Interview

Exclusive Interview With Chart-Topping Blonde Bombshell Ashley Puckett

With the release of her debut album, “Never Say Never,” Pittsburgh’s Ashley Puckett cemented herself as one of country music’s hottest young female artists. Her single, “Bulletproof” hit the highest of the highs when it reached #1 on the national AM/FM radio chart ranked by New Music Weekly magazine. She followed that success with another single, “Live Like You Love,” which received 250K Spotify streams and 62K Youtube views. Her recent single, “What’s Her Name” continues to chart on national and international country charts, months after its release. With brand new music on the near horizon, Ashley took time from her busy schedule to talk about her music, her bird, and her hometown of Pittsburgh…

Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. Our readers love your music, and we can’t wait to share what you’ve been up to…So, what have you been up to? We all know about your “Never Say Never” debut album and the success of some of the singles like, “Bulletproof,” “Medicine,” and “Live Like You Love.” And, of course, the recent success of “What’s Her Name.” What has been the highlight of your young career so far?

Yes, i have had many highlights since the 2020 release of my album, Never Say Never. Two of my

favorite highlights were being part of the “Women of Music” edition of Billboard Magazine, and having

“Bulletproof” hit #1 on the New Music Weekly AM/FM Country Music Chart.

What’s the hardest thing about putting an album out there for the world to hear?

I believe the hardest thing is really building an audience and finding the right opportunities to gain listening ears. There’s so much you can do with promotions, airplay, and shows, but i feel it’s one of the biggest struggles just getting your music further and further out there to more people.

Do you ever listen to your music, either on spotify or anywhere else, just hanging out?

Yes. I don’t make a habit of it, but my friends and family love to listen to it while we’re at get togethers and such. Sometimes i’ll put it on myself, too either for practice and just to keep familiar with all the songs and such for performing and sometimes just to give myself a pick me up believe it or not. When i’m having a bad week, or feeling defeated it helps hearing what all of us created that were involved in this album and it’s a nice reminder of how far i’ve come and how special and blessed i really am.

What has been the most surprising thing that you’ve experienced in the last year?

Well, i finally came out of my “writers block” this past January and have been back in the studio with some original work. To me, that was one heck of a surprise to make that jump. Also, I have quite a few Nominations for the ISSA awards that I’ll be attending in August, so i’m overjoyed with that!

Do you have any new music planned/recorded? Tell us about it?

I do! I cannot wait to share the two new songs with you all! I have a slower, more ballad type song and then a more fun, bar song as i call it. Both with a lot of Steel guitar, which is my favorite. Very traditional sounding. I don’t want to spoil the songs before their time very soon, but one song was inspired by a tattoo that i got on my birthday this past January in Miami.

Ok, off topic…celebrity crush? Who is it?

haha. Jason Statham.

We hear you are the proud owner of an exotic bird. Can you tell us about him, and how you came to own him?

I am indeed. His name is Captain Morgan. I grew up with small birds like finches and parakeets, but as i got older i’ve been wanting a larger bird such as a macaw or something similar. As for my expensive taste, i started my journey wanting a Hyacinth Macaw until i saw the price tag. But that started my journey for about six months going over different breeds and traits and such. He was from a breeder in Florida and he took a long flight up to Pennsylvania for me. He’s an Eclectus parrot, so very specific species with diet and such. Really loving fun bird and he’s finally talking but will only talk when he thinks i’m not home since he’s still pretty shy even though he’s almost 2 years old now. He loves jewelry, anything shiny, tearing apart really anything, and loves almonds. But he’s a sweetheart and will cuddle with you and watch tv sometimes, too.

You live in Pittsburgh. What is it about Pittsburgh that makes it a special town, and why do you think so much talent comes out of that city?

I love Pittsburgh. I think that it’s really special because it’s so diverse. It’s also really really pretty. I don’t know how we lucked out with all of the talent here, but i can say there is talent really anywhere you look, any day of the week. We have all sorts of music to be found of all genres and lots of night life, which may be part of the attraction of anyone who wants to share their talents.

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

I’ve always wanted to perform at the Grand Ol’ Opry. It’s got such a history and that’s where all the icons perform.

What is your greatest brush with fame? Who have you met that made you a little star-struck?

I went to a CMA fest in Nashville many years ago and i met alot of artists then. It was a really fun experience. I was a huge Joe Nichols fan (and still am) back then, and i would attend his fan club parties, and any back stage event i could when he came to town, so i feel he was always the one i was star struck with growing up.

Any last words or advice to share with fans or aspiring musicians?

Work on your craft as often as possible. Keep only the people in your life that are uplifting and standing by your side and supporting you, even if it’s hard. And celebrate the little things. Every little success that comes your way is a stepping stone to your biggest dream, but they are important, too. Be proud of yourself.

Thanks again Ashley! Best of luck with the new music!!

