In the ever-evolving world of country music, few artists manage to capture the raw emotions of life’s twists and turns quite like Ashley Puckett. With her heartfelt single “Anchor,” Puckett dives deep into personal experiences, unearthing themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the strength found in connection. In this candid interview, Ashley shares the stories behind her music, her journey from overcoming writer’s block to charting hits, and the lessons she’s learned navigating the music industry. From adventurous leaps of faith to soulful collaborations, Puckett reveals the heart and grit that define her artistry.
“Anchor”, your most recent single, sounds incredibly personal and moving. What inspired you to write this song, and how does it reflect your journey both as an artist and in life?
The inspiration came from a lot of personal stuff I had going on at the time a few years back. In life, I think a majority of people, myself included, tend to keep a lot inside and don’t ask for help. We don’t reach for the shoulder we’d sometimes like to lean on, and we just keep moving forward. This songs reflects that and it shows the openness of someone trying to be the rock, or the anchor for those who don’t think they are worthy of that support. When I was in Miami for a Birthday vacation, my sister, father and I all got matching anchor tattoos. On a city bus tour I just remember my thoughts running wild and staring at the new ink, and then “Anchor” was written.
As for this song and my career, writing this song got me out of years of writers block. This song as well as “Tequila” were recorded because of how deep of a connection I had to “Anchor.” I knew I had to share it with the world, and this let me finally stand up for my own writing and share my own work. I’ve been writing for many many years. Since I was very young. And to see my own work succeed as well as it has been is just mind blowing. The best part I think so far of the writing journey with these two, is these are the first two songs I wrote and was able to see step by step in the studio come to life. As a young girl dreaming of these moments I’ve been stacking, to turn a song I started to hum lyrics to and save voice memos on my phone and then wake up one day and see “Tequila” crack the top 80 on music row, there’s just no explanation of the joy.
You co-wrote “Anchor” with Andrew Douglas and Nathan Beatty, the same team behind your single “Tequila.” How has your collaboration with them shaped your songwriting process and the emotional depth of your music?
I was very lucky to have those two and their talent when we met and I brought them this song, it’s all clicked and came together as if we’ve all done this together before. There was not one single thing I’d change about the whole thing. I really enjoyed taking my work and getting multiple views together on ideas to make the songs what they eventually became. As I mentioned, it’s crazy to see a song I wrote with a melody and lyrics on paper and a voice memo get turned into a radio hit. But it was something that came together so effortlessly it seemed with all the right people involved. Writing now, it kinda helped me “vision” the final product differently than I have before which, in my opinion makes me a better writer.
Your musical influences include strong female artists like Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, and Miranda Lambert. How have these artists helped shape your sound and storytelling in country music?
These artists among others showed me that I can still make a success out there with real country vibes. My writing is traditional country, maybe some blues, and just honesty. Some say that don’t sell anymore, but I disagree. I write about real life and experience. And more then ever, I think it’s important to stay true to yourself and others will admire that, too. My storytelling, the same as my influences, they are relatable because they are honest.
You’ve been skydiving and bungee jumping, which speaks to your adventurous spirit! How do these bold experiences translate into your music, particularly in songs like “Bulletproof” or your single “Anchor”?
I think these experiences have made me see the world differently. They’ve made me see myself differently. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve become a different person than I was before all of that – for the better. As for bulletproof- that song spoke to me and my nature as at some point you have to let your guard down and just be you, be open to vulnerability, be open to being an array of things, not just always trying to be perfect. And as for “Anchor,” I’m not afraid to express myself or my experiences, I actually feel the need to do so even more. Not necessarily in words, I’m not always good at that in conversation, haha, but in terms of songwriting, life happens constantly and what writing helps me get through, listening helps someone else get through.
You’ve mentioned that life sometimes pulls you in unexpected directions, but that it always leads you to the right place at the right time. How has this philosophy influenced your approach to the music industry and your creative process?
I haven’t always believed that. It took a lot of life to change my thinking. But I’ve learned we’re here for so much more than just the hustle and bustle, day to day working constantly, watching the time. I still don’t know what that reason is, I think for each of us, it’s something completely different, but with that, I know my music and my writing finds me. I don’t go looking for things to write about. They just come. Mostly from experiences or feelings, but in any case, I had to go through those things to find that song. I know to just keep doing what I do, and it will work out eventually. Just don’t stop.
Your debut album “Never Say Never” was a milestone in your career, and now you’re continuing to release powerful singles. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since your first release, and how has that shaped your music today?
My biggest lesson was that this industry is shaped by so many talented folks, and you really just have to stay true to yourself and what YOU want out of your career and who you want to be looked at as. I also learned that each little stepping stone is a bigger part of the grand puzzle, and I started to really enjoy the little “wins” along the way in my journey. These litttle things like Billboard magazine mentions, number one songs, new releases, exciting show opening opportunities, they all come and go so quickly! And then we’re on to the next thing. I kinda stop and enjoy these moments more, put it in a mental perspective of all it took to get to this stepping stone, and plans for the next one. This whole journey all of a sudden feels a lot more meaningful.
Working with world-class producers like Bryan Cole and legendary musicians like Mike Brignardello and John Willis must have been an amazing experience. How has their mentorship and collaboration impacted your development as an artist?
In so many ways, these guys showed me who I really was as an artist and helped me grow when I didn’t even realize I needed to. It’s one thing to be a singer, an entertainer, a songwriter, but it’s another thing to be an artist. I understood the difference while we were recording that debut album.
With your single “Anchor” being well-received, what can fans expect from you in 2025? Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or tour dates you can share?
I hope to bring in a lot of new writing in 2025. I’ve been writing a lot and I want to share a lot of unreleased stuff and just really share who I am. 2024 you got to see a little bit of my writing, but I’m here in the industry to stay, and the only option then is to grow and to continue what I do best! Stay tuned to my socials for the next big year!
