Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Eller
Ashton, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Music has always been a part of me. I come from a family of musicians; my mother is a singer, and my father, a preacher, played piano and sang. He often led worship in church, alongside his sisters and my grandmother, filling the sanctuary with old Southern gospel hymns. Growing up, I was immersed in music, from church choirs to the songs that soundtracked car rides to school and echoed through our home.
My brothers introduced me to punk rock, ska, and alternative bands, while also cranking up the classics—Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses. Meanwhile, my parents’ car playlists featured everything from Rascal Flatts and Celine Dion to Mariah Carey and even Audioslave and Nirvana. Contemporary Christian music like Casting Crowns and Hillsong was also in rotation. My grandfather on my mom’s side had a deep love for classic country. He even wrote a song called “Willie Nelson’s Old Ragged Guitar.” Watching him sing and play quietly in his later years reminded me of where I came from and reassured me that I was exactly where I was meant to be—pursuing music.
I first stepped into the spotlight in children’s choir where I developed the confidence to sing in front of others. But life wasn’t always easy. Losing my father at sixteen shook my world and deeply impacted me and my three brothers. He and my mother had always encouraged me to chase my dreams, believing I was destined for great things. In my teenage years, I led youth worship, played bassoon and percussion in my high school wind ensemble, and joined the marching band. After Friday night football games I’d grab my guitar, gather my friends in the outdoor commons area, take requests, and play whatever songs I was learning—impressing the girls in the process.
After high school I earned a full-ride scholarship to study music at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. There I honed my songwriting skills, built lasting friendships through my fraternity and the local music community, and met my incredible wife, Priscilla Perez—a talented singer-songwriter herself. After graduation I hit the road, playing gigs and touring with different bands, including Bristolina, a band I started with my brothers. In 2019, I released my first single, Fast Car, featuring some of my gifted college friends and my professor, Adrian Crutchfield—saxophonist for the late Prince, as well as Bette Midler, CeeLo Green, and Lionel Richie. Over the next few years I continued writing and releasing music, including Pumpkin Spice (2023) and a Christmas single titled Clarice (2020).
Then came 2020—a year of trials that tested my faith and resilience. Just before the pandemic my wife, family, and I lost nearly everything in a house fire, including my music equipment. Shortly after, I witnessed my grandmother suffer a stroke, battled COVID, and struggled with my mental health. In the midst of those hardships, two things remained constant: music and my faith in Jesus. They carried me through.
In 2024, my wife and I finally took the leap of faith we had been dreaming about for years—we moved to Nashville to pursue our music careers in the heart of the industry. The transition came with its share of challenges—financial, mental, and physical—but it was the best decision we’ve ever made. In the short time we’ve been here, I’ve grown immensely as both a person and a musician. My faith and relationship in Jesus has strengthened, I’ve collaborated with incredible artists in Nashville’s songwriting community, and I’ve played countless writers’ rounds and shows. Currently, I’m working on my debut EP featuring songs I’ve co-written with some of the best musicians I know, with a few singles set for release beforehand.
Now, I work as a music instructor at School of Rock in Franklin and Nashville, perform at local venues (including Broadway), travel for out-of-state shows, and work at FWD Clothing Co. on 12 South. I feel beyond blessed to be living in the city I’ve dreamed about for so long, almost fully supporting myself through music. To finally be here alongside my wife, chasing the neon dream, sometimes feels surreal. I write and perform country/pop-rock songs and can’t wait to share my music with Nashville and the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In some ways, it has been a smooth road, but as I mentioned in my story above, there have definitely been challenges and struggles. Losing my father was incredibly hard—he was someone who loved life, always did his best to make me smile, and was there to listen to my problems and offer great advice. Having him leave this world so suddenly was devastating, and I never could have expected it. I would love for him to be here to witness all of this, but I know, without a doubt, that he is watching from heaven and cheering me on.
The house fire my family experienced in 2020 was another major hardship. It truly shook me—we lost most of our belongings, including valuable music equipment. Having to start over during a time when my music career was gaining momentum, with more gigs and recording opportunities coming my way, was undoubtedly a setback. But we made it work and got through it.
At the same time, there have been blessings along the way. Receiving a full-ride scholarship to study music is something I truly believe was part of God’s divine plan. These kinds of opportunities made the journey a little easier, providing me with the resources to grow professionally as a musician, meet incredible people in the industry, and build my confidence—serving as a constant reminder that this is what I was meant to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer-songwriter, born and raised in a small town called Lexington, North Carolina. In March of 2024, I moved to Nashville with my wife, Priscilla, who is also a singer-songwriter. Recently, I have been reconnecting with my Carolina/Southern roots, writing more country songs, and embracing the artist I feel I am naturally becoming.
My listeners say I am known for my catchy melodies, rich voice that draws you in, and feel-good energy—making it impossible not to have a great time, whether at my shows or while listening to my original songs.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Listen to Ashton Eller wherever you stream music! Crank it up! Follow me on social media and like, comment, save, and share my content. You can follow me on Instagram @ashton_ellerphant, TikTok @ashton_coleslaw and Facebook @ Ashton Eller Music. Come out to a show or a writers round! I’d love to meet you! Wanna collaborate? DM or PM me on socials!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashtonellermusic.wixsite.com/official
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton_ellerphant/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonellerofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcizauQPBCGfdKequu9odcA
