Ashtyn Barbaree

“Ashtyn Barbaree's voice is phenomenally beautiful.” - Richard Wagenaar, The Next Gig (Netherlands) - The Next Gig (The Netherlands)

Ashtyn Barbaree rises to the top of local award nominees. - KNWA/ Fox 24 News

Ashtyn Barbaree's wide smile, facility with a ukulele and beautiful singing voice are familiar to anyone who regularly visits the Fayetteville Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings. Since 2011, she's been playing with a group of like-minded friends that call themselves Farmer and the Markets. Barbaree and bandmates Philip Shepherd, Jackson Lefargue and Cody Nielsen are known for their upbeat covers and tight harmonies. By 2014, they had gotten so popular that they were playing the Fayetteville Roots Festival, the Block Street Block Party and First Thursdays. The same year, they released an album, Alphabet Soup.
Now 22, Barbaree is ready to branch out on a solo career: Her song writing and distinctive voice take center stage on her self-titled solo album, released in April of last year. - Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Ashtyn, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2018, I took a chance by contacting European venues and then traveling abroad with my trio. Emails were sent, fingers were crossed and I was ecstatic when I started getting responses. The stars aligned when we received a Walton Family Foundation grant through The House Of Songs to cover our plane tickets from the USA to Europe, but I was still solely responsible for booking the shows, communication with venues, logistics, etc. I was google translating contracts and was too young to rent a car, so we took trains, buses and planes. Each place was so beautiful and inspiringly different from home, even going to the grocery store was an adventure. Everything was super expensive so we made a lot of soup and slept in the same room, playing card games and giggling really late after shows. We learned some hard lessons about flying with instruments and had a flight issue that caused us to miss a show in Aachen, Germany. But going to Europe in 2018 was one of the best risks I could have taken, I met incredible songwriters and people which led to now having successful tours over there. I will be back next March 2024 with booking support from a Dutch agency and playing a dream venue in Copenhagen.



Ashtyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was raised in a household with my young mother, where wall-drawing was encouraged, a record player found its place next to a blue typewriter, stacks of Shel Silverstein books mingled with engineering assignments, and an assortment of instruments added to the vibrant atmosphere. Immersed in a creative environment, the music I heard in those formative years, particularly the haunting and expressive female vocalists like Fiona Apple, Joanna Newsom, Bjork, Portishead and Patty Griffin, played a significant role in shaping who I am today. In 2001, when I was just 5 years old, my earliest compositions emerged, though they took the form of freestyle vocal pieces. When I was in elementary school I started classical piano training. I struggled with hand positions while attempting to play a baby Taylor guitar, but a shift occurred in middle school when my mom gifted me a ukulele on Valentine’s Day. Within a few weeks I had joined my first band and we quickly started doing private parties, corporate events, weddings, etc. After nearly 10 years of that and various other projects, I felt ready to start writing my own songs and singing lead. I’ve now recorded two albums, with plans to record another this winter. My original work has opened up a lot of opportunities for me, including multiple European tours, festivals and a nomination for Americana Artist of the Year at the 2023 Arkansas Country Music Awards. With a songwriting style full of vulnerability and passion, I want to stir emotions and create connections with my listeners





Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Growing up with both my parents valuing academics, I’ve always been committed to deepening my understanding of subjects that interest me. I approach my music career with strong commitment, investing time in practice, writing, booking, content creation and skill development across different areas. Among my top music business resources are Ari Herstand’s How To Make It In The New Music Business and Don Passman’s All You Need To Know About The Music Business. I also found inspiration in Jeff Tweedy’s How To Write One Song, and Ari Herstand’s podcast, New Music Business, comes highly recommended. Additionally, I’ve gained valuable insights from attending CD Baby’s DIY Festival and Folk Alliance International lectures, and last year, I virtually participated in a songwriting class at Vanderbilt, where I was offered direct feedback from industry professionals; that class is also an insightful podcast, the Blaire Hit Songwriting Series. With a wealth of valuable information available, there’s always room for growth and learning – so let’s all embrace the opportunity to improve and expand our knowledge.





Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back at my teenage years when I began performing in bars, there’s so much I wish I had known. However, I’ve come to realize that those years of focusing on my songwriting and style were crucial for me to truly make the most of the resources available now. Early on, I believe it’s important to play a lot of shows to get comfortable and discover who you are as an artist. If I could go back, I’d definitely want to know more about creative grants and artist residencies, which are incredible opportunities. I’ve learned that even if you don’t get accepted, just going through the application process is a valuable experience in itself.

In Fayetteville, Arkansas, I’ve found fantastic free resources through places like Fayetteville Public Television and Fayetteville Public Library, including access to studios and classes. It’s worth checking what similar resources your own city might offer.

Something else I wish I had started earlier is writing songs and collaborating with peers. I’m amazed by the elementary school kids I work with who are already writing songs. It makes me excited to see where their creativity will take them if they keep their passion alive. - Canvas Rebel