An unapologetically country-to-the-core artist I have wanted to feature for some time is Ashland Craft. The South Carolina native cut her teeth in dive bars and honky-tonks, creating a work ethic and swagger that defines her sound. By age 18, she was even the lead singer for the house band at Wendell’s Dippin’ Branch.
While working on her craft (no pun intended), Craft did all kinds of odd jobs, from working at McDonald’s to being a receptionist at a beauty salon. But it was her Top 10 finish on season 13 of NBC’s “The Voice,” where she proudly competed on Miley Cyrus’ team, that she saw the tide start to turn.
She stated, “I’d been in Nashville seven years, tore my butt off and released every bit of music that I could. The Voice kind of inspired me to take it to the next level.”
In 2021, Craft was named to CMT’s Next Women of Country Music and released her highly acclaimed debut album, “Travlin’ Kind.” The songs “Make It Past Georgia,” “Your Mama Still Does” and “Travlin’ Kind” became massive hits from the record.
Praised by American Songwriter as “a new country badass” with “star quality flying out of her boots,” she’s earned a reputation for equal parts sass, strength, and authenticity.
Last year, Craft independently released a semi-autobiographical record, “Dive Bar Beauty Queen.” She had her hand in every little part of the production, not just the vocals and lyrics.
“It was definitely a team effort. I worked with Lee Starr and Jess Gromit, who were two of my close friends that I met when I first moved to town. I wouldn’t have picked anybody else for the project because I think we all complemented each other perfectly.”
The lyrics to the title track, “Dive Bar Beauty Queen,” completely sum up the country singer. It states: I’ve been a dive bar beauty queen/ Since I was only eighteen/ I picked up drinkin’ and smokin’/ Way too early on/Bummin’ Marlboros from the old dudes/ And shotgunnin’ beers in the bathroom/ And breakin’ hearts before/ They could ever break mine. The entire song paints a lyrical word picture of Ashland Craft.
Craft’s country sass is on full display with other songs off the record like “Hangin’ Up The Honkytonk,” “Lie A Little” and “Right Damn Now.”
“Kick Rocks Cowboy” was written about what it’s often like in downtown Nashville.
She explained, “It’s like the scene of walking into a place, to a bar, a restaurant, and you see this beautiful specimen in a cowboy hat, and you dig a little bit deeper, and you find out like there’s no substance beneath that. It was just for looks. It’s just a smoke show.”
Now, newly signed to Leo 33 Records, Craft is releasing reimagined versions of songs from her “Dive Bar Beauty Queen” LP this year.
In February, Chase Rice joined Ashland Craft on a striking new duet version of her track “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To.” Now, also shared from a guy’s perspective, the heartfelt song captures the quiet ache of growing up and watching family, faith, and perspective evolve. Because I have two grown daughters, this song is highly relatable to me.
Craft advised, “I wrote ‘Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To‘ specifically for my mom because I know she has been to hell and back with my two brothers and me. So, she is a saint and deserves to be recognized as so.
On March 13, country queens Ashley McBryde and Mae Estes joined Craft for a trio version of her down-home, plunky single, “Yard Sale.” She couldn’t have picked two better crooners to join her on this tongue-in-cheek tune, where she is Done. With. Him.
She said three for a dollar, two for a dime/ Buy one get one, just name your price/ The way you done me, I’m half inclined/ To let it all go, free-ninety-nine/ And your three days to get it never did so hell/It’s a “get his shit off the yard” sale, yeah.
I smile just thinking about the video that will come from this redneck masterpiece.
Not only that, for the collectors, Craft has released a vinyl version of her beloved, Dive Bar Beauty Queen. It is also available as a CD.
Ashland Craft has a few more reimagined duets scheduled for this year.
Last year, Craft toured with Music Spotlight artist, Meghan Patrick. Now, she has just finished playing the C2C circuit in the UK. As she returns home, she has various dates and festivals scheduled throughout the year.
Previously, Craft shared the stage with artists including Marcus King, Zac Brown Band, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen, and has recently toured with Cody Johnson, Tucker Wetmore and Luke Bryan. Honest, loud and unapologetically real, Ashland Craft is carving her own lane in modern country music.
You can follow Ashland Craft on her website, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok and all streaming services.
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram and TikTok.