Kassi Ashton Archives

Kassi Ashton Pays Homage to her Hometown in “Field Party”

June 5, 2019/in Blog /by Erica Zisman

One of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Kassi Ashton is an exciting up and coming female artist, hailing from Missouri. She has a flair for blurring genre lines, writing unique, yet real lyrics, and unapologetically being true to herself and her artistry. Earlier this year, she released a haunting ballad entitled, “Pretty Shiny Things,” which highlighted her powerful and vulnerable vocals. The singer-songwriter is following up that ballad with an anthemic up-tempo jam, “Field Party.”

Proving that she beats to her own drum, Ashton announced via Twitter that she was dropping the new song for fans, who signed up on her website, against advice. She was told to not drop the tune, prior to CMA Fest. The songstress joked, “the Illuminati said I couldn’t put this song out before CMA Fest, so I”m putting it out before CMA Fest,” encouraging fans to “turn the damn volume up,” when listening to the new track.

The enticing track features R&B and even hip hop influences from the first beat. Although Ashton’s distinctively country twang shines through, she adds some flavor with a rhythmic talking/rapping verse and a head-bopping melody. Singing a verse to her female fans, she invites the ladies to dance along to the track, “make them shake in their boots girl.”

“Field Party” is a stylistic ode to her hometown, California, Missouri, reminding fans that she knows exactly who she is and where she comes from. The new jam is one of those tracks that will be playing on repeat in your head and on your music playlist! To listen before it is released everywhere, head to www.kassiashton.com and enter your email address.

“Don’t got to be country music / You can drop a beat / And if there’s trouble out here, we don’t call the police / I can go back anytime that I wanna / Aye, all ya’ll just holler / I can go back anytime that I wanna.”

Ashton will be a staple at festivals this summer. She makes her first stop at the iconic CMA Fest in Nashville, playing both the Chevy Breakout Stage and Nissan Stadium this weekend. The songstress is also slated to play at LakeShake Festival, Country Concert Festival, and the Faster Horses Festival.

New Yorkers are in luck because Ashton makes her New York City debut at the Radio City Music Hall on September 6th, opening up for Maren Morris. For tickets and more information, head to kassiashton.com.

To keep up with Kassi Ashton follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Kassi Ashton Stuns In “Pretty Shiny Things” Video

April 9, 2019/in Blog /by Danielle Tornatore

Filmed in Nashville and directed by Kristin Barlowe, one of our favorite rising artists and 2019 Artists to Watch, Kassi Ashton has released a stunning official music video for her newest, powerful track, “Pretty Shiny Things.”
Styled in a blush-toned silk gown, diamond-embellished earrings, with her hair teased up high and a dolled up face of makeup, Ashton is seen laying on an auditorium stage, surrounded by literal pretty shiny things; glamorous trinkets of sorts, mirrors, and chandeliers. Ashton’s hauntingly beautiful presence corresponds flawlessly with the painful honesty in this track. The message in this song is exceedingly relatable; the pressures women face to put on a facade, despite the pain we may feel on the inside. Ashton’s staggering vocals on the acoustic track add depth and simplicity to such a lyrically heavy song.

The songstress shared some insight behind the video, “In our society, it feels like we’re forced to evaluate our reflection everywhere we turn, always waiting for a confirmation from someone else that we are enough. Putting that, and something so personal for me, into a visual is a weird task. I wanted it to feel real, not forced. Kristin Barlowe helped me so much in marrying what I wanted artistically with the real emotional monologue.” In a recent interview with Paper Magazine, Ashton revealed the inspiration and intention for this video was to mimic a ballerina doll trapped in her jewelry box.

Watch the video below.

We first heard the song when the singer-songwriter debuted it at The Ryman Auditorium during CRS week in Nashville and we were automatically hooked on her honest lyrics. Ashton candidly continues to prove herself as an unapologetic artist that will not hold back, solidifying our choice to feature her as one of our Artists to Watch this year.

Keep up with Ashton on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to not miss any upcoming music releases.

“Pretty Shiny Things” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Kassi Ashton Gets Honest with “Pretty Shiny Things”

March 22, 2019/in Blog, New Music /by Nicole Sellati

Rising country artist, and one of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Kassi Ashton released her brand new song entitled, “Pretty Shiny Things” today showcasing her undeniable talent. The song was produced by Luke Laird and co-written by Ashton and Emily Landis. The singer-songwriter has been teasing the song on social media for the past week and did not disappoint, she even put out a lyric video to accompany the track.

Releasing a song close to her heart, she mentioned in a press release, “Three years ago, this song was there for me in the middle of the night. Like a diary entry that was writing to me, not me writing it. It has silently waited, given guidance and reminded me that honest art is the best art. I’m honored to be passing it along to whoever needs it now.”

The emotional ballad puts her vulnerability on full display, keeping the melody simple in the background with just an acoustic guitar while showing off her powerful vocals. The lyrics of the track tell a story describing the pressures women face to be perfect on the outside, no matter the pain on the inside. In this song’s case its a mother pressuring the daughter telling her, “There ain’t a secret you can’t hide / Bottle it up on the inside / Put your makeup on girl stand up straight / Your face will take you farther than your brain / You oughta know by now beauty is pain / Pretty Shiny Things.” Ending the song with a positive message that you are more than just your beauty, “Ain’t nothin’ pretty about a perfect life.” Giving listeners exactly what they need to hear.

