform across Wisconsin with them. Given that my grandfather was in the Navy, this cause holds special meaning for me.

Mystic Parallax | Awol Erizku Exhibit at The Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas until Oct. 13. The exhibit references and re-imagines African American and African visual culture, from hop-hop vernacular to iconic symbols from across history, including the Pan-African flag and the image of Nefertiti. Favorite piece of work in the exhibit and why?

My favorite pieces in the Mystic Parallax exhibit are the flowers wrapped around the airplane and the vivid collage of artwork on the wall. The contrast between the delicate flowers and the industrial airplane is striking, while the collage’s vibrant colors and patterns remind me of the beauty found in summer fabrics. The exhibit is both thought-provoking and visually stunning.

Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) this Oct. 24–27. Meeting in Lisle, Illinois this year, the conference welcomes artists from all over to showcase their music. Anyone interested in making deeper connections with artists, the music industry, and folk community in the region are welcome to attend. What makes conferences like FARM so special for artists and their fans?

While I haven’t attended FARM specifically, conferences like these are invaluable for both artists and fans. They offer a unique opportunity to connect with musicians and industry professionals who share similar experiences and challenges. The workshops, discussions, and conversations are like an immersive, real-time music business podcast or book. I find that the artists I meet at these events are deeply passionate and driven, which makes for meaningful connections. What’s special about FARM is that everyone there is genuinely interested in the music and truly invested in hearing the songs.

Trip to Costa Rica for writing, family/friends time and to enjoy the rainforest. Future travel plans?

I’m looking forward to traveling to Wisconsin, Nashville for Americana Fest, Alabama, and Illinois for various shows. I’m also planning a return trip to Costa Rica to celebrate Christmas with my grandmother, which we haven’t shared in many years.

“New music is a whole new chapter, personal pride with its release.” What’s ahead for you in 2025?

In 2025, I’m excited for more live shows and touring, continued growth as an artist, and additional listening room performances. I’m looking forward to writing more and collaborating with fellow musicians to create even more meaningful music.

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