Curb Recording artist Ashley Gearing is gearing up with a new self-titled EP, led off by the off-catching lead off single, “Love Can Go to Hell.” Written by re-knowned singer/songwriter Brandy Clark, the mid-tempo tune isn’t a song of anger, resentment, or angst – it’s a statement on the tribulations of the emotions, the ups and downs of being in the process of love.
Accompanied by an interactive campaign in which fans were able to send black roses to a particular recipient, the single is setting sails on the next phase of Gearing’s career – having been in the music scene for twelve years, the 24 year old Massachusetts native is prepared to take her music to new heights.
TCN: Tell us a little about that because the title is a little bit…wow. That’s different. It kind of smacks you in the face.
AG: It is. And so that’s why I mean when I initially had heard this song… (talks about recorder)… So we were done with the EP and we had 5 songs, and then we heard this song “Love Can Go To Hell” and it’s a jarring title like you said. We listened to the song and it’s this really peaceful ballad about the rollercoaster of love. And it’s not hateful at all. So we thought it was a luring title and I wanted to do it because as a 24 year old girl, you know me and my girlfriends talk about all the ups and downs of love. I have married friends. I have friends that feel like they’ll be single forever. And you know it’s such an honest song. The lyrics are basically saying you know love can go to the highest peak but it can also go to hell.
TCN: So did you just graduate Belmont?
AG: Ah –a year… two years ago. So it was, I mean, gosh I feel like it’s crazy that I just said two years. It feels like I did just graduate. You know I’m 24. I feel like how did I grow up? I still feel like I’m 16 you know? So it’s kind of crazy but I love being able to live in Nashville and not be distracted by school because I’ve always wanted the full experience out of everything. And I started singing when I was very young. I signed to Lyric Street when I was 12. And then I signed to Curb when I was 16.
TCN: And you were one of the youngest artists on the charts.
AG: Yes it’s crazy. But throughout all of that I wanted to have a normal experience. I wanted to go to school and go every day. I mean there were definitely times when I was traveling and I missed it but it only seemed natural that when I did graduate high school and moved to Nashville, I’d go to Belmont. I lived on campus for a year. Just got the whole experience. But I was happy to say that I was done, and graduated.
TCN: Now do you feel that your studies have greatly influenced you as a performer as opposed to just being in the industry?
AG: Yeah. I mean well my major was entertainment industry studies and then I minored in public relations. So I definitely have this more of an appreciation for the people who work around me and I know what they are going through every day to do what they do for me. So that’s cool and just learning more about of how the business works. But there’s nothing that they can teach you in school besides just getting out there in the business and living it.
TCN: And being from when you started as a teenager. It’s easier to absorb everything.
AG: It’s transformed too though. My first year that I signed with Lyric Street was when the iPod came out. Imagine like now we have iPhone and iWatches and iEverything. I remember thinking “what is iTunes?” I don’t even know what that is you know? And now it’s everything. It’s my whole life.
TCN: So besides the single coming out and interactive stuff, what else you got going on right now?
AG: I am just really excited about promoting this new EP. It’s who I am as a 24 year old. I feel like we’re just starting to scratch the surface you know promoting it and getting people to really get it and know about it. So I’m excited to tell more people about it and to get out and play some shows. I’m so excited. We’re planning some shows right now and I just want to get on the road because I’ve been in the studio and I’ve been in school for so long.
TCN: So you’re getting a little bit restless..
AG: I’m like a caged bird! I need to get out on that stage! So yeah I’m excited for that.
TCN: Because you have been around for a while now – around a decade. What is something that you would tell people who are just moving here in the pursuit of music?
AG: My mom and I have always kind of said if I have enough success we would love to open a charity or some sort of organization for young people moving to town because there’s no one really to tell you exactly how to do it. There isn’t a formula. But you know there are so many people that lead you in a different direction and think you’re going in the right way. But I would say just stay true to who you are. And you know songwriting – if you’re a songwriter, write every day. Put in the hours. If you’re a guitar player, play. If you’re a singer, sing. And don’t get distracted by “the hype.” I often use the word “horse blinders.” I’m like “let me put my horse blinders on and look down at what I’m doing.” Because if you get on social media and you’re distracted by everyone else’s timeline then it starts to make you feel like you’re not good enough.
For more information, please go to ashleygearing.com or check her out on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram or Youtube.