• Artist Name: Ashley Riley
• Hometown: Long Creek, IL

What project(s) are you currently working on? 

I’m celebrating the release of my new song, “Close to Me” (out August 28th), the first song to be released from my upcoming, still-untitled, album.  I’ve been taking my time working on new music over the last two years and plan to release a new album in early 2021.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?  

I’ve been drawn to music and performing as far back as I can remember. Even as a little kid, I would try to convince my sister and cousin to write songs with me and perform them for the family; that had to be hilarious for our parents. I think what draws me to music is the creation and the emotion involved. I love crafting a story and then trying to coming up with a melody that resonates with what I’m trying to portray. You can’t see a song, so the feeling has to be there, and I like the challenge of creating that. I’m just as equally drawn to the performance aspect, and that’s a whole different type of excitement.  Meeting people and connecting through music is really rewarding. A music career always felt like a far off goal until I decided to get a guitar and start writing songs. Everything since then has been trial and error, and I just keep learning as I go along, but I think that’s the key, right?  To keep learning and keep trying.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living? 

Well, while I’m pursuing my music career I’m also working as a hairstylist.  I’d be a pretty good touring partner I think… hair and makeup as well as entertainment!

What is your favorite downtime activity? 

I love being with family and friends.  I also read a ton, all kinds of books.  Fiction, autobiographies, self help… I’ll read anything except horror stuff, not into it.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush? 

Is it disappointing that I don’t have one?

Who is your favorite sports team(s)? 

LOL, honestly I don’t have one of those either!

What is the last movie that you watched? 

I don’t watch a lot of movies, but I do watch some Netflix.  The last series I watched was “Dead to Me,” and “Schitt’s Creek” got me through quarantine life with lots of laughs.  I would also like to state for the record that I did not watch “Tiger King. “

What is the last album you listened to? 

I’m alternating between three right now:  Lori McKenna’s new album The Balladeer, That’s How Rumors Get Started by Margo Price, and Taylor Swift’s surprise release Folklore.  I love The National so I was intrigued to hear that collaboration.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

I feel like I would choose Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Greatest Hits.  I have a double album greatest hits of his in my car right now, and it’s the only physical CD I have in there because I cleaned out my car, so I’ve been listening to that for weeks already!

What is the greatest country song of all time? 

I’m gonna have to give it to the magical Dolly Parton and say “Jolene. “

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road? 

I’ve only performed there once but I absolutely loved San Diego, CA.  I played at a place called LeStat’s West, and it was the coolest area.  It’s been awhile but there were cute little vintage stores and bars around.

What is your favorite meal? 

Is coffee a meal?  Just kidding. Honestly, I go through phases, but would probably always agree to eating Mexican food.  Chips and guac, street tacos, and a margarita on the rocks, please. 🙂

Who is your dream duet partner? 

This is a really hard question.  It’s very hard to narrow down, and I kind of want to choose someone unexpected so I’m gonna give two! I think it would be super fun to do a duet with Sheryl Crow, and I also think it would be very cool to do a duet with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows. 

Who would you like to go on tour with? 

Can I be Brandi Carlile’s opening act?  I’m such a fan of her and the twins!  I went to a few of their shows on their last tour, and they seem like they have a blast and definitely put on an incredible live show.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)? 

I want to have a song in a major film – that would be pretty ultimate!  I definitely plan to continue writing and releasing music I’m proud of and tour with a band.  I’d also love to do more co-writes with songwriters I admire.