Nearly a decade ago, as a college senior, rising country singer Kassi Ashton signed a record deal with Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN)/Interscope Records. Now 30 — and fresh off the success of her highest-charting single to date — the California native will finally release her long-awaited debut album, Made From the Dirton September 20.
Foundation
Singer-songwriter Ashton is a study in contrasts: a motorcycle enthusiast who designs and builds many of her stage and red carpet outfits from scratch (including at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards, where she was nominated for New Female Artist year ). As a child, she entered competitions mainly as a vehicle to promote her music. Even then, her vocal prowess was evident, thanks to influence from singers such as Adele, Aretha Franklin and (later) the country-soul of Chris Stapleton. Ashton soon began writing original songs, enrolling at Nashville's Belmont University to study commercial voice and music.
Discovery
In 2016, as he neared college graduation, Ashton signed a management and publishing deal with Nashville-based Creative Nation. By 2017, he signed a deal with UMGN in collaboration with Interscope. But the years that followed were spent perfecting her sound and overcoming setbacks, with none of her singles pushed to radio — and no debut album. “I never felt like I had to give up,” she says. “When I signed, they wanted me to go straight into radio. I said no because I didn't have a song I wanted to sing for the rest of my life.” Her first full-length was also delayed by the pandemic in 2020, but in 2022, she finally released her debut country radio single, “Dates in Pickup Trucks,” followed by “Drive You Out of My Mind.” The two songs built momentum, but this year's “Called Crazy” resonated more, peaking at No. 32 on Bulletin boardMap of Country Airplay. “It came so easy,” she says. “I felt like I was finding a pillar.”
Future
Nearly a decade after signing with the label, Ashton will release her long-awaited debut album, Made From the Dirton Sept. 20 and a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother (“Juanita”). “I couldn't have made this album at 23,” says Ashton. “It would be rushed and not consistent with who I am as a person. I can't wait to see how what I've poured energy, time and tears into comes together.”
A version of this story appears in the August 24, 2024, issue Bulletin board.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/country/kassi-ashton-debut-album-interview-1235760979/
