Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashley Best

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Best

Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Fell in love with the idea of recording after my Grand Dad had passed away when I was 4yrs old. He had left his voice on a reel to reel recorder singing songs from a long time ago. I used to listen to those recordings over and over. By age 14 I fell in love with the music that was being made in the country music scene, it was 1990. At age 16, I received my 1st guitar for Christmas, I also started writing songs at this age (though they weren’t good, they were the building blocks of what I write today). After years of struggling to find confidence in myself & my music, I continued working the family farm that my Dad and I had built. My Dad made it clear that he wasn’t a fan of me pursuing music. I became a widow at age 29, after my 1st wife had passed away. I was struggling with the loss and trying to care for my 2 daughters, (oldest 6yrs old and youngest being 9 months old), I fell into a battle with alcohol that took control of me for nearly 3yrs. It was during this time that I started writing songs again, only this time they were good songs. Something was different, becoming more aware of my surroundings, more in touch with the soul that was drowning in alcohol, I could just stop and listen as the wind would blow through the trees, I could hear words being spoken, words that became lyrics. That’s when I started booking gigs and performing live.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A backroad filled with mud puddles and potholes would be the best way to describe my road. With my Dad not being a fan of my passion and desire for a music career. He and I had such a great work relationship and I had great respect for him. I didn’t want to disappoint him. Later, struggling with the death of my 1st wife and battling a strong addiction with alcohol, performing at shows becoming drunk and out of control. My region had never welcomed my original music, wanting only cover songs but, I continued performing my art. Even today its still a struggle to find yourself in front of an audience that has the capability to close their mouths and open their ears

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer/songwriter, I’ve always considered myself more of a songwriter vs singer. I have a deep passion for creating songs that can paint a picture. I’ve always figured if the song is written well enough you don’t have to explain it before performing it. I’m also a “Honky Tonker”, so I love writing and performing lives songs that get folks moving and shaking. The way I write and sing is what sets me apart from everyone else in my region. I have a powerful, soulful voice that has a rough raspiness from my struggles of being heard.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Keep on keepin on!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleybestcountrymusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybestmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashbestmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleybest1796
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/61ED29HiqrbzFuCHArncfs