Inspiration can strike at any given moment. This is something Ashley Puckett has mastered as she’s used those moments to put detailed thoughts into memorable Country songs for us to enjoy, including her most romantic single, “Medicine.” As soon as she picked up her guitar and began writing songs, the adventurous world of Country opened for this talented musician!
Your debut album, Never Say Never, is essentially a love letter to the difficult times you had while climbing up in your music career. Which song is the important one for you and why?
They are all special to me. To single one out, i’d start with the title track, “Never Say Never.” This song is very beautiful and I had a lot of fun recording it and shaping it into what it’s become. Aside from a true love song about that perfect fairy tale, it kinda has a double meaning for me with the cliche “Never Say Never” itself. This record was something as life began to change for me, that I wasn’t sure would ever come to be a reality. When I was presented with the opportunity, I knew it was my one shot at making something happen and really trying to make a name for myself in the music industry.
“Medicine” shares your real love story shown in true Country form through its sense of imagery and sounds. What inspired you to put these feelings into a song?
This song was a very easy one for me to record. It’s just so raw and romantic and straight forward. We’ve all had someone – a friend, or lover that is your “answer” to everything when you need a rock. And to have a love like that and someone to make you feel like everything is perfect when everything is actually falling apart, that’s something special and hard to find, so if you’ve experienced that In some form, it’s something worth sharing.
What’s the music scene like in your home base Pennsylvania?
I’m very lucky to have a lot of variety here. If you’re in the mood for country, blues, jazz, rock – you name it, there’s a spot you can find.
What inspired you to pursue music?
I’ve always knew music would be a part of my life forever from a very young age. I have just always loved to sing and as I got older I started to write, it was all just very natural.
With musical influences like Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Carol King and LeAnn Rimes, how did you first discover your musical sound?
I think it was a little bit of finding what I loved about each of those artists and how I related to them and others. From there, there’s a lot I’ve learned about myself and my style through my writing and also through the studio recording of this album. It all came together after just really finding what I’m comfortable with to where I can be both expressive with my own personality as well as true.
One of your top singles, “Bulletproof” fuses together Blues and Roots, and Rock. What’s the inspiration behind this bold single?
This song was one of the fun, sassy ones on the album. We’ve all met someone who shields off the world and tries to be perfect and “bulletproof” in the eyes of others. This song is for them! I’m calling them out, and saying it’s okay to be yourself sometimes.
What’s your writing process like?
It all depends on the inspiration and when and how an idea comes about. I’m influenced by real life, real people and situations, so sometimes it’s writing down a few words or phrases first, sometimes it’s a melody I get in my head. It isn’t always just one set process.
Congratulations on your being included in the Women In Music issue of Billboard Magazine! How does it feel being able to share your story with millions of their readers?
Thank you! Yes, that was an amazing milestone that actually came very early in my music career. It was just shortly after my debut single “Medicine” was released that I had the mention in Billboard and it was something that was very exciting for me. It was a very important issue which made it even more special.
What do you hope your listeners take away from listening to your music?
I want people to feel something and take away a memory or make memories with it. I also want people to learn about me and who I am through my music. You can learn more about me for the most part through music as opposed to real life usually.
What is your creative process when creating new music?
I’m just very random when it comes to new music. If I’m alone, it’s really just a matter of trying different things I like or don’t. If it’s more of a studio setting creating with others, it’s a lot of just having fun, sharing ideas, trying different phrases, instruments and stuff like that and somehow it all comes together. It’s actually pretty magical.
Do you have any new releases planned for this year?
“Bulletproof” is doing so well right now I’m still excited about this one, but soon enough there will be another single. Haven’t put anything in stone yet.
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m just really excited and thankful to finally be sharing my music and seeing that radio station are starting to play it and people are really enjoying it. I appreciate all of it and you can always keep in touch with what’s going on with me on my website!
