Ashland Craft has never been one to follow the typical country path. With a voice that blends soul, sass, and rock grit, and stories drawn straight from her life, the South Carolina native cemented her place in the country world with her debut album Travelin’ Kind in 2021. Now, with her sophomore project Dive Bar Beauty Queen, she returns with a deeper sense of self and a fearless approach to songwriting and production.
The 11-track project, released this May via Leo33, is a bold and unfiltered look into Craft’s world, from small-town bars to big-time dreams. Crafted in Nashville’s Gilded Palace and Sony Tree Studio, the album is rich in classic country instrumentation, with steel guitar, fiddle, harmonica, and organ weaving through stories of heartbreak, grit, and perseverance.
Listen to Dive Bar Beauty Queen
The Song That Started It All
In an interview, Craft shared that the album’s title track has been with her since she was just 18 years old. At the time, she was working the late-night shift at a honky-tonk called Dippin’ Branch. One night on her way home, the phrase “Dive Bar Beauty Queen” just came to her, and the full song followed in about 45 minutes.
“It was just so raw and real to what life was like for me at that time,” she said. Though she wrote it years ago, releasing it now felt like the right move thanks to encouragement from her label. “They really, truly pushed me and helped me push my boundaries.”
She kept most of the original lyrics intact but made a few changes that reflect how she’s grown. One of those tweaks included a new line about paying dues and packing it up for another run, a nod to the resilience she’s developed as a touring artist. She also added a line referencing Johnny, the guitarist in the house band where she worked, paying tribute to the people who helped shape her journey.
“Lie A Little” and Craft’s Take on Outside Songs
While much of the album is made up of songs she co-wrote, one standout track, “Lie A Little,” wasn’t penned by Craft, but it immediately resonated with her.
“I freaking love that song,” she said, stating that it reminded her of an upbeat Dwight Yoakam song. “It’s such a groove.” The Leo33 team sent her the track as part of a batch of outside cuts, and she kept coming back to it. With its timeless feel and danceable groove, it quickly became a must-cut. “The message for me was much broader than the lyrics themselves, but it captured that mood,” she added.
A Debut in Co-Production
Dive Bar Beauty Queen also marked Craft’s debut as a co-producer, working alongside Lee Starr and Jess Grommet. For the first time, she had hands-on control over the album’s sonic identity.
“I love making music. I love seeing it come to life,” she said. “I think it all like went exactly and beyond how we would have hoped. I’m just so happy with how it turned out, and glad the hard work paid off. “
Craft said the experience has inspired her to one day self-produce a full album and maybe even someone else’s project. “I love the collaborative approach, but there is a part of me that would love one day to fully produce,” she said.
One creative highlight from the studio was including a bass clarinet solo in the song “Hangin’ Up the Honky Tonk.” It was a bold choice suggested by Grommet, and one that paid off. “It was just magical once it all came out,” she said.
From Dive Bars to Stadiums
Fresh off a run supporting Luke Bryan’s Country Song Come On Tour, Craft said the experience gave her a second wind. “He just made it so fun,” she said of Bryan. “Their entire crew was so welcoming, and he puts on such a good show.”
The rotating set times also gave her a chance to reach different sections of the crowd each night. “That was huge for me,” she added. Craft also shared how grateful she is for the opportunity.
When it comes to connecting with stadium audiences who might not know her yet, Craft keeps her honky-tonk roots close. “My goal is definitely to make everybody feel seen,” she said, recalling her own days in the nosebleeds. She tries to interact with all sides of the crowd and bring a sense of intimacy to even the largest stages.
Catch Ashland Craft on Tour
Craft is currently on her Dive Bar Beauty Queen Tour, which now extends through November 1. With dates in cities across the South and Midwest, she’s bringing her barroom wisdom and powerhouse vocals to more fans than ever.
Dive Bar Beauty Queen Tour Dates
- July 16 – Big Sky Country State Fair – Bozeman, MT
- July 25 – Mitch McConnell Plaza – Owensboro, KY
- August 1 – Wild Hogs Saloon – Walford, IA
- August 2 – Country on the River Grounds – Prairie du Chien, WI
- August 28 – The Barrelhouse Ballroom – Chattanooga, TN
- August 29 – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA
- August 30 – Fun in the Sun Festival – West Union, SC
- September 11 – Born & Raised Music Festival – Pryor, OK
- September 12 – Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO
- September 13 – Heart of Country Music Festival – Independence, KY
- September 19 – Sidetracks Music Hall – Huntsville, AL
- September 20 – Hub City Brewing – Jackson, TN
- October 2 – The Crafthouse – Pittsburgh, PA
- October 3 – Richmond Music Hall – Richmond, VA
- October 4 – Field & Stream Festival – Winnsboro, SC
- October 9 – The Ranch – Fort Myers, FL
- October 10 – Tuffy’s Music Box – Sanford, FL
- October 16 – Woodlawn Theatre – Birmingham, AL
- October 17 – Hummingbird Taproom – Macon, GA
- October 24 – The Texas Club – Baton Rouge, LA
- October 30 – Grewal Hall at 224 – Lansing, MI
- October 31 – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern – Cleveland, OH
- November 1 – The Grainery Live – Plain City, OH
Dive Bar Beauty Queen isn’t just a record. It’s a reminder of where Craft came from, how far she’s come, and how much she still has to say. With grit, gratitude, and a guitar in hand, Ashland Craft is writing her own story, one dive bar at a time.
