Comments (Abby Bauder
who's opening for Sugarland
It’s not every day you get
to talk to a country music sensation, but I got my chance this week. Ashton
Shepherd is the one of the newest voices to country music; however she is
definitely a recognizable voice. Her new single “Sounds So Good,” is topping
the billboard charts and can be found on just about every country music station
in town. Her other single, “Takin’ off this Pain,” is turning into the perfect
“moving on” song for women all over the country.
Her southern charm really came through in an interview I
had with her this week about the realities of hitting the touring scene. Not
only did she leave her hometown of
Shepherd visits with her son about every other week when
he and her husband, of almost four years, come to see her on the road (and yes,
I did say ‘husband,’ so obviously “Takin’ off this Pain” was not written for
him). Shepherd admits that even though she loves touring and performing every night
with Sugarland, that she really misses her family, and being at home. Shepherd
was a stay-at-home mom before she struck gold. The southern star explains her
new lifestyle as “kind of hard to get used to, but we make it work and have a
lot of fun.”
I was interested to know what inspires Shepherd to write
her lyrics. She ranges from “feel good” songs to “gettin’ down to business”
songs, and even “tear jerking” songs.
N4U: What inspires you to write the lyrics to your
songs?
AS: Sometimes I write a song
about something specific that I’ve gone through. And then other times I just
write about life in general…no one or nothing in particular.
“Angel Wings”
can really get to a person’s heart. Did you write that for someone you’re close
to?
No, actually my brother and
I were sitting around and started coming up with the lyrics. So many families
today go through traumatic and life-changing experiences, so I wanted to write
a song they could relate to.
What is your favorite song on your debut album?
I don’t know if I
necessarily have a favorite song, but I could listen to “Sounds so Good” over
and over. That song just makes me feel good.
Now I know you said you are happily married, so where
did “Takin’ off this Pain” come from? That song doesn’t sound so happy!
(laughs) I just started
writing down the lyrics about an angry woman and then I thought about how I’d
feel if my husband and I were going through that. But don’t worry; I’m still
wearin’ my wedding band!
So when did it hit you that you were becoming a “celebrity?”
I don’t think it has yet. I
don’t wear a lot of makeup or fix my hair when I’m off stage, so people don’t
come up to me and recognize me right away. I don’t know if it will ever really
hit me that I’m a “celebrity.” But I do try to be as nice as I possibly can…I
want to be a good celebrity, not a bad one!
Keith Urban said on CMT that as soon as he heard “Sounds
so Good,” that he went out and bought your CD. What does that mean to you to
have Keith Urban say that?
It makes me feel accepted,
and so grateful to be in this business.
Shepherd has been compared to the great Loretta Lynn both
for her style and her charm. She told me if she could meet any famous country
star it would have to be Loretta Lynn for sure. “Not just because people
compare me to her a lot, but because that is who I grew up listening to and
relating to. Loretta is just great.”
Dolly is, of course, another one of Shepherd’s all time
favorites. “I admire Dolly Parton as a writer and for all her accomplishments. I
just really like the traditional singers who sing from their heart and not just
from the stage,” explains Ms. Shepherd.
My interview with Ashton Shepherd was nonetheless
extremely casual, funny and full of charm. She was easy to relate to, and it
was fun to just listen to her trademark voice. She is without a doubt ready to
be let loose in the music industry!
Be sure to catch Ashton Shepherd on tour with Sugarland
Friday, October 24 at Roberts Stadium. This show is a guaranteed good time for
true country music lovers of all ages!
In
support of their new album release, Sugarland will bring the LOVE ON THE INSIDE
tour Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. to Roberts Stadium. The tour will feature
special guests Kellie Pickler and Ashton Shepherd.
Seats
are $46 and $36. All tickets are subject to Ticketmaster Fees, Handling Charges
and Facility Fees. Tickets can be purchased at The Roberts Stadium Box Office,
The Centre Box Office, All Ticketmaster outlets including fye in Eastland Mall
and
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PHOTO CREDITS | REGIONAL/TOUR PRESS, PUBLICITY/UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE/MCA/MERCURY
