Ashley Barron Celebrates A Breakup in “Cryin’ In A Bar”
Hometown, Sacramento, California. From singing in your bedroom to singing in high school choir. Inspired by strong women in country music like Miranda Lambert and Loretta Lynn. How have artists like Lambert and Lynn influenced the artist you’ve become?
There are a lot of strong females in country music, but I have always admired Miranda Lambert and Loretta Lynn for their amazing stage presence. I hope to be just as energetic as they have been on each stage they’ve stepped on.
Decided to pass on college, after being accepted at the University of Arizona, to pursue a career in country music. First single, “It Might Get Loud,” came out in 2017 when you were 23 years old. Your favorite part about being a musician is being on the road and meeting fans. Can you share a fan’s story of how your music has impacted their life?
Meeting my fans in person has always meant the world to me. Since I started sharing my story with the autoimmune disease, scleroderma, it has been shocking to hear those who come up to me and share their battle with the disease. It fills my heart to be able to connect with them and lift them up as much as I can.
“One of my favorite things about the music industry is the creative aspect.” Taking life experiences and turning them into your lyrics, creating passionate and relatable music that ‘embodies loss, heartbreak, betrayal, and the occasional crazy night out with the girls.’ Can you share how you make your personal stories resonate with listeners?
I’m an open book. I’ve been through a lot and my hope is that sharing my struggles can help others not feel alone.
“I was taught to never give up, and if I can help someone push through a rough time, then I’m sharing my story.” Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis (thickening) in the skin and other areas of the body. You were diagnosed at age 5 with the disease. Your mother, Carol, was diagnosed just four months before she passed from the disease in October 2020. Now you are the official celebrity ambassador for the National Scleroderma Foundation. Their mission is to advance medical research, promote disease awareness, and provide support and education to people with scleroderma, their families and support networks. How can fans help support the Foundation?
It is an honor to work with the National Scleroderma Foundation and spread awareness alongside them. Anyone is welcome to make a donation to the foundation directly here or download my exclusive song written for the foundation and a little girl who is also struggling with this disease here.
“Betrayed,” the first single from your upcoming debut album, Checkmate, was co-written with Bill DiLuigi. “‘Betrayed’ is my anthem to anyone who’s had their heart stomped on by people who didn’t respect their worth. This song is a cause for celebration. To celebrate your triumph over heartbreak. To shout from the rooftops that you won’t be brought down.” What similar anthem songs would you add to a “Betrayed” playlist?
Oh, the list could go on forever! But here are my top 5: “good 4 you” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Poor Everybody Else” by Carrie Underwood, “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera, “Gold Dust Woman” by Fleetwood Mac, “Heartbreaker” by Led Zeppelin.
The second single, “Cryin’ In A Bar,” was co-written with Pete Sallis. The lyrics challenge the traditional heartbreak narrative that one needs to cry to get over it. What inspired the co-write?
When I got in the room with Pete, I was over writing about my break-ups. However I was currently going through one at the time. When I told Pete I wasn’t all that sad about it, he ran with the idea! When someone breaks up with you, usually you’re going out to the bar to drown your sorrows but this time you’re going to celebrate.
Upcoming July tour dates, the 12th in Decorah, IA, opening for Joe Nichols and the 13th in Adel, IA, opening for Craig Morgan. What can fans look forward to hearing at these shows?
We are bringing a lot of these new songs that will be on the album on the road with us! But we also have a few fun surprises as well.
What’s ahead?
I can’t wait for everyone to hear my new album, Checkmate. In the meantime, stay tuned for some surprise singles coming out in the near future!
For more information and to connect with Barron, follow her on Website, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube.
“Cryin’ In A Bar” Cover Art Photography Credit: Melissa Core of Dead Horse Branding