Success Hasn’t Spoiled Him Yet: An Interview with Ash Bowers
By Andrea Rizzo
Singer/songwriter Ash Bowers has known he’s wanted to be in the music business since he was a young kid. That dream is finally coming into fruition now, as the first hit from his debut release on Stoney Creek Records, "Stuck," has started receiving radio play, and even earned a spot on the recent People Magazine "Country Special" playlist. Ash took a few minutes to answer some of our questions about his humble beginnings, the new album and the importance of family and friends.
1. Tell us about the inspiration behind "Stuck." It seems like a song we can all relate to.
Well I didn’t write the song, but the inspiration for me cutting it would be that the first time I heard it, even though I didn’t write it, I felt like I should have already. Because I have wanted to play my whole life, but the bottom line is you have to hold a job and make a living. So I was always looking for an opportunity to chase my dream and that is what the song is all about.
2. Can you tell us a bit about the other songs on your album?
My favorite song on the album is "Better Man Than You." It was the first thing I feel like I wrote that told my story and came from the heart. It’s about my life, being raised by a single mother and how it affected me - and my outlook on the whole situation.
"Somebody’s Mama" is a country song about a guy reminiscing on an old girlfriend. With that song, the whole scenario has been written before, but when I first heard it, it was written in a different way so it stuck out to me.
Another one of my favorites is "Feels Like Cheatin’." I wrote it with Jim Collins and Marty Dodson and it’s a song about a guy with a conscious that almost cheats but doesn’t. The album has a little bit of everything, a little something for everyone. There is up-tempo, mid-tempo, ballads, fun songs and a couple for the blue-collar guy out there who is working punching the clock five days a week.
3. How are your friends and family dealing with your success?
Define success [laughing]. My family and friends have always been very supportive of everything I’ve done and everything I am doing. It’s great feeling to have their support. I know they are always there for me and that’s important.
4. Who are some other musicians you would like to collaborate with?
I have always been a huge fan of Jerry Lee Lewis and would love to do something with him. I was also a huge Merle Haggard fan growing up to so that would also be cool.
5. CareersinGear.com is geared toward those working within the trucking industry. Any words for them?
I have never been a truck driver but I’m on the road all the time. It’s tough being out on the road. I’d like to thank the truck drivers out there. They’re truly the fabric of America and I appreciate all the long hours they put in and the time spent away from their family.
