By Matt Ryan

Ashley Cooke Interview

Jan 31, 2023 | 8:49 AM

Being herself has already served Ashley Cooke well. It’s led to chart climbing hits like “Never Til Now” with Brett Young, national TV appearances on ABC’s The Bachelorette, tours with Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis and more. Hailing from Parkland, Fla. and moved by emotional hit makers like Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson and more, Cooke embraces the energy of pop and depth of country, writing her first song by age 11. Cooke moved to Nashville at 18 and attended the prestigious Belmont University – but unlike so many others, she did not study music. After entering the schools revered Country Showcase on a whim and winning, Cooke decided to pursue music for a year. When the pandemic had other plans, Cooke went to TikTok where she built a thriving fanbase, writing and sharing country music on her own terms – and in many ways, she’s still putting melodies to her journal entries today. Vivid and emotionally pure, her sun–kissed blend of two–lane pop is often inspired by true tales of love, loss, and living, matching raw relatability and deeply addictive hooks.

Ashley Cooke joined us on the phone to talk music and songwriting, touring with The Reklaws and what’s on the way.

Have a listen to “Running Back” below