To keep up with Kassi Ashton follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Pretty Shiny Things” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Kassi Ashton’s Sassy Video For New Single “Violins”

February 25, 2019/in Blog /by Nicole Piering

When it comes to sass, Kassi Ashton has it in spades, as evidenced by her new video for “Violins.” In what’s easily the most compelling high-school-themed video since Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” Ashton somehow manages to both put a suitor on blast and make marching bands incredibly cool.

Co-written by Ashton, Luke Dick, and Natalie Hemby, “Violins” serves as the perfect tell-off tune. When it comes to unfaithful exes begging for a second chance, Ashton has no time or sympathy for that. Playing off the old adage of someone playing the world’s tiniest violin, she sings, “Can’t hear the violins you’re playing/ There’s no symphony inside my head/ I got my own marching band/ Guess I lost my give a damn ’cause/ I can’t hear the violins you’re playing.”

In addition to shutting down the high school jock in a school’s gymnasium, Ashton dons her best sparkles and is easily the hottest drum major in town. Interestingly enough, she designed and created the video’s outfits by hand.

“Visuals are so important to me because that’s the way I understand and explain everything in my life,” Kassi reveals about the video in a recent press release. “It is no different with my music. When I allowed my brain to think of all the possibilities of what this video could look like, a million ideas soaked in red light came out. Kristin Barlowe, in all her magic, and her entire team perfectly translated my thoughts to the screen.”

Released in January, “Violins” shows a markedly different side of the rising star, who has previously created buzz with songs like “Taxidermy” and “California, Missouri.” The music video was shot in Nashville and was directed by Kristin Barlowe.

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Kassi Ashton Continues to Impress with “Violins”

January 30, 2019/in Blog /by Molly Holmberg

One of our 2019 Artists to Watch, Kassi Ashton, is one of the most captivating stars on the rise. On Friday she released her brand new single “Violins”. Creating a powerful anthem for all, the song was written by Ashton, Luke Dick, and Natalie Hemby and produced by Dick and Luke Laird. Continuing to make a path in country music with her own style, this song shut down past lovers with a chorus every female can relate to.

“I can’t hear the violins you’re playin, there’s no symphony inside my head. I’ve got my own marching band, guess I lost my give a damn.”

Ashton shows that she isn’t one to mess with and brings real-life experience to her catchy release. Realizing that most exes always come running back, she doesn’t have time to waste on unfaithfulness. Between her dynamic delivery, catchy melodies, raucous twang, and wailing guitars, Ashton proves to be an exceptional all-around artist.

“See the feel bad for me in your eyes, I know what your thinking I just keep on blinking”

Ashton brought a whole new attitude of her own to country music upon arrival in 2017 and through releasing “Taxidermy” in 2018 she gained recognition all over the country and has landed a spot of our watch list as well. The California, Missouri singer and songwriter is getting ready for her debut album release and we will be anxiously awaiting its release. If her latest single is any indication of how 2019 looks for her a whole lot more to come. But in the meantime, “Violins” is available now on all digital streaming platforms, and the lyric video can be seen below. Follow along on her socials as well to get a heads up for tour dates, new music, and more!

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NYCountry Swag’s 2019 Artists to Watch

January 3, 2019/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner and Christina Bosch

The New York Country Swag team loves to support rising artists and introduce our followers to the best new music in the genre. Since our inception three years ago we have named rising stars like Russell Dickerson, Luke Combs, Brett Young, Jordan Davis, and Jimmie Allen as our Artists to Watch. Check out our picks in 2017 and 2018 before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2019 below.

10. Austin Burke – This Arizona native moved to Nashville when he was 19 years old and has been working towards putting independent music out ever since. His single “Whole Lot In Love” has garnered over 46 million streams on Spotify, making him one of the most successful independent artists on the platform. His latest single “Slower” is a smooth, love song written for his longtime girlfriend. Fans of Brett Young will love this rising singer-songwriter.

Listen: “Slower”
Stay Connected: @AustinBurkeMusic

9. Abby Anderson – One of our Swag Spotlights in 2018, Abby Anderson released her debut EP, “I’m Good” back in September with Black River Records and packed a whole lot of sass her five-song project. The first single released, “Make Him Wait” however teaches women of every age about the respect they deserve in a relationship. Her bubbly personality and powerful vocal ability made her a standout to our team right from the beginning.

Listen: “Make Him Wait”
Stay Connected: @abbyandersonmusic

8. Riley Green – During our Live Swag Session with Riley Green he sang his debut single “There Was a Girl” and explained how his life has changed over the past year. Signing with Big Machine Label Group and releasing his single along with a music video has gained him a huge fanbase. He released a four-song EP back in June keeping the traditional country sound while appealing to modern country fans as well.

