Check out our interview with Virginia Beach country singer and songwriter Ashley Anne who just released her new single “Get Well Soon” after the success of her previous single “Dear Dolly.”
“Get Well Soon is a song I wrote for the bullies as well as those who have been bullied. I
sympathize with people who are hurting and inflict their pain onto others, I mean that. I wrote this song right after I had been called out for something I was insecure about to begin with, and the pain I felt was immense,” tells Ashley. “Thinking about empowering anyone who has ever been a victim of bullying, as well as emphasizing to people that kindness does make a big difference. Rather than it being a “screw off” song, I wanted to make light of a dark situation.”
Follow Ashley on IG @ashleyannemusic & TikTok @ashleyannemusic_
Hi Ashley, please tell us a little about you?
I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. I was lucky enough to come from a southern charmed beach town, where everyone knows everyone, and that definitely had a huge say in my upbringing. I always joke that it really took a village to raise me, because for a huge period in my life it was finding family outside the walls of my own home, and finding home in music. Music has truly been the love of my life since I could talk. It is everything to me to be able to share what I have gone through in music so that others have an easier time with whatever challenges they face.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Bubbly, Witty, and Pink.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I decided to move to Nashville when I was 18, and I just began networking and writing with people. My single “Dear Dolly” really helped me land a spot in this town, for it opened up many gates that I didn’t even know existed and is definitely to thank for most of the incredibly talented people I have met in this town.
How has this changed your life?
Gosh it is nearly indescribable. Since I was a kid, I was always one who loved to learn. Becoming a part of something so huge that is country music in Nashville, has completely changed my life in ways I could not have imagined. The people, the love, the emotion, the comfort. It is all exactly why country music is my life, there is no genre that makes me feel at home like country does. It has changed my life in the sense that it has taught me things I never knew about myself, and you can not ever forget those things.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Raw, emotional, storytelling
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
It sounds cliche but I genuinely have always felt like music is just who I am, I never necessarily looked at someone and thought to myself “I wanna be them”. I think growing up watching Hannah Montana and listening to Dolly, Loretta, Patsy, and Tammy with my Grampa had a huge impact on why I decided to do music. I have always been one to follow my heart no matter what, I am stubborn in that way: and I think there has just never been another option besides music.
Do you play any instrument?
I play the guitar and the piano.
Do you ever get nervous?
It’s funny because growing up I never got nervous. I grew up constantly on stage; whether it be for musical theater or singing, I grew comfortable with the space at a young age. Since moving to Nashville, I find myself getting some nerves but I always say my nerves stem from the idea of “I want people to resonate with what I am about to pour out into song and I want people to walk away humming the melody of my songs”. It is not a nervousness influenced by “what if I mess up”, guess I just don’t even think about the what if’s.
Tell us about your new single “Get Well Soon?”
Get Well Soon is a fun, comical, empowering song that I wrote to help me get through a case of bullying. I think it makes light of a dark situation and empowers people to 1)stay confident even when people’s insecurities try to tear you down and 2) be kind to everyone and never be the person that keeps someone up at night uncomfortable in their own skin.
What’s the story behind the song?
The story behind the song was your classic “mean girl” story. It was based on a time in my life where I had been called out for an insecurity of mine by someone who I thought to be my friend, so I put it to song and figured it would be very relatable.
And about the success of your previous hit single “Dear Dolly?”
It feels so divine, there is not much more I could say in words how I feel about this song. Music terms aside, whether the song is actually deemed “good” or not, the timing of it all was so divine and I feel as if God knew I needed to share that song, and He knew that that song was what it took to get me started in this town.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Hands down- when I get messages on instagram from people I don’t know telling me that my music has saved them in any way or that they resonate with it. There is nothing more that I want in this life than just that.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
That’s a good question and if anyone knows the answer let me know so I can read it hahahah.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be up to right now?
Sounds almost dark, but I always say if I don’t reach my goals in this industry, my version of what success means to me, then I died young. No questions asked, there is nothing I could see myself doing nor anything I would rather do than music.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
To just be yourself no matter what. I think especially in the music industry people tend to just say what they think the world wants to hear. But I don’t find fulfillment in being someone I am not.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Everything is going to work out, everything is going to be okay. God has bigger plans for you than what you see right now.
How would your best friend describe you?
Loud, outgoing, fearless, free spirited.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Legally Blonde 3rd Edition.
What’s next for Ashley Anne in 2023?
It is looking like my next single should be coming soon! I am super excited for this year, meeting more people, putting myself out there everyday, continuing this journey to the best of my ability.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Avocados.
And your favorite cheat food?
French fries.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Lots of pink, sparkles, southern charmed, bright colors and patterns. I always say I am usually dressed as if everyday was Easter.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being true to yourself, comfortable with yourself and your character, and making sure you surround yourself with people and things that bring you the most fulfillment.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Dolly Parton, she is everything in a human that I aspire to be. She is graceful, kind, carries herself like no other, and I admire her more than anyone.
Best advice ever given?
God’s timing is everything, do not stress what you cannot control.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself touring and reaching people all over, healing people through my music.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Good Girl- Carrie Underwood is always a jam for karaoke. Anything Hardy for car jams.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it has its pros and cons, but I do believe the pros outweigh the cons. I think it is such a good networking mechanism, as well as a place to scout talent and seek lessons from talented people.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram- @ashleyannemusic
TikTok- @ashleyannemusic_
RAPID FAVORITES:
Book: The Notebook- Nicholas Sparks
Quote: “Everything Happens For A Reason”
Movie: Mamma Mia
Tv Series: New Girl
Favorite Food: Sushi
Travel Destination: The Virgin Islands
Sports Team: Not a big sports gal lol.
