Ashley Monroe is a country music singer/songwriter. Her first album, Satisfied, was released in May 2009. Two years later, Monroe, Miranda Lambert and Angeleena Presley formed a group called the Pistol Annies. Pistol Annies released their debut album, Hell on Heels, in late 2011.
Monroe released her latest studio album, Like a Rose, in March and is making an appearance at Rome River Jam in Rome, Georgia on May 18.
We recently caught up with her for an interview, see what she had to say!
You recently released an album, Like a Rose, and it came out on vinyl today! Do you prefer to purchase a vinyl record over a CD or digitally?
So exciting! When you have it on your phone you can get distracted, so my favorite way would be on vinyl.
How does this album differ from your previous work?
I think I’ve grown up a little but, obviously I still have the country gene in me, and I feel right about things I know, my voice, my songwriting and all of it, and I feel like it was perfect timing when this came out.
You are also known for being in the girl group, Pistol Annies, with Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley. It must be different for you to go from being a group at times to being solo other times, do you prefer one over the other or is one harder than the other?
They’re different, the Annie’s, each of our personalities kind of play up our characters, but couldn’t see myself doing one over the other. They are both very necessary to get out my music.
What is one of your favorite tour memories?
Last year, we were at this big fair. We got up and worked out with our trainer. We snuck out into the fair, just us three. It was like we had never eaten before, we’d hurry up and eat and throw it away and go to the next station. It was a heart attack waiting to happen but it was fun.
A cover of your song, “You Ain’t Dolly (And You Ain’t Porter)” featuring Blake Shelton was on the show Nashville. Are you a fan of the show? Do you think it gives an accurate portrayal of the city and the country music industry?
It was so cool to see that. They had “Shine” on there too. I do watch it, I love it. They are trying to hit on the main parts and make it a little more dramatic. There are obviously some very truthful things in there.
Who are some of your greatest musical influences?
Dolly, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou, the Eagles, oh gosh, it goes on and on…
What artists/bands have you been listening to lately?
Dawes, I love that. I love Fun, they have great personalities. I’ve got to always be discovering new music, it keeps me motivated.
Are you excited to take part in the Rome River Jam with other talented musicians, Craig Morgan, Blackberry Smoke and Angie Johnson?
I really am! I’m really excited about it! I just met Angie, she’s a doll. I’m excited to watch it all happen.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2013?
I’m going on tour with the Annie’s in June, our record comes out May 7. July and August we’re going out with Train for a few months, and there are some other things in the works, a lot of good touring stuff.
Make sure to check out, “Like A Rose“, and catch Ashley Monroe playing at the Rome River Jam on May 18! Tickets below!
