NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rising country-rock artist Ashley Barron is set to capture hearts with her highly anticipated album Checkmate. This gripping blend of heart-pounding country and gritty rock ‘n’ roll takes listeners on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of love, loss, and personal transformation. Checkmate isn’t just a typical country album—it’s a bold, unapologetic dive into the strategic choices we make in love and life.
With each track serving as a metaphorical move in any game, the album mirrors the resilience, adaptability, and strength required to navigate life’s heartbreak and ultimately come out stronger. Ashley’s unique sound, fused with rock energy and country soul, pulls listeners into a dynamic experience that feels as liberating as it is relatable.
“This project has been so special to me because it’s truly my story,” says Ashley. “I started writing these songs as I was coming out of a four-year failed relationship. These songs were my therapy—my journey out of a very dark place, re-entering back into the dating world, and ultimately finding what true love really is.”
Each track on Checkmate captures the essence of Ashley’s personal evolution. Every move must be carefully considered and strategically planned. Ashley’s songs reflect the deliberate steps she took to reclaim her happiness and discover her true self. “Before we ever stepped foot in the studio to record these songs, I was performing them live. I loved everything I was writing in the moment that I was too impatient to wait to bring them to the stage! Being able to perform these songs live gave me all the inspiration I needed to record them. I wanted to bring my live show into the studio.”
The album is a testament to the strength it takes to face challenges head-on and the wisdom gained from each experience. Ashley adds, “My band leader, Aaron Stapler, stepped in and created the charts and tracks for us to play these songs live. Right then and there, I knew he was the one that had to produce this album. He gets me. He sees my passion for stage and understands my mix of country music and rock ‘n’ roll.”
Ashley is set to kick off her latest social media campaign, the “Checkered Challenge,” as she gears up for her album release. Running from September 4 to October 4, 2024, this interactive challenge is designed to engage her followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook in a fun and competitive way. Fans are encouraged to find and interact with posts where Ashley is spotted wearing or featuring checkered accessories. By liking, commenting, and sharing these posts, fans not only increase their chances of winning exciting weekly prizes.
Beyond her role as a touring artist, in 2021, the National Scleroderma Foundation named Ashley Barron as their official celebrity ambassador. Ashley was diagnosed with scleroderma at age five and tragically lost her mother, Carol, to the same disease in 2020, only four months after her mother’s diagnosis. Now, she uses her platform to raise awareness for the 300,000 Americans affected by this rare disease. With her upcoming album Checkmate and her advocacy work, Ashley seamlessly blends her artistic talent with her mission to uplift others. She has shared the stage with country music legends like T. Graham Brown, Dylan Scott, Maddie & Tae, Tyler Farr, and Craig Morgan.
Ashley Barron Checkmate Track Listing (songwriters in parenthesis):
1. Ashes (Bill Diluigi)
2. Betrayed (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
3. Cryin’ In A Bar (Ashley Barron Pete Sallis)
4. Destroy Me (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
5. Find A Cowboy (What’s a Girl Gotta Do) (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
6. Forever Feels (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
7. Hooked on My Heartbeat (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
8. I’ll Be Okay (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
9. Kiss A Brunette (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
10. Pickin’ Up On (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
11. Satisfied (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
12. Unfiltered (Ashley Barron, Bill Diluigi)
