Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Taylor
Hi Ash, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love for country music started before I could even talk, thanks to my grandma. She was a huge country music fan and always had artists like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and the Dixie Chicks playing around the house. She was the one who first introduced me to the stories and sounds of country music, and that love never left me.
I grew up in Bakersfield, California—a town with deep country roots and home to the famous Bakersfield Sound. Whether I knew it or not at the time, being surrounded by that history had a big impact on me. Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam—those artists shaped so much of what I do today. But even though I loved country music, I didn’t actually pick up a guitar until I was 17. Once I did, everything changed.
Not long after, I packed up and moved to Nashville to chase this crazy dream. I didn’t have much of a plan, just a guitar, a handful of songs, and a whole lot of determination. I even lived in my car for a while because all I wanted to do was write songs and find my way in this town. It wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t change any of it.
Now, after years of writing, playing shows, and figuring out who I am as an artist, I get to do what I love full-time. I’m still inspired by those same legends I grew up on, and I’m proud to carry a little bit of that Bakersfield sound with me wherever I go.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first moved to Nashville, I was so determined to make it that I lived in my car for a while. I didn’t have much—just my guitar, a notebook full of songs, and a dream that felt bigger than me. It was tough, but I was willing to do whatever it took to be in the room where songs were being written and music was being made.
The music industry is full of ups and downs, and I’ve had way more “no’s” than “yes’s” along the way. There have been times when I questioned if I was doing the right thing, if all the sacrifices were worth it. But every setback, every closed door, just pushed me to work harder. It fueled me to keep writing, keep playing, and keep proving to myself that I belonged here.
It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade the struggle for anything. Those tough moments built me into the artist I am today. And honestly, if the road was smooth, the journey wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a country music artist and songwriter, but more than that, I’m a storyteller. I write songs that are honest, sometimes raw, and always true to who I am. My music is heavily influenced by the Bakersfield Sound I grew up around—artists like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam—but it also has a modern edge that makes it uniquely mine.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t try to fit into a box. I embrace my roots, but I also make music that feels fresh and real. Whether it’s an upbeat, high-energy performance or a stripped-down acoustic song, I always want people to feel something when they hear my music.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the connection I’ve built with my fans. Seeing people relate to my songs, telling me that a lyric spoke to them or got them through something—that’s what makes all the hard work worth it. I’m also proud of the journey I’ve been on. From living in my car when I first got to Nashville to now touring and getting to share my music with more and more people, it’s been a wild ride. But every step of the way has led me to exactly where I’m meant to be.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to stay consistent and keep showing up. Whether it’s songwriting, performing, or any part of this industry, the only way to grow is to keep working at it. You have to treat it like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Write even when you don’t feel inspired, play even when the crowd is small, and keep pushing yourself to get better.
It’s also really important not to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s journey looks different, and there’s no set timeline for success. When I first started, I wish I had understood that sooner. It’s easy to look around and feel like you’re falling behind, but the truth is, as long as you’re moving forward, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
The best thing you can do is focus on your own path, put in the work, and stay true to yourself. If you love what you’re doing and refuse to give up, good things will come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashtaylor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtaylorcountry/profilecard/?igsh=MW83c2doeTh5YW0wZA==
- Facebook: https://x.com/ashtaylormusic?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ashtaylorcountry?si=TF0TPQsc9EmA5qzD
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7keBtT1zFpimYsBEIWRUgz?si=B6HMqoC4RHK7JJ-_U022SA