Listen: “There Was This Girl”
Stay Connected: @rileyduckman

7. Brandon Ratcliff – Closing out 2018 with a huge announcement, Brandon Ratcliff will be touring with Brett Young and Kelsea Ballerini on the Miss Me More Tour. If you haven’t listened to his song “Rules of Breaking Up” (produced by Shane McAnally) you will love his blend of R&B and new wave country. Fans of Thomas Rhett and Kane Brown, Brandon Ratcliff is your next favorite artist.

Listen: “Rules of Breaking Up”
Stay Connected: @brandonratcliff

6. Seaforth – Mitch Thompson and Tom Jordan make up the new duo Seaforth and are the latest Australian transplants to Nashville. Their friendship spans over the past two decades and these singer-songwriters just released two tracks that are already causing quite a buzz in the country music world. We featured “Talk To Me” as one of our December Picks and are loving their vibe. Time will tell if they can garner the same success as Keith Urban and more recently fellow Australian, Morgan Evans. If you love Dan + Shay you will certainly love Seaforth.

Listen: “Love That”
Stay Connected: @weareseaforth

5. Kassi Ashton – One of our most unique picks this year is Kassi Ashton, small-town native who busted out and is making huge waves not only in the country community but on music in general. Her distinct style, personality, and songwriting set her apart from the glitz and glam female country artists as she sings about her real-life experiences and doesn’t sugarcoat anything. As we anxiously await her debut project, take a listen to “Taxidermy” a hilarious threat to anyone who does her wrong.

Listen: “California, Missouri”
Stay Connected: @kassiashton

4. Teddy Robb – One of the artists we are most excited about in 2019 is our Swag Spotlight Teddy Robb. Just recently signed to Monument Records, Robb is working with some of Nashville’s best songwriters to create his first project. Be on the lookout for a brand new song tomorrow but in the meantime check out “Lead Me On” which has been streamed over 4 million times and recaps from songwriter nights the rising star hosted in Nashville.

Listen: “Lead Me On”
Stay Connected: @teddyrobb

3. Filmore – At the end of 2018, Filmore released a brand new single “Heart’s Having a Hard Time”, a follow up to his biggest hit yet, “Slower”. Another Missouri native with undeniable swagger, Filmore has often been compared to Sam Hunt as he combines cool R&B vibes with country songwriting. He has been on the Nashville scene for a few years and we think 2019 will be his year to really break out.

Listen: “Love That About You”
Stay Connected: @filmoremusic

2. Tenille Townes – Straight from her small hometown in Canada, Tenille Townes has already experienced a ton of success since her move to Nashville. The thought-provoking singer-songwriter joined Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert on one of the best tours this past year (The Bandwagon Tour) and her unique voice is recognizable in the genre. In our Swag Spotlight interview back in April, Townes told us about Big Hearts for Big Kids, an organization she is involved with that has raised over 1.5 million dollars since its inception just under a decade ago. Between her love for philanthropy and her rare ability to convey stories, Townes is in for another successful year.

Listen: “Somebody’s Daughter”
Stay Connected: @tenilletownes

Mitchell Tenpenny – If you have been following NYCountry Swag you know our love for Mitchell Tenpenny. From the moment we recorded a Live Swag Session with him in Times Square back in 2017, we have been fans of his songwriting as well as his powerhouse voice. To close out 2018, Tenpenny released his debut album, Telling All My Secrets and hit the number one spot on the country charts with “Drunk Me”. We attended his very first sold-out NYC headlining show in August and it was incredible to hear the entire audience sing along to every song. We are looking forward to seeing even more success from the recording artist in 2019.

Listen: “Somebody’s Got Me”
Stay Connected: @m10penny

Let us know what other artists you think will have a big year and which new music you are looking forward to in the new year!

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Kassi Ashton Drops Acoustic Video For “Taxidermy”

August 17, 2018/in Blog /by Danielle Tornatore

UMG Nashville and Interscope Records rising new country artist Kassi Ashton has released a one take, unedited, one camera, live acoustic version music video of her latest single “Taxidermy.” Written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Dick, and Rosi Golan, “Taxidermy” is the follow-up to her debut single “California, Missouri” which released earlier this year.

This stripped down version features the singer-songwriter with two of her bandmates; one drummer and one guitarist. The video opens with an explanation of Ashton’s original intentions for the video, “We were going to edit this video. Switch between multiple cameras. Color correct. Add effects. But decided it should be honest.” There is something refreshing about the raw route she chose to take.

Unlike the promo videos for the song which features Ashton wearing bright, bold colors in a mansion fit for a queen, this simple portrayal gives the perfect contrast, a white dress, white background allowing the viewer to focus on the lyrics of the vengeful track. In a recent press release, Ashton shared “I knew the second I heard “Taxidermy” I had to have it, it’s the perfect second piece of me.” Ashton previously said her debut single “California, Missouri” was the intro into everything she is as a person.

New York Country Swag first saw Ashton perform live at CRS in Nashville where she received a standing ovation at The Ryman Auditorium during the UMG Luncheon. Her unique voice and swagger has already captivated country fans. The singer is currently working on her full-length debut album. Follow Kassi Ashton on Instagram to keep up with news and announcements.

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