Five Things You Need To Know About Ashland Craft [Watch] (2024)

Rising artist Ashland Craft first turned heads during her run on Season 13 of NBC’s The Voice. The country spitfire, who finished in the Top 10 on the reality singing competition series, blew judges away with her blind audition performance of “You Are My Sunshine.” She later showcased her exceptional range and gritty vocals on covers like Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn” and Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” while competing on Team Miley Cyrus.

Although her time on the show was cut short, Craft has continued her path to stardom by putting forth both hard work and dedication. In 2019, the small-town girl with big, big dreams moved to Nashville, Tennessee, from her hometown of Piedmont, South Carolina, and began releasing music independently. Her efforts caught the attention of various music industry professionals, and in April 2020, she signed a deal with Big Loud Records.

Most recently, Craft released “Trainwreck.” The tell-it-like-it-is ballad, produced by Jonathan Singleton and co-written by Randy Montana and Channing Wilson, finds the singer playing the role of a heartbreaker who admits to not being the best fit for a long term relationship. Craft, who also recently launched a YouTube series called the “Six String Sessions,” originally intended to perform her new music for live audiences while on tour, but as with many artists, she has been forced to wait out the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.

Craft, who has previously opened for artists like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen, recently caught up with Country Now to share a few interesting facts about herself.

Here are five things you may not know about Ashland Craft.

She Graduated From Cosmetology School

Before competing on The Voice and moving to Nashville, Craft enrolled in cosmetology school to become a hairdresser. Despite completing her tests and receiving her degree, she always knew her true passion was in country music. And even though she won’t be trading out her guitar for a pair of scissors anytime soon, she says, at least, “I have it [as a backup] if I ever need it…”

She Is A Dog Lover

Craft is a self-proclaimed dog lover. In fact, she is the proud mama of a three-year-old pooch named Dolly. Craft didn’t reveal whether or not Dolly was named after Dolly Parton, the singer. But she did share that her pup is part of the blue heeler family. Nonetheless, we’ll assume she named the furry friend after the legendary country artist!

Back Home, She Used To Work At A Bar Called Wendells Dippin Branch

“It was probably the most fun time I’ve ever had in my teenage years,” said Craft of the two years she spent working at the club, located near her home town in Anderson, South Carolina. Aside from her working-gig back home, Craft actually grew up playing in the bars in her area before moving to Nashville. And, although she has gone onto open for award-winning artists on tour, she hopes to visit Wendells Dippin Branch again soon to perform for her former co-workers and local patrons.

She Didn’t Always Play Music Growing Up

Craft may have been playing music for years, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t dabble in other areas of interest. Some people might actually consider her to be a Jill of all trades because she became well versed in different forms of art before choosing to pursue music full force.

“I played a lot of sports growing up, and I also did musical theater as well as just regular theater,” Craft explains. “So I kind of like to do a little bit of everything.”

Her Latest Release, “Trainwreck,” Was Actually Given To Her As A Birthday Gift

Although Craft didn’t write “Trainwreck,” (the song was penned by Randy Montana and Channing Wilson), she was immediately drawn to its lyrics. So much so that when she heard Wilson perform it during a show, she made it clear that she wanted to cut it. On her 23rd birthday, her wish came true. She received a text message from Wilson saying that she could, indeed, cut the song for her next record.

“That was the greatest gift I could’ve ever gotten, and I think it turned out great,” Craft beamed of her version of the tune, which features backing vocals by Wilson. “Hopefully, they’re super happy with it. I’m super happy with it, and I hope you all love it as well, so if you haven’t checked out trainwreck. It’s out now!”