Page 36 - ION Indie Magazine JanFeb 2021 Issue

Marty Haviik: Ashley, it’s a pleasure working with you again, as we did a
couple photography sessions a few years back. I also photographed you for ION
when you appeared in Tucson with Josh Turner, so you have a history with ION. In
fact, the first time you were in ION Indie Magazine, you graced our cover at just 16
years of age. This was way back in December of 2014. Since then, there have been
a few mentions in-between issues, and now, I have the pleasure of interviewing you
for this January/February 2021 issue…and what great way to kick-off the New Year!
Let’s catch up. Tell us, what you have been up to for these past 6 years?

Ashley Wineland: So much has happened over the last 6 years! Where to begin? I am
proud to say that within that time frame I was able to headline 3 national tours in the U.S.
Also, I released my album, ‘Simple Life,’ and multiple singles from that CD. My song ‘She's
Gone’ from that project currently has almost 800k views on its music video! During this
past year, I have been working on a new album, which is slated for release in 2021. In
November of 2020, I launched the first single off the new album, ‘Daddy's Creed,’ along
with the music video for the song. Now, as I am heading into 2021, I have a year full of
new music and videos planned, the next one being the title-track single from the album,
which is called ‘I'm Gonna Ride.’

MH: I’ve been following you on Instagram and Facebook, amongst other social
medias. Some of my favorite performances of yours are when you get invited to
perform the National Anthem at different sporting events. You most recently
performed at NASCAR. Tell us what that feeling is like for you?

AW: It is always an honor to be asked to perform our nation's anthem. It is one of those
songs that carries so much history and emotion in it. When I sing it, I always think about
the millions of people over the years who have served to protect our right to sing it; who
defend our nation and allow for us to be the country that we are. There's not a feeling quite
like being able to honor those people and our nation with a strong rendition of ‘The Star-
Spangled Banner.’

MH: You just released a brand-new song, ‘Daddy’s Creed,’ and it is available now.
Congrats! What inspired you to write this song? Such a wonderful song, by the way.

AW: Thank you! Yes, the first single off the new album is ‘Daddy's Creed.’ This song came
about as I was going through a real rough patch in my life. I was having one of those
moments one day where I was thinking about everything and the weight of the situation at
hand on my shoulders, and I asked myself, ‘How am I going to get through this?’ Luckily,
my guitar was in hand when I asked that question, because right after I asked that, my
mind was instantly flooded with thoughts of ‘Persevere! You are strong! You can do
whatever you set your mind to and do it yourself!’ I was shocked that those thoughts came
so quickly, and I asked myself, ‘Where did those responses come from?’ It didn't take too
long to realize that all of those responses came from lessons taught to me by my Dad
throughout the years. I was inspired in that moment and so grateful for those lessons that
gave me resolve and hope, that I wrote ‘Daddy's Creed’ in one fell swoop! It came together
so naturally, and I think that really speaks to the power behind all of those lessons that my
Dad taught me, which are mentioned in the song.