Daily Inspiration: Meet Ash Taylor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Taylor.

Hi Ash, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hey! For starters, thank you so much for taking the time to interview me and letting me share my story with your readers. My name is Ash, and I am a country music recording artist and songwriter. I am originally from Bakersfield, California. Growing up I was heavily influenced by artists like Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Brandy Clark, and Gretchen Wilson. I began to write songs and play guitar in my senior year of high school. Then I studied recording at the Bakersfield School Of Music And Recording. After graduating, I worked in studios and was writing songs in my bedroom. I knew I had to move to Nashville because that’s where all my heroes went to make their dreams happen. Through an online platform I developed a friendship with hit songwriter Clay Mills (“Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” by Darius Rucker). He encouraged me to move to Music City, so I made a difficult and life-changing decision to sell everything I owned, jump on a plane, and move across the country to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue my dreams. When I first moved here I had no job, no money, slept on people’s couches, and even slept in my car for a while. I spent a lot of long nights playing in the honky tonks of lower Broadway and touring the country playing bars. I began to craft my career one stage, one song, and one fan at a time. Looking back on those first few years I get why some people think I am crazy, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s been an incredible and eye-opening part of my journey. Today I have written songs for several artists including Warner Chapel recording artist Ryan Larkins, Average Joe Recording Artist and Reality TV Star Big Smo, and many more. I have also released my own EP that charted at #60 on the iTunes Top 100 Country Albums Chart. I feel very blessed to still be able to call Nashville my home and get to write songs and make music.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No not at all, but I wouldn’t change it for anything! I’ve had a lot of hard times, setbacks, and struggles. I’ve had many more people say “No” than “Yes”.

When I first moved to town I had no job, no money and either slept in my car or on people’s couches because I just wanted to write songs. I believe fully, though, that this is what God has called me to do with my life. I keep my eyes on the Lord and keep working hard on the path He put me on, and I love every minute of it.

I truly do love what I do. I love my life and I love getting to make music even if at times it’s not the easiest path. I also would like to say that I may have had my fair share of hard times, but because of those I have also had some of my best times.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have several exciting projects I’m working on right now. I’m currently in the studio finishing up a three-song acoustic project that will be released with videos in the coming year. I’ll also be releasing these songs and an additional track together as an acoustic EP later next year.

Currently we’re also beginning a new monthly live stream series on Instagram called “Ash Wednesdays” that airs the first Wednesday of every month at 7 pm CST on my Instagram page. Here fans can come hear me talk about new music, upcoming shows, ask questions about anything they want to talk to me about, win free merch in our giveaways, and even hear me play a couple tunes for them. It’s fun and casual and all about hanging out and interacting with fans.

I’m always writing new material and preparing for the next project too. We hope to be doing more full band shows, recording new records, and touring more in the upcoming year.

Fans can always go to AshTaylor.com to contact me and follow along with other announcements of new projects as well. Here they can also sign up to be part of the fan club, The Bad-Ashes, to be the first to know about new things on the horizon as well as opportunities to get exclusive merchandise and content meant specifically for them.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
I am always looking for new podcasts to listen to because I find them so helpful and resourceful. My current favorite though is Rick Barker’s Music Industry Blueprint Podcast. It’s such a great resource for independent artists like myself. I also love reading business books & biographies. In fact,  I am currently reading Buck Owen’s biography titled , “Buck ‘Em” Such a great read! I love learning about the life and thought process of my musical heroes. I would highly suggest checking out both to any of your readers who might be interested in the music industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AshTaylor.Com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtaylorcountry/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashtaylorcountry

Image Credits
@NitaNNashville @JonathonGalletti