Summary of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer" Featuring Ashley McBryde

Episode Title: Ashley McBryde
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Host: Troy Vollhoffer, Country Thunder | Pod People

In this engaging episode of "On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer," host Troy Vollhoffer sits down with the acclaimed country artist Ashley McBryde. The conversation delves deep into Ashley's musical journey, her experiences in the music industry, touring life, mental health, and her future projects. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from their conversation.

1. Introduction and Early Beginnings

Welcoming Ashley McBryde

• [00:30] Troy welcomes Ashley McBryde, expressing gratitude for her frequent performances at Country Thunder festivals.
• [01:07] Ashley responds warmly, appreciating the opportunity to share her story.

Ashley’s Roots in Arkansas

• [01:43] Troy congratulates Ashley on her ACM nominations.
• [01:50] Ashley shares her origins from Mammoth Spring, a small town in northeast Arkansas, emphasizing her deep family ties in northwest Arkansas.

Musical Inspirations and Early Start

• [02:11] Ashley discusses her early musical inspirations, highlighting bluegrass and her initial foray into music with the mandolin at age three.
• [02:31] She reveals that she knew music was her passion from a young age, participating in band and choir, which later led her to a French horn scholarship in college.

2. Transition to Nashville

Deciding to Pursue Music Professionally

• [03:30] Ashley recounts her move to Nashville in November 2005, leaving behind her small-town life to immerse herself in the competitive music scene.
• [03:45] She describes Nashville as a "shark tank," highlighting the daunting yet exhilarating environment for aspiring artists.

Building Connections and Networking

• [04:38] Ashley emphasizes the importance of attending open mics and writer's nights to network and make connections within the industry.
• [05:10] She credits Lisa Carver for encouraging her to find her "tribe" in Nashville, which was pivotal in her career growth.

3. Breakthrough and Management with Q Prime

Securing a Management Deal

• [05:36] Ashley discusses meeting John Peets of Q Prime in 2016, a significant turning point in her career.
• [06:45] She narrates their first encounter on a plane, where John expressed interest in her music, leading to a management deal.

Collaborating with Eric Church

• [07:02] The partnership with Q Prime facilitated Ashley’s collaboration with Eric Church, another milestone in her career.
• [07:38] Ashley shares a memorable experience during the "Holding My Own" tour, where performing with Eric Church's band helped her gain substantial exposure.

4. Touring and Life on the Road

The Joys and Challenges of Touring

• [10:40] Ashley talks about her upcoming tours, expressing excitement about performing at multiple festivals and touring with great bands like Lone Star.
• [11:28] She describes the festival atmosphere as similar to "summer camp with all of your friends," highlighting the camaraderie and fun despite the exhaustion.

Improved Touring Setup

• [16:04] Ashley highlights the improvements in her touring setup, including moving to two buses to accommodate her growing team and enhance comfort on the road.
• [16:35] She explains the benefits of condo bunks, allowing band members to sit up and be more comfortable during long tours.

5. Health and Wellbeing on Tour

Maintaining Health on the Road

• [11:57] Ashley discusses the importance of taking care of her mental and physical health while touring. She attributes her disciplined approach to advice from friends like Terry Clark.
• [13:52] She emphasizes the role of proper nutrition, hydration, and regular exercise in maintaining her wellbeing, stating, "I think I'm in better health when we're on the road."

Support System and Friendships

• [14:25] Ashley shares the significance of her friendship with Terry Clark, who offers unwavering support, especially during tough times.
• [17:40] She mentions how being on the bus and having a supportive team contributes to her overall health and happiness.

6. Collaborations and Influences

Working with Legendary Artists

• [19:07] Ashley expresses her admiration for Wynonna Judd, describing her as "a building block of country music."
• [20:08] She recounts her collaborations with John Osborne and co-writing with Lainey Wilson, underscoring her commitment to high-quality songwriting and production.

Creative Freedom and Setlists

• [22:35] Ashley explains her approach to designing setlists, using "sentences" of three or four songs to maintain flow while allowing flexibility.
• [23:24] She shares her strategy for integrating new songs into her performances, aiming to test their resonance with live audiences.

7. Future Plans and Projects

Upcoming Album and Tours

• [10:40] Ashley reveals her latest album, "Lindyville," set for release on September 30th, and discusses her plans to promote it through extensive touring.
• [25:28] She talks about the joy of performing and the drive to continuously elevate her performances, comparing it to her brother's gaming excitement: "It's like a gamer leveling up."

Expanding Collaborations

• [24:08] Ashley praises the Brothers Osborne, highlighting their positive influence and the inspiration they provide through their enthusiasm for new projects.

8. Conclusion

Celebrating Success and Gratitude

• [27:03] Troy thanks Ashley for her time and acknowledges the challenges artists face when touring.
• [27:48] Ashley humorously mentions performing with one eye due to an injury but maintains her upbeat spirit, concluding with gratitude for her fans and the Country Thunder community.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley McBryde [02:31]: "I knew music was my thing, period."
• Ashley McBryde [07:02]: "That becomes a real turning point for me because [...] Eric said, 'you're going to like this girl.'"
• Ashley McBryde [11:28]: "Like, when else am I going to see Luke this year? When else am I going to see Lone Star?"
• Ashley McBryde [17:40]: "I think I'm in better health when we're on the road."
• Ashley McBryde [25:28]: "We get to step onto a stage and live a dream."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Ashley McBryde's rise in the country music scene, her strategic moves in Nashville, the importance of robust management, and the balance between touring and personal wellbeing. Ashley’s candid insights provide invaluable lessons for aspiring musicians and fans alike, illustrating the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the competitive music industry.

Listeners are left inspired by Ashley's passion, her commitment to mental health, and her unwavering drive to elevate her music. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, meaningful connections, and maintaining joy amidst the challenges of a demanding career.