Ashton Eller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ashton, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity holds greater importance than any other trait. In many ways, integrity itself embodies both energy and intelligence, for it reflects not only how we act but also the depth of thought and intention behind those actions. I believe integrity is built on intelligence, as it requires strength, discipline, tenacity, experience, and knowledge. To truly develop integrity, one must have meaningful experiences and the willingness to learn from them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ashton Eller, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally from North Carolina. Music has always been woven into my life—I grew up in a family of singers, musicians, and storytellers, and those early experiences shaped the way I approach songwriting today. Over the years, I’ve pulled from a wide range of influences—from Southern gospel and classic country to punk, rock, and pop—which has led me to develop a sound that blends country storytelling with the energy of rock and the heart of pop.
After earning a degree in music at Catawba College, I began playing shows, writing, and releasing songs that tell pieces of my story—singles like Fast Car, Clarice, and Pumpkin Spice—while also performing with my brothers in our band, Bristolina. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges: losing my father at a young age, surviving a devastating house fire, and navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic all tested me deeply. But through it all, two things have stayed constant—my love for music and my faith in Jesus.
In 2024, my wife (and fellow songwriter) Priscilla and I finally made the leap to Nashville, and it’s been one of the most rewarding steps of our journey so far. Since moving here, I’ve been performing across the city, playing writers’ rounds, teaching music at School of Rock, and collaborating with incredible artists and songwriters. Right now, I’ve been working hard in the studio on a few singles to release to eventually compile into an album/EP, which I’m really excited to share.
What makes my story unique is that I see music not just as entertainment, but as connection—something that bridges people’s experiences and helps us find hope even in hard seasons. I feel like I’m entering into a new season as an artist, one where I’m more open and vulnerable in my writing than ever before. My goal is to share my story honestly through my songs and, in doing so, connect with listeners on a deeper level. That’s at the heart of everything I do, and why I feel so thankful to be chasing the neon dream here in Nashville.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Jesus. He has always seen me for who I really am—even before I could see it myself. And He’ll continue to see me more clearly than I ever could, now and forever.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have absolutely been times I’ve wanted to give up—more than I can count, honestly. Since moving to Nashville, the grind can feel relentless. There are days where I’ll pour everything into writing, head straight to my day job, play a show that night, and then come home completely drained, wondering if I’m just spinning my wheels. In those quiet moments, it’s hard not to ask myself, “What if this never works out? What if all this sacrifice, all this effort, is for nothing?”
Those thoughts are real, and they’ve hit me hard at times. But even in the middle of that doubt there’s this steady voice reminding me why I started—that this calling isn’t an accident. I believe God put me here for a reason, and even when I can’t see the bigger picture, I have to trust His timing. That faith is what keeps me from walking away when everything in me wants to.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I’d have to say the people I write songs with. I mean songwriting with others is such a collaborative process right? And some of the best ideas I’ve ever been part of have come from co-writers bringing their own perspectives to the table. It’s amazing how someone else’s spark can completely reshape a song or take it in a direction I never would’ve thought of on my own.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to entertainment—whether it was writing books, creating cartoon characters, inventing superheroes, acting, or writing songs. As a kid, I’d make up stories, sing songs to myself, and even pretend I was in my own music videos. Looking back, it’s clear this path has always been in me—so yes, I truly believe I’m doing exactly what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashtonellermusic.wixsite.com/official/tour
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton_ellerphant/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonellerofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcizauQPBCGfdKequu9odcA
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jieLtOYTXnkNpkUDzpyAO?si=JWKRHCVQRhSQ7OEn4mIySw
Image Credits
Terie Shaver Photography
