Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Lalyn.
Hi Ashton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Music has always been my biggest passion in life. I always knew a career in music was my end goal. When I was a kid, a local Christian band, Sonstruck, would let me join them on stage at their shows, This was a big part of lighting my fire for performing. Through the years, I was a part of the praise band at my church, performed locally whenever I could and learned to write songs and play guitar. In 2014, my dad and grandpa helped me in recording my first album at Star Trak Studio in Washington, NC. I have grown so much in my music since then but it’s such a great memory to have to see where I began. In 2022, I joined a local band as the female singer and rhythm acoustic player. This experience really helped me develop as an artist and learn who I wanted to be in the music industry. In 2023, I received an unexpected offer and began a job at 98.5 The Big Dawg as the Afternoon host and Production Manager. This job aligned perfectly with what I love so it was a no brainer! In 2024, I formed my own band, Ashton Lalyn & The Verdict. Having my own band to play not only fun covers, but more importantly my original songs, has always been a dream of mine. These days, I am balancing my life in Radio and Music and working hard to go as far as it’ll take me!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The music industry is a tough place to be, so of course there have been a few struggles along the way. One struggle when working with a band is not only having dedicated members, but also being creatively aligned. Another struggle comes from being a woman in a “mans world.” Music, especially Country, is very much a male driven business and that comes with its own challenges when you are a female led band. Despite the struggles along the way, missing family gatherings and sacrificing different things, all of it is worth it to chase this dream of mine!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When it comes to my career in radio, I am known as “that country girl” in the Afternoon thanks to my accent. I am currently not only the Afternoon host, but Production Manager and Program Director as well. I recently got back from a trip to CRS in Nashville after receiving the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship. This event was much more than I could’ve imagined and I’m already looking forward to going back again next year.
In music, I am very proud of my band, Ashton Lalyn & The Verdict’s debut EP that we recently released! ( A special thank you to Kevin Sugg at Twin Terrace Studios!) We worked hard to put together these five songs and it feels great to have it completed and out for everyone to hear. I think one thing that separates me from others is the fact that I’m not just a female artist for females. I feel like I can connect to all people and that goes with my music and with meeting people at shows. I strive to reach as many people with my music as I can so I don’t like to put limits on that. I would also say that my voice itself is very unique. When people ask me who I sound like, I have a very hard time picking another artist because I just feel like I sound like myself and honestly, I’m okay with that! Most people that thrive in the industry have their own distinct voice so I like to think of it as my gift.
What matters most to you? Why?
As you’ve discovered so far, Music is very important to me. However, nothing in this life matters if you don’t have your family. My wife, Amy and our son, Sawyer are big motivators for me to get out and do what it takes to climb the ladder in music. I thank God every day for all of my family members who have always loved and supported me so much along the way!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashtonlalyn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASHTONLALYNTHEVERDICT
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshtonLalynTheVerdict
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/ashtonlalyn
