Introducing… Ashley Gearing

Curb recording artist Ashley Gearing is set to step into the spotlight with the recent release of her six song self-titled EP.

The Massachusetts native has been working towards the release of her music for years, having had a record deal since she was 12 years old. She first found success when her song “Can You Hear Me When I Talk To You?” entered the Billboard country charts in 2003. She became the youngest solo artist to enter the Country charts, breaking the long-standing record held by the legendary Brenda Lee.

Since then, Gearing has been working hard as a singer and songwriter, as well as working towards her Bachelor’s degree at Nashville’s Belmont University.

Get to know Gearing with our exclusive Q&A below…

We are loving your song “Train Track!” Tell us the story behind the song.
Thank you so much. “Train Track” is a song I found when we started our song search in Nashville for my new EP. My producers Kenny Greenburg, Chad Cromwell and I went to all of our publisher & songwriter friends to look for songs and the vibe and lyrics of this immediately stood out. It was written by amazing songwriters: Jimmy Robbins, Jon Nite & Maren Morris. I adore all 3 of them. Once we started the recording process, the song took on a life of its own and I began to identify with it in my own way. Some may interpret the song as a break up song, but I like to think of it as a song of empowerment and “standing up for yourself” no matter what the situation is.

Aside from “Train Track,” do you have another favorite song on your EP? If so which one and why?
I have a love for each song individually in a different way, but one that is really special to me is “Human.” I wrote it with my friends Jeff Pardo & Molly Reed about a vulnerable time in my life. It is a song that everyone needs to hear because it sheds light on the fact that nobody’s perfect and that’s what makes life so special. We all need to cut ourselves some slack sometimes and be “Human.”

Has music always a been big part of your life?
Yes. It’s always been a way I express myself and deal with different situations. I grew up singing in church, & began singing professionally when I was 8. I have had a record deal since I was 12, which is crazy for me to think that its been 12 years working in Nashville. But it’s all I have ever known and wanted. I’m 24 now and have learned so much. Music is just so intertwined in every aspect of my life, there’s never going to be a time it’s not.

Who are some of your greatest influences?
I grew up listening to Bonnie Raitt and Carole King with my mom. Along with a lot of Smokey Robinson & Motown. Those aspects taught me the soul of music. Then I began to love country because my mom is a southern girl from Georgia but we lived in Massachusetts. My taste in music was a little different than my peers. I looked up to the great country females such as Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Reba. And I adore Sheryl Crow. I am still inspired by all of those amazing people today.

If you could tour with any artist, who would it be and why?
I would be honored if any artist asked me to tour with them because I believe it’s a huge compliment. It would be cool to tour with someone down to earth and fun like Blake Shelton or Dierks Bentley. The road can be so tiring so you gotta have a little fun. It would also be really fun to go out with an amazing female like Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert because they’re such great examples and role models of everything I would like to achieve someday.

What’s on your bucket list as an artist?
I have a list of things in my head and diaries full of dreams. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time and make the music I love. Of course right now, I think a No.1 song would be amazing but I just really want to connect with listeners and make music that is loved. My ultimate dream is to play sold-out Madison Square Garden. It’s something I have talked about, even joked about, ever since I was 8 years old. But hey, I like to think that no dream is too big, so I’m gonna give it all I got. 🙂 xo

Fans can keep up with Ashley on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.