A Q&A with Morgan Ashley – Texas Country Music’s Female Artist of the Year
A powerhouse vocalist and killer songwriter, 25-year-old Morgan Ashley of College Station has taken the Texas Country Music Scene by storm. She’s racked up multiple Top 40 songs on the Texas charts and has proven she’s one of the hardest working artists in the state. Whether playing with a full band or acoustic, she captures the audience as soon as she begins to sing. Her talent and dedication have earned her fans across the state and beyond, as well as the highest honor for a female vocalist in Texas--the Texas Country Music Association named her the 2021 Female Artist of the Year.
What was it like to hear your name announced as Female Artist of the Year?
I was literally over the moon! I didn’t think I was going to win because of the other amazing females in the category. I was really excited, and it was crazy to get up there on the stage at the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth and accept the award. I was a little nervous, but at the same time, happier than I possibly could have imagined.
You’ve put in so much work to get to this point in your career. Share with us how your musical journey got started.
Before moving to College Station, I grew up in Columbus, Texas, where I pretty much did every activity 4-H and FFA had to offer – barrel racing, leather making, cake making, anything I could do. Then one day I decided to sign up for the FFA talent show. I was nervous to get up and talk in front of people, but for some reason, I thought I could get up there and sing. I sang “Famous in a Small Town” by Miranda Lambert and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. I was so nervous, but everyone was so supportive. I decided to finally learn to play the guitar that had been sitting in my room and started doing open mic nights within the next two months. Then I started playing shows and have been grinding at it ever since.
That’s impressive. At what point did you realize you had the talent to take this further?
When I was taking guitar lessons, my guitar teacher really made me believe that music was something I could pursue as my career. I went to college right out of high school and did one semester. Then, I decided to ask my parents if it would be okay for me to just work and play music. They were on board and said, “yes, absolutely, work and play music.”
It's certainly working out for you. You’ve now had seven Top 40 songs on the Texas Charts and are working on a new EP. What can you tell us about the new music?
I am super excited to be releasing a new song this month called “Warning Label.” It’s about wishing the person you broke up with had come with a list of precautions before you entered the relationship. Many of us have been in relationships before and thought, “If I had only known what I was getting myself into!” It’s upbeat and super sassy.
As you continue chasing your dreams, what is the most important advice you’ve been given?
It’s simple - always strive to be the hardest working person in the room!
Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Morgan Ashley live in concert. Visit morganashleyofficial.com to find out when she will be playing a show near you.