With roots in Red Deer, Alberta and now residing in Calgary, Alberta, is Metis-Cree Emerging Country Ashley Ghostkeeper. Growing up in a musical family, Ghostkeeper discovered her love for music at a very young age. By 8 years old, she was penning and singing her own songs, drawing inspiration from country powerhouses such as Miranda Lambert and The Chicks (Ghostkeeper). In the years since she has actively been pursuing her passion for music and developing her musical sound. This month, the emerging artist released her debut single, “Try Me One More Time”. Through an authentic voice and honest lyrics, the acoustic “underdog anthem” speaks to someone who refuses to give up and stay knocked down, even when there’s no one around to help them up.
Recently, I spoke with Ghostkeeper about her path to pursuing country music, her debut single, and her goals for this year.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us a bit about your path to pursuing country music? What made you want to become a country artist?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: I have always felt that country music simply chose me from a very young age. Heavily influenced by my family and the way music connects us. My auntie was in a country gospel duo and my cousin is a full-time blues-rock musician. This has helped push me in following through with music and pursuing it.
Kyla Pearson: This month, you’re set to release your debut single, “Try Me One More Time”. The song speaks to someone who refuses to give up and stay knocked down, even when there’s no one around to help them up. Can you tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind the song?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: This song represents a turning point for me. It was the moment where I took my last bit of strength and courage that I had to get up and stay up. It is me saying to life itself to “try me one more time”, to throw another challenge or obstacle my way and that I’ll get through it regardless. I hope this song can help others know that they aren’t suffering alone and to speak up and recognize that it is okay to ask for help and lean on one another.
Kyla Pearson: Can you tell us a bit about the songwriting & recording process that went into making the song?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: I wrote this song in the fall of 2020 on my birthday. Out of all the songs I have written this one was the hardest to write because it was me facing the truth at that moment. I wrote this song only intended to share with my mother, to ask for help but instead of saying those simple words I had to sing this song. I recently recorded in Toronto at Union Sound Studio with my producer Shawn Moore during the pandemic and we were able to make it happen.
Kyla Pearson: In relation to the song, what is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who feels like giving up/ that they’re all alone in their journey?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: It is okay to feel lonely, we all do at times. But it comes to a point where you do have to tell someone whether that is family or a friend, just so they are aware and can be there when needed. No one should suffer alone, no matter how resilient you may be. Reach out, look inwards at the pain and face it as it comes your way. That is the only way.
Kyla Pearson: Try Me One More Time is also the first single off of your upcoming debut EP, which you recorded this past spring at Union Sound Studio in Toronto with CMAO nominated producer Shawn Moore. Can you tell us a bit about the theme/inspiration behind the project? What can fans expect from the EP?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: The theme within this project is about my own self-discovery and healing journey, I feel as though I am now truly coming into myself. All 4 songs are written by me. The title track is called “Future Me”, every day I am learning and growing towards the woman I want to be. This has been my anthem.
Kyla Pearson: With your debut single and EP said and done, it’s an exciting time for you as an emerging country artist. How has the experience been for you? Who have been some of your biggest supporters leading up to the release of your music?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: As the past year I have fully jumped into my musical journey and learning as I go. My biggest supporters are my family and friends, with the ongoing encouragement. My producer has been of great help in guidance and advice, I have some close friends in the industry as well who have been very supportive in this whole new experience that I am grateful for.
Kyla Pearson: With live music starting to be a reality once again as lockdown restrictions begin to lift, what is one venue or show you’re looking to perform at? What live shows do you have coming up that fans can catch?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: I will be performing at a couple of rodeo’s upcoming August that I am super excited about, with the help of Cooper Studios representing me. Innisfail rodeo picnic will be the next gig, I hope to see some familiar faces there!
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, what is something you’d like fans to know about you?
Ashley Ghostkeeper: I started writing inspirational quotes from age 12 lol, anyways my songs will have bits of my poetry or quotes captured within the lyrics!
Listen to Try me One More Time now:
Stay up to Date With Ashley Ghostkeeper:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyghostkeeper/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyghostkeeper
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aghostkeeperr
YouTube: @AshleyGhostkeeperMusic
Spotify: Ashley Ghostkeeper
Website: https://ashleyghostkeepermusic.com/home
Works Cited:
Ghostkeeper, Ashley. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Jun 24 2021.
Unknown.“Featured: Emerging Metis-Cree Country Artist Ashley Ghostkeeper”. Photo courtesy of Ashley Ghostkeeper. Accessed Jun 24 2021.
Unknown.“Official cover art for Ashley Ghostkeeper’s debut single, ‘Try Me One More Time’ ”. Photo courtesy of Ashley Ghostkeeper. Accessed Jun 24 2021.