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Artist Spotlight

San Sebastian shares his creative inspiration and aspiration for the new single “Again and Again” – [Exclusive Interview]

Swedish artist San Sebastian has released his second single, “Again and Again.” Known for his danceable pop sound infused with a nod to club music, San Sebastian presents a sonic vibe that resonates deeply with his audience. Drawing inspiration from notable artists like Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan, he creates a distinctive blend of vulnerability and optimism. His latest single exemplifies a personal journey, exploring the intricacies of navigating complex emotions within a fractured relationship. Here, San Sebastian takes us behind the scenes, providing insights into the creation of “Again and Again,” detailing the production choices that shape its emotional core and outlining his future aspirations.

Questionnaire
1. Who are the band members, if any, and were there any particular artists, genres, or band’s main influences?

San Sebastian: I’m a solo artist, though I often perform with professional dancers Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. My musical inspiration is drawn from renowned artists such as Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan.

2. Where was the single recorded, and who was involved in its production? Name the record label, producer, and sound engineer who mixed and mastered the song.

San Sebastian: “Again and Again” was originally written by the well-known Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and songwriters Pär Westerlund along with Petter Tarland. I worked on re-creating the track with senior producer Johan Kronlund, who also produced my debut single, “Hear Me Out.” Both singles were released under the auspices of my record label, Metronica.

3. Regarding production, what aspects of “Again and Again” caught your attention? What were some of the critical production decisions that shaped the final sound, and how did they contribute to the overall sonic quality of the track?

San Sebastian: I collaborated with the producer, Johan Kronlund, for nearly 2 years, so we have developed a good understanding and shared vision for the desired sound we aim for in my music. The goal was to turn my flaws into something optimistic, capturing a sense of future possibility by blending a melancholy message with an upbeat, danceable rhythm.

4. What inspired you to write “Again and Again”? Was there a particular ethos, music style, or events that sparked the songwriting process for this single? Were there any collaborations on writing the lyrics?

San Sebastian: The song “Again and Again” was initially composed by the famous Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and his co-writers. I immediately liked the idea of the song’s core concept; its melodies and lyrics spoke to me. The producer and I reimagined the sound to make the song reflect entirely my unique artistic identity.

5. How did you aim to take listeners on an emotional journey with the message or lyrical narrative you are trying to convey through this song? What feelings do you hope to evoke through the music so far?

San Sebastian: I want my lyrics to be honest and resonate with many people’s feelings. I try to transform my flaws into something optimistic, showing that everything has a future. I hope that people, by listening to “Again and Again,” will find pieces of their own experiences within the song’s lyrics while still perceiving this growing hope through the positive upbeat and alongside the danceable energy inherent in the production.

6. Please briefly describe the song, the E.P./Album, and the thinking behind the Project. What does “Again and Again” mean to you personally? How does it reflect your growth as an artist?

San Sebastian: The song tells the story of a broken relationship, where one person is left behind, feeling shattered and powerless. Unable and unwilling to let go, they cling to the memories of a love that once felt real and the hope that they might reunite. Despite knowing they will get hurt again, the chance to feel happiness, even briefly, makes the pain seem worthwhile. By combining vulnerable lyrics, expressive melodies, and a more positive and hopeful production, the song illustrates those who put on a positive front and hide the absolute truth.

“Again and Again” represents my second single in collaboration with Metronica. I describe my musical style as danceable pop inspired by club music. Both my debut single, “Hear Me Out,” and my recent release, “Again and Again,” follow this musical direction. My active involvement in a DJ duo also keeps my heart closely connected to the club vibe, which naturally influences my music.

7. Do you have any favorable quotes from previous reviews or specific aspects, lines, and phrases of the song that you would happily share?

San Sebastian: My previous song and debut single, “Hear Me Out,” was recognized across various blogs internationally. The fact that it was so well received is heartwarming and makes me very happy. However, if I have to highlight one thing, it would be all the positive comments regarding my vocal abilities, specifically its range and how I deliver the songs.

8. Did “Again and Again” create any standout moments or surprises that made it a memorable atmosphere or mood for you? If so, what were your biggest challenges, and how would you describe them?

San Sebastian: A memorable highlight was our spontaneous release party, which drew almost 500 attendees. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience to see how all these people adjusted their schedules and re-booked engagements, altered travel plans, and other meetings to join. I will be eternally grateful for this display of support and gift of love.

9. How do you envision performing this song live? Are there any special events, musical tours, and performances that San Sebastian’s fans should expect soon or plan to incorporate?

San Sebastian: I have actually had the opportunity to perform “Again and Again” live on stage several times with two of my professional dancers, Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. I hope to present “Again and Again” on more stages in the future, incorporating additional live band support from professional musicians and dancers to create an immersive experience for audiences.

10. Is there a music video planned for this single? If so, can you share any insights into its concept? How does this single fit into your future musical plans? Is it part of a larger project, like an album or an E.P.?

San Sebastian: I’m not planning to create a full music video for “Again and Again.” However, I have already created teaser videos, which I use in the release marketing and the ongoing song promotion. I have no concrete plans to release an EP that includes “Again and Again.” Instead, I am focusing on my next single, which I plan to release in early 2025.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM San Sebastian’s “Again and Again“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH San Sebastian | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Indie

Interview with Free Mace

Free Mace’s new album “Better off Bitter” is releasing 7/19/24. This new album was independently produced, engineered and funded from a home studio location in Jacksonville, FL. All processes were done by Mason Thomas Staub over 3 years time. Mason sat down to answer some questions in this one-one-one interview…

Mason, your new album “Better off Bitter” is set to release on July 19th, 2024. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this album and what themes, tones, and stories the listeners can expect?

