Ashley Jordan – photo by Kelly Fitzsimmons
1. What project(s) are you currently working on?
There are so many exciting things happening right now, despite the sad fact that the COVID 19 situation has stopped the world – and most of our live performance events. I recently released my new website and a new behind-the-scenes video from Nashville where I recorded my latest single “Still Hear Him Talking” as well as nine other songs. I’m really excited to announce that “Still Hear Him Talking” has been formatted in the new Dolby Atmos technology (for an incredible listening experience)– so it’s fun to be putting out some cutting edge “surround sound” technology after working with such an amazing producer (Jeff Huskins) in Nashville. Jeff is one of only a handful of producers who has a Dolby Atmos certified studio and I feel honored to be a part of the crew of artists who are able to release music in this format.
In addition, I’m about to release a second new song and recently completed a music video with the help of an amazing entertainment publicity agent. I have an incredible team behind me of managers, photographers, film-maker, clothing designer, sound/light engineer and more – and I couldn’t be more excited about the future. As for my untitled fifth album – I have nine original songs that are unreleased so stay tuned as we’ll be putting out the music in new and creative ways in the near future.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
As a child, music was one of the only things that I believed I was supposed to do. I was lucky enough to have parents/family who supported me in this dream – to help me expand my interest into an actual career. Probably the biggest inspiration to starting in music was my grandpa – Bruce “Buck” Jordan, who played the guitar and harmonica and wrote/performed country music when I was very young. I had a special connection to my grandpa, and whenever he was around, we were inseparable. I like to think that my musical abilities are an extension of him directly. I also had a couple of experiences as a child that told me I had found my direction. I was a super shy little girl who didn’t want people to even look at me (LOL). But I signed up to perform in an elementary school talent show and shocked everyone around me when I belted out an Avril Lavigne song like a seasoned pro. When I had walked out on the stage, something really bizarre happened to me —I instantly felt comfortable and the shyness just evaporated. The stage was my friend and I never turned back. Friends/mentors in music along the way encouraged my development and I embraced the act of live performing – becoming a “busker” (street performer) in Harvard Square in Boston at the young age of 13. I tried out my original music for strangers passing by, and eventually moved on to bigger (indoor) stages!
3. If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I would definitely be doing something with dogs – perhaps working with a rescue/shelter organization. Dogs are a big part of my life – I love them all and feel such a strong connection. My childhood dog is a 14 year-old beagle, plus I have another young beagle of my own as well as a shepherd (who is a sweetheart). My boyfriend and I are obsessed with our pups and if we had our way, we’d have lots more of them and more love and excitement!
4. What is your favorite downtime activity?
I’m very family oriented and pretty much a home body when I’m not out and performing music. My favorite activities involve being with my family and dogs, going on walks with the pups, and exercising. It’s hard to separate music from downtime activities – so I usually have a notebook handy and write music/ideas constantly as the creativity is flowing!
5. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
OMG – I’d have to say Randy Montana has been my crush since I was 14 years old. He’s an amazing artist/singer-songwriter in Nashville and despite crushing on lots of artists, he still remains at the top of the list!
6. Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Definitely the New England Revolution soccer team! They are an awesome group of athletes – and I have the honor of working with them as my sponsor/partner. I played soccer in high school (and my sister was a collegiate soccer player) – so I’ve always been a fan of the sport. But the New England Rev’s are especially amazing and I love to support such a talented team!
7. What is the last movie that you watched?
I’ve been watching a lot of movies during the Pandemic and just recently have been re-visiting some all-time favorites. So the last movie I watched was actually “Big Fish” – so if you haven’t seen it, it’s a must-watch oldie if you love creative storytelling!
8. What is the last album you listened to?
The last album I listened to was Taylor Swift‘s brand new release “Folklore.” And to say I listened to it is an understatement – I actually have listened to it probably a dozen times.
9. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s SO hard. I guess it would be my childhood/family favorite: James Taylor, Greatest Hits.
10. What is the greatest country song of all time?
It would have to be a Garth Brooks song for sure. Hard to narrow down, but I’ll say “The Dance.”
11. What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
I really do have to say that Nashville is my favorite city to visit. There’s such an energy there, and every time I’m visiting Nashville it’s because I’m also recording or talking with producers or other inspirational people, so the creativity is at maximum velocity and the positive energy is everywhere. I also love to visit with my awesome fans out in Livermore, Maine!
12. What is your favorite meal?
I would have to choose either buffalo wings or enchiladas. Maybe enchiladas made with buffalo wings? LOL!
13. Who is your dream duet partner?
My dream duet partner is not one person, but a list!! Definitely Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, Trace Atkins and Randy Montana.
14. Who would you like to go on tour with?
Trace Adkins would be cool — I really like his energy! Other dream tours would be with Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Lindsay Ell.
15. What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
My goal is to keep writing and performing and hopefully to have my music become a name brand. Once COVID is out of the picture, I’m excited to get back to tour plans and label discussions.