What's the story behind your album's title? One of my favorite songs on the album is called "Never Say Never." When deciding on a title, it was at a toss up between "Never Say Never"
or "Magic of the Moment." They were both very fitting for my journey and the entire process of recording and the year we spent creating this project. "Never Say Never" won because not only is the song itself absolutely beautiful, I think it was my favorite mix, the most perfectly put together one on the album. "Never Say Never" is such a cliche and
because of that, I did at first question using it, however, for me, I was at a point in my life (Before meeting my producer and engineer) that I knew music would always be a part of me, but not quite sure I would ever see it become a career with so much other stuff going on. "Life happens" as I say, and it does to all of us, it's our responsibility to take whats given to us and make the best of it so I kept my music a part of me as much as I could with open mic nights, events, even hosting DJ shows locally, too. Although those are still fun and entertaining ventures, it's not the same as a life long dream of sharing music with the world. The timing however, was perfect and I felt this "it's now or never" feeling when I was given the opportunity to record this album. So, overall, "Never Say Never" is a reminder to me and to everyone to never give up on something if you want it really bad, keep working for
it. Things happen for a reason, when it is meant to.
How was the last year for you? What were your highlights? This past year has been amazing! After joining the MTS Records family, I've released my debut single, "Medicine," and at this point since only August 2019 it has over 79,000 streams on Spotify and received great response. Since, I've released my current single, "Bulletproof" which is so far doing very well since the release January 9th of this year. It's already climbing the New Music Weekly Charts and making an impact on country radio stations which i'm very grateful for.
I also had a mention in the "Women of Music" edition of Billboard Magazine, which was pretty cool. Taylor Swift on the cover for Woman of the Decade made it a very popular issue. It's all still just beginning for me, and I can't wait for my Valentine's Day release of the full album!
Looking back, what was the first album or "Vinyl" you bought? I'm thinking it might have been "Wide Open Spaces" from the Dixie Chicks.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? Anyone or anything. I am inspired by real life; anything that happens to me, or someone I know, something I see, other people I interact with, places even can be a huge inspiration. You never quite know with me,
there's probably songs I've written that have stemmed from someone or something and they have no idea haha.
Is there one song in particular you're most excited about people hearing? I'm very proud of this album and the work that so many have put in to make this a reality. I think i still sometimes don't realize what all this means and where i'm going haha. "Never Say Never" as I went on about earlier is definitely one I'm excited for everyone to hear. Also, "I Will Remember You" and "Reckless" is a really fun song right along with "What's Her Name" and "Magic of the Moment." Then of course "Weightless," that song almost wasn't part of this album and it's really a special song.
Now for the food! What is an example of a menu you would prepare if we came over? I don't cook as much as I used to, but I like to go all out when I do, so I'd start with bacon wrapped sweet brown sugar BBQ shrimp for an appetizer. Also, nice salad complete with cheese, eggs, and all the good stuff including pepperoncini peppers. Main dish is a toss up, I'd go steak, salmon, or a vodka pasta. Side dish would be red skinned mashed potatoes. Dessert would hands down be tiramisu.
If I was a bartender, what would you order? Depending on my mood, I'd order a Double Tequila Sunrise, Double Captain and Coke, or a glass of Pinot Noir.
How do you drink your coffee? Well, i'm an espresso gal. So it would be a nonfat milk, white
chocolate mocha - quad shot of espresso and whipped cream.
Best food that deep fried? Deep fried Oreo's or mozzarella sticks!
If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? I'd have to say FIJI Natural Artesian Water, Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic water, or Propel. I LOVE water and these are my favorites - not a day goes by that I don't have one or the other in my hand. They are the best, smoothest tasting to me and Propel is good to have some flavor and electrolytes - especially when feeling dehydrated, working out, or feeling under the weather.
Website: www.AshleyPuckett.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AshleyPuckettMusic Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AshleyPuckettMusic Twitter: www.twitter.com/AshleyPPuckett YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkrK4Un1LSQdkdT4T48wwlg?view_as=subscriber
Ashley Puckett was born and raised in North Huntingdon, just east of Pittsburgh, Pennsyltvania. Ashley realized her passion for music at a young age, performing at vocal competitions and community events, and eventually, landing at open-mic nights and shows in bars and clubs, doing anytyhing to keep the music and her passion alive. Her musical influences have been empowering..shaping the artist she has become: Ladies like Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Carol King and LeAnn Rimes. At age sixteen Ashley picked up the guitar, began writing songs, and the adventurous country girl hit the road.
Somewhere between skydiving and bungee jumping, Ashley was introduced to world class Singer/Songwriter/Producer, Bryan Cole and Lead Sound Engineer, Doug Kasper at Tonic Studios. With legendary musicians Mike Brignardello (bass), John Willis (banjo), Mike Johnson (Steel Guitar), Heidi Engel and Tammy Petty ( Background Vocals) and hot newcomer, Adam Ernst, Ashley’s debut album and lifelong dream, “Never Say Never” was made a reality. The album will be released on MTS Records on February 14, 2020, with first
single, “Medicine” having been released in August 2019. The single charted nationally on
the IndieWorld Country Record Report and Airplay Today country charts.
New single, “Bulletproof” will be released on January 9th, 2020, Ashley’s birthday.
"I've never given up on where I wanted to be (in the music industry), however, when life
pulls you in so many different directions, it sometimes takes you off-guard, and it becomes
very easy to lose sight. I believe everything happens for a reason, and although I feel I'm
always at the wrong place at the wrong time, somehow that led me to the right place at the
right time, to say ‘It's now or never’ after meeting Bryan and Doug. The energy the three of
us have, working together, and their dedication is so exciting...I know this is just the beginning of something spectacular."