Ashleigh Lisset talks with us about the exciting year ahead. With a new much-buzzed-about single set for release, things are looking good for the Texas songstress.
Hi Ashleigh ! Thank you so much for chatting with us! Have you always been comfortable on stage?
No way! I can vividly remember the terror I felt the first time I sang on a stage. I was twelve years old and I was singing, Taylor Swift’s “Our Song.” My voice quivered as I held back tears and gasped for breath until the song was over. Looking back, it’s quite comical. I now love the stage… but still get a little nervous. My love for music and people helps me overcome the stage fright.
What drew you to Nashville?
The atmosphere for sure. There is so much love in one city, and that is so crazy to me! I love meeting other artists who share the same passion.
You opened for country recording artist, Jerrod Niemann on tour. What was that like for you?
It was awesome, but I was really nervous. I’ve always been a fan of his, so to be able to open for him was a dream come true.
What’s the best gig you have ever had?
Opening for Joe Diffie and let me tell you, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat! He’s super talented and to watch him engage with his fans was a great learning experience. The energy from the crowd was also amazing!
How does it feel knowing after performing, a ton of little girls want to be you when they grew up?
It’s an incredible feeling. I can relate because I used to be that little girl, and honestly I still am. I try to be the best me I can be, I want to be a positive role model for them. I love that I get to use this platform to inspire girls just like me!
You have a lot of amazing things in the works, including a new single, “Goodbye.” What was the thought process behind this song?
“Goodbye” was actually a demo that was pitched to me. When I first heard it, I was immediately drawn to it because although it was a goodbye, it was a “good” goodbye. The song was just so catchy and the melody is what truly what got me. I love that I related to the lyrics and that other girls would too, which is important in the song selecting process. A little fun fact, Kelsea Ballerini co-wrote this song and I’m a huge fan!
What really drew you to country music over another genre?
Growing up my aunts and uncles would play guitar, often singing songs by Johnny Cash, Pasty Cline, Freddy Fender, Crystal Gayle, and other traditional country artists at our family gatherings. As I got older, country music was in my heart. I love how every country song is like a little story and a life lesson all in one. Country music is just so sweet.
Who is someone you would love to collaborate with?
Hmmm…that’s tough! It’s between two of my favorite singers; Carrie Underwood or Kelsea Ballerini! I think they’re both so talented, and sweet. Being able to collaborate with either one would make my heart explode with joy.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given you over the years?
The best piece of advice you can have is this: Never give up. Be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
Finally, Where can we keep up with you and your music?
You can visit my website at www.ashlieghlisset.com
www.twitter.com/ashlieghlisset
www.facebook.com/ashlieghlisset
https://www.instagram.com/ashlieghlisset/
Come hang out and lets be friends! Xo
ABOUT ASHLIEGH LISSET:
Ashliegh Lisset, an independent country artist from the great state of Texas, is kind-hearted and cognizant of the impact music has on its listeners. While this talented, young vocalist has always had a love and appreciation for music, she discovered it was her true passion at the time her world unexpectedly shattered around her.
When Ashliegh was eleven years old, her father, who was serving his second tour for Operation Iraqi Freedom, was killed in the line of duty. Just before his untimely death, Ashliegh’s father asked her to record Carrie Underwood’s “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” for him, but Ashliegh never had the opportunity to fulfill her father’s request. The memory of her father resonated with Ashliegh and she recognized that music helped fill the void in her heart and provided her with an incomparable escape. “I found so much comfort in music. It definitely helped me heal during the darkest moments of my life and continues to help me heal, present day. When I’m feeling down, I can write about it and get all the emotions out.” It was this realization that led Ashliegh to Nashville, Tennessee, where she began her journey as a singer/songwriter.
After a few years of traveling her chosen and fated path, Ashliegh received the call for which she had been waiting and working toward. Ashliegh was offered the opening performance slot for recording artist, Jerrod Niemann. It was this experience, as well as the example set by her inspiration, Carrie Underwood, that solidified for Ashliegh that, as important as it was to have musical triumphs, it was just as critical to remain humble and relatable to fans. By embracing this mentality, Ashliegh has already in her young career generated a supportive following and touched the lives of fans everywhere.
January 22, 2014, Ashliegh experienced what could only be defined as a true full-circle moment. Ashliegh released her first single to radio, “Kill the Headlights,” which was co-written by her idol, Carrie Underwood (and Luke Laird and Hillary Lindsey), whom her father especially adored. The combination of Ashliegh’s gorgeous vocals, the stellar writing of Underwood, Laird, and Lindsey, and a very special guardian angel was foolproof, indeed, as “Kill the Headlights” experienced great success. Not only was this song frequently featured on Sirius XM’s The Highway as a “Highway Find,” but it also spent an impressive eight weeks on The Highway’s Top 30.
Go ahead and kill the headlights – Ashliegh is traveling on a perfectly bright musical path. She continues to push steadfastly toward her dream and is now represented by the William Morris Agency. Ashliegh is an ambassador for Folds Of Honor organization and often shares her story to help inspire others. It is passion, love, dedication, and hard work that steers her down the road to prosperity, as well as determination to never give up.