Don't forget to vote for Ashton Shepherd's video this Tuesday (7/8). She will be up against Jason Aldean and she needs your votes. CMT Power Picks airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET. During the show, go to CMT.com to cast your vote.
CLICK HERE to read this stellar review from rock critic Ken Tucker on NPR.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2008
THE SUPERSTARS OF COUNTRY MUSIC AND THE CRITICAL PRESS ARE DRAWN TO THE AUTHENTICITY OF ASHTON SHEPHERD AND SOUNDS SO GOOD
SHEPHERD IS ANNOUNCED AS THE OPENING ACT
ON SUGARLAND’S LOVE ON THE INSIDE TOUR
(Nashville, TN) Many artists in the music community are gravitating to the authenticity of Ashton Shepherd and her music. Here is what they are saying:
Keith Urban - “I heard ‘Sounds So Good’ and went out and bought the album. I must have played this song eight times consecutively and I knew I was listening to a piece of classic, country perfection.”
Sugarland (Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush) - “Ashton's natural talent as a songwriter, a singer, and as a performer is about to come crashing down on country music. We believe she just raised the bar for every new country artist on the planet.”
Miranda Lambert - “The first time I heard Ashton Shepherd’s voice, it's like she reached out of the radio and grabbed me. Within the first 10 seconds of the song you know it’s her. I think that is what sets her apart as an artist and will make for a long, strong career. I love that in her music you hear her life and the down home feel of her lyrics. She is perfectly unpolished. The fact that she is a redneck, beer drinkin' chick from Alabama, I mean what’s not to love? I'm a huge fan!”
“Receiving such amazing comments from other artists is the biggest compliment I could ever receive as a singer/songwriter,” says Ashton. “I started singing as soon as I could talk and I’ve been writing songs as long as I can remember. I can’t even tell you how much it means to me when these huge superstars tell me they like my music. It’s just unbelievable! I keep having to pinch myself.”
Ashton co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on Sounds So Good, produced by award-winning songwriter Buddy Cannon. “The simplicity of her songs communicates sincerity,” says Cannon, “and other artists recognize that and appreciate it.”
The critical press recognizes Ashton’s raw talent as well. Here is what they are saying:
USA Today – “Shepherd balances a fondness for music, motherhood and alcohol with a deep drawl and a straight-forwardness learned from the likes of Loretta Lynn.”
Entertainment Weekly – “Shepherd’s CD is the best mainstream country debut since Taylor Swift’s in 06.”
Blender – “Sounds So Good sounds so familiar that it comes to feel utterly distinctive – which is the genius of Ashton Shepherd’s debut.
Billboard – “There are debut albums and then there are debut albums that serve notice that the landscape has changed.”
American Songwriter – “She sings with a distinctly rich, lower-Alabama drawl that will grip you from the outset and make you proud to be a country music fan.”
Just announced yesterday, fans will be able to see Ashton performing her self-penned songs all across the country as the opening act for Sugarland’s LOVE ON THE INSIDE tour, which begins on September 13 in Asheville, NC. “What a dream come true to be on such a great tour with superstars like Sugarland. Jennifer and Kristian are incredible entertainers and I’m honored to be given this chance. I am just thrilled!”
Ashton will be joining Sugarland on their 25 city nationwide LOVE ON THE INSIDE tour. The tour will kick off in Asheville, NC on September 13. Catch Ashton live on tour in a city near you to hear her perform some of the songs from her critically acclaimed debut album, Sounds So Good
TOUR DATES
9/13 Asheville, NC Asheville Civic Center
9/14 Wilmington, NC Trask Colesium
9/19 Mashantucket, CT MGM Foxwoods
9/20 Atlantic City, NJ Mark G. Etess Arena
*9/21 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
*9/26 Bloomsburg, PA Bloomsburg Fair
*9/27 W. Springfield, MA Eastern States Exposition
9/28 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook
10/2 Ames, IA Hilton Coliseum @ IA State Center
10/3 Stillwater, OK Oklahoma State University
*10/10 Columbia, SC South Carolina State Fair
10/11 Roanoke Rapids, NC Carolina Crossroads Outdoor Amphitheatre
*10/12 Perry, GA Reaves Arena
10/16 Verona, NY Turning Stone Resort & Casino
10/17 Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena
10/18 Erie, PA Erie Civic Center Complex
10/23 Tupelo, MS BancorpSouth Arena
10/24 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium
10/25 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
11/6 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
11/7 Kissimmee, FL Silver Spurs Arena @ Osceola Heritage Park
11/8 Fort Myers, FL Lakes Regional Park
11/14 Lafayette, LA Cajundome
11/15 Beaumont, TX Ford Arena
11/16 Bossier City, LA CenturyTel Center
Vote for ASHTON SHEPHERD during CMT Power Picks on Tuesday (7/1) as her video battles for play. CMT Power Picks airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET. During the show, go to CMT.com to cast your vote.
Ashton has been busy filming the music video for her new single "Sounds So Good." Staying true to her roots, Ashton took a trip out to the lake to film. Click HERE to check it out. After you watch the video, don't forget to call your local radio stations and request "Sounds So Good."
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Release Date 3/4/2008
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