The main inspiration behind this album is the evolution of artistry and production. Free Mace’s previous album, “Media,” was the transition into more Rock and Indie music. “Media” is a genre fusion set in a dystopian, technocratic, and bleak world, inspired by the global pandemic. As soon as “Media” released, I began drafting the early instrumentals to songs (such as Reality). Every album or EP has been a concept and “Better off Bitter” is no different. The main concept of “Better off Bitter” is being better off bitter. Over the 4 years of living in Jacksonville, FL and not being originally from there, I was the new guy in town. Because of this as well as the advantageous disposition of others involved in or surrounding the industry, I’ve faced ageism and superiority, judgment and prejudice, as well as seclusion and loneliness. Add an incredibly toxic relationship that consumed all my mental capacity for a bit (refer to the song Good Time Girl), and you get the varying emotions and experiences of “Better off Bitter.”

“Better off Bitter” describes the tone and tempo of the album, as well as mood of the songs. The goal of this album was to experiment and set a new standard against mainstream concepts, while not being so far removed from them that the music is unrecognizable. I have been describing “Better off Bitter” to people as a “Jazz Orchestra in a Pop-Punk band format.” I’m aware that this is a big claim to make, however, I’m confident that the unique sound that has been created is new and nostalgic at the same time.

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You independently produced, engineered, and funded this album from your home studio in Jacksonville, FL, over three years. What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards of handling every aspect of the production process yourself?

Some of the biggest challenges were motivation, isolation, and insecurity. When doing everything yourself it requires an incredible amount of discipline and vision. There were countless times I found myself vacationing in the doldrums for extended periods with minimal creative output. The beginning of an album always begins as a peak that declines over a period until release. It’s simple and stressless to explore, create and form new ideas, expressions, and feelings. After this honeymoon-like period, then the reality hits of how much goes into the processes of production. The starting production is always hopeful and motivating, so it’s easy to dedicate double-digit hours in a studio. When you start getting to the nitty-gritty, like listening to the same 10-seconds of audio on loop thousands of times, that’s when things aren’t done as jubilantly. That would bring me back to a creative null for a bit, until I felt confident to approach things again with a fresh perspective. The isolation came out of my own doing when I chose solitude to separate myself from distractions, toxic attitudes, limiting perceptions, and peer approval. I prioritized myself and focused on what was important; the completion of “Better off Bitter.” I became more mindful in the process in regards to how I would spend my time in the doldrums. I had a new motivation that allowed me to be more realistic about what songs would make the album (originally 15 instead of 10), what the context and sound would definitively be, and when a deadline would be. After finally completing it, that’s where the insecurity set in when it comes to the acceptance of the album, “Better off Bitter.” 3 years of work is a lot of time to think about how things will be, but I’ll just have to wait and see.

\Which track on the album holds the most personal significance for you, and why? Can you give us some insight into the creative process and meaning behind that particular song?

I would say that the last track on the album, “The Heretic,” has the most significance to me because it’s the finale. This is the last song someone will hear and the last chapter to the story conveyed in “Better off Bitter.” The idea of “The Heretic” comes from the snake-oil sales in the name of religion. The concept that an individual with certainty can sell others with a promise rather than those individuals being at terms with uncertainty. I wanted to provide an image of an interaction between a salesperson and a potential customer. Eventually getting discovered for their fraudulence, the salesperson is forced to lead a vagabond life until the discovery of reinvention.

Over the course of three years, your musical style and influences might have evolved. How do you feel your sound has changed or matured from your previous work to this new album?

The previous Free Mace album, “Media,” was a transition into more up-tempo music. I would see how people would react at the concerts and the up-tempo would always have a better response from what I could tell. It’s not that the audience didn’t enjoy the slower tempo music, it was more about what their body language conveyed. I started to notice people would be involved dancing and moshing to up-tempo music more than standing still with a head bob to a slower tempo. I wanted to do an album that would capture this high energy from beginning to end, while telling a meaningful story about emotions, experiences, and ideologies. “Better off Bitter” is the highlight album of the Free Mace discography, available everywhere 7/19/2024.

As an independent artist, what advice would you give to other musicians looking to produce and release their own music without the backing of a major label?

The best advice I would give to anyone and everyone would be to always stay true to yourself, no matter what.

What are your plans following the release of “Better off Bitter”? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or other projects that fans can look forward to?

Following the release of “Better off Bitter,” there will be 2-3 music videos available in varying cinematic styles. Currently in the process are one animated video (Available 7/19/2024 on YouTube) and one live-action Frank Sinatra/Edgar Allen Poe inspired video. There will potentially be shows in the future, but am needed a backing band on location for performance, so if you’d like a Free Mace show where you are located and have a professional band to provide, I will see you there!

https://freemace.hearnow.com/better-off-bitter

https://linktr.ee/free_mace