Essential 8: Ashlyn Grayce

Credit: Bev Moser

Ashlyn Grayce was born and raised in a musical family. Early on, she could be seen in print ads for companies like Cracker Barrel, Arista Records and Readers Digest. By the time she was a teenager, she had already made a name for herself as a writer and performer and has performed on festival stages including the Florida Seafood Festival, Bell Buckle Arts & Crafts Festival, and numerous local Nashville venues including The Bluebird Café, The Hard Rock Café, Tin Roof, Puckett’s and The Listening Room.  

Recently, the singer-songwriter released her first EP, Somethin’ ‘Bout a Song, which debuted at #4 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart and also appeared on the iTunes Bestseller list. Produced by Brent Rader, the collection is an extremely personal project and features six tracks, all written or co-written by Grayce with the intention of taking listeners on a musical journey through her real-life experiences touching on everything from love to heartache and breakups. The most personal is “601,” a heartwarming reflection about her childhood home, penned by Grayce after learning that the house was to be torn down. Here, Grayce answers her Essential 8 and talks about the EP, songwriting, how she spends her days off, and more!
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Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did?
​All of the songs on my EP reflect who I am as a person, an artist and a songwriter. They illustrate various chapters of my life whether I was going through heartbreak, falling in love, or moving from my childhood home that was later torn down. I also feel that the lyrics in my songs are very relatable and that most everyone can identify with and apply to their own situations. All of these real-life experiences have molded me into the person that I am today and it is my hope that through these songs, people will come to know me better.

When/where do you do your best writing?
It just depends… if I am writing alone, I tend to do my best writing at home and in my room. I also tend to find that my creativity is best late at night! If I am co-writing, however, then I prefer to be in a writer’s room at ASCAP, The Workshop, or somewhere like that because I love the environment and it eliminates distractions that you would otherwise find at home!

Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
Honestly, it’s a combination of all of the above but some of my favorite songs on my EP come from personal experiences… for example; “I Need to Feel This” is about just needing time to focus on your emotions and not letting anyone tell you how you need to feel. It was my way of getting through heartbreak when I came home upset one evening and my Dad and little brother told me to get over him and to move on. Then, there is “601” which is about my childhood home being torn down after I moved. I think writing about personal experiences show listeners that you are willing to be vulnerable and share who you are with them. 

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What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
It sounds cliché, but don’t ever give up on your dream! Trying to make it in the music industry is not easy, especially when everyone in Nashville wants to do music and there is so much competition but just keep at it and believe in yourself even when others don’t! 5. What has been your biggest success? I’d have to say my biggest success would have to be releasing my first EP and having it debut at #4 on iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart and Bestseller list, all while completing college at Lipscomb University, doing shows, regular writing sessions and nannying!

What’s your favorite venue and why?
​I have been blessed to play at so many amazing venues but so far, I’d have to say the Bluebird has been my favorite! It is just a magical place filled with so much history and I love how everyone comes there to really listen to music and for a true Nashville experience. You just get a special feeling the minute you walk through the door. I also love how it is small and very intimate enabling you to interact with the audience. So many great, iconic songwriters and artists have played there before so it is a privilege each and every time I have the opportunity to play there; something I will never take for granted.

Favorite thing to do on a day off?
I’d have to say spending time with my fiancé, whether it is making a road trip to a cool waterfall, binge watching Stranger Things, or getting tacos on 12th South! I also have a huge heart for children and love spending time with them!

Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to?
Yes! I am completely hooked on Devin Dawson’s new album Dark Horse! It has been on repeat ever since it came out! He is such a talented artist and writer.

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