Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Blanco.
Hi Ashley , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve lived in Nashville for 10 years now! I moved here straight out of college in Florence, AL; that’s where I met my current producer and dear friend, Philip Towns. I’ve dipped my toes in various parts of the music industry (different genres and endeavors), but finally feel like I’ve found my lane. Phil has been co-writing and producing my music with me for years and in 2023, the songs took a turn that felt like something we’d been searching for the whole time. Without the support of Phil and so many others, these songs would’ve never found their way out and this new side of me wouldn’t have a place to land. I’m so excited about the music we’ve found and all the experiences that come with them. I’m an artist who loves to perform live and connect with people on a deep level – and the music is providing the perfect net for that now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh my goodness, no.
I have a thick case of imposter syndrome, so many of the bumps along the way have simply been me holding myself back. but I also feel like I’m a bit of a late bloomer. It took me years to get to the songs that felt honest and relatable; it took me years to allow myself the imperfection of being consistent.
Pre-pandemic, I was really getting started. I’d started touring a bit, I was releasing and writing music, and kind of finding my direction… and then, i burnt out a little in 2018, so I took 2019 as a year to restructure a bit and plan for 2020. Then 2020… was 2020. In the course of that de-railment, a lot of who I was changed, as did the direction of my music. I put out an EP that was meant to serve as a grounding exercise, but that was all I felt was left for me to say in that genre.
So now… There’s a new side of me and there’s a bit of a feeling of starting over. At an age that feels tricky to start over for a woman in this industry. But I’m going for it. More open and prepared than I was before.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Ashley Blanco & I’m a singer/songwriter! People say I have an Adele vibe going for me, which is extremely kind. Someone once said I sounded like if Florence & The Machine merged with Adele – and I’ll be taking that compliment with me for the rest of my days.
Lately, I’ve been releasing my debut singles, leading up to my debut EP in 2026. These songs were all written in 2023/2024 with Philip Towns (Fragile co-written with Hannah Jacobs as well), and they tell the story of my first big heartbreak. The perspective of these songs is emotional, mature, and honest. With them, I’ve had the chance to get back into playing shows and connecting with people by sharing the story.
I started a show series in February of 2025 called Heartbreak Hotel with the help of Lisa DuFort of Songbird Music Works and LALO Tequila. We’ve been having this show quarterly at The Late Great all year. The last one for 2025 will actually be Thursday, November 20th! These nights are all about unabashedly loving sad songs sung by strong voices, and embracing the heartbreak that we’ve all inevitably felt one way or another.
I’ve also recently started putting up an old vintage phone around town that most people use for audio guest books at weddings, but I’ve deemed it the Heartbreak Hotline where I ask people to tell me how their exes have made them feel guilty.
Essentially, I’m your friendly neighborhood singer with a big voice and a big heart.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If this is published before November 20th, please come to the Heartbreak Hotel!
These shows have been a highlight of my year and this one is no different. I’ve got Nancy Daines AND Julia Goodwin on the bill with me, so you’re in for a massive treat.
Other than that, just keep an eye out for the Heartbreak Hotline and for what I’m doing next. I’m really excited to keep connecting and learning.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_blanco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlancoTunes/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyblancomusic
