Kassi Ashton has been a force of nature in country music, known for her blend of vulnerability, toughness, and unapologetic “bad bitchery.” Now, with the release of her debut album, Made From The Dirt, fans finally get to experience the culmination of her years of hard work, heartbreak, and triumph. In a candid interview, Ashton opens up about what the album means to her, the deeply personal stories behind her songs, and what she hopes listeners take away from this defining project.
Empowerment Through Vulnerability
When asked what she hopes listeners will take away from Made From The Dirt, Kassi Ashton doesn’t hesitate. “First and foremost, I hope they feel empowered and seen,” she says. The album’s lyrics dig deep into the raw emotions of life, blending strength with vulnerability. Kassi hopes that her honesty in songwriting will resonate with fans, helping them find the courage to face their own challenges. “If I can make someone realize even more that they are human, and we’re all human, and we’re just doing our best…I would die happy,” she reflects.
In addition to the emotional depth of her music, Kassi also hopes listeners recognize her musical talents. “I just hope that they take away, like, you know, that I can sing my ass off, and that my show would be a welcome place for them,” she adds, emphasizing that she wants fans to feel a personal connection with her music and live performances.
Honoring Family Legacy with “Juanita”
One of the standout tracks on Made From The Dirt is “Juanita,” a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother. Initially written for her grandmother’s funeral, Kassi had no intention of making the song public. “This was not supposed to be on the album…this was not supposed to be heard by anyone,” she admits. However, after recording the song, her team urged her to include it, recognizing the song’s beauty and emotional depth.
Kassi’s grandmother, a strong and kind woman who helped shape Kassi’s worldview, was an enormous influence on her life. “She was like, a second mom to me…just kind of like the back of your head, the little voice saying, ‘How much do you want it?’” Kassi fondly recalls. The song captures the essence of her grandmother’s tough yet loving personality, blending Kassi’s grief with a sense of peace and renewal. “I asked her for help writing this song, and I felt like she was there with me,” Kassi shares, describing the spiritual connection she felt during the writing process.
Dancing Away Heartbreak in “Drive You Out of My Mind”
Another powerful song on the album, “Drive You Out of My Mind,” taps into the racing, desperate feeling of trying to escape heartbreak. Co-written with Travis Wood and Todd Clark, Kassi wanted the song to be something that made people dance, even while processing deep emotions. The artist had been doing radio tours, and quickly learned that as a new artist, not everyone will know the lyrics initially, but if you can make them dance, then you’ve done your job.
The song’s fast-paced tempo reflects the emotional whirlwind of moving on from a breakup, blending catchy melodies with raw lyrics. “I cried, I tried, I’ve been about as Mama’s broken heart as I can be,” Kassi sings, referencing the iconic Miranda Lambert as a source of inspiration. It’s a track that perfectly embodies Kassi’s ability to mix vulnerability with empowerment, making it a favorite among fans.
A Bold Response in “Called Crazy”
Kassi Ashton has never been one to back down, and her song “Called Crazy” is a perfect example of her fiery spirit. In this track, she confronts the all-too-common accusation that women are “crazy,” flipping the narrative in her own bold way. “I never been called crazy by a man who didn’t come back for more,” the lyrics reveal, delivering a line that resonates with anyone who’s ever been misunderstood.
When asked about the line, Kassi laughs, explaining, “I think boys are boring without women.” She went on to say they think things like, “You look like someone who would be fun to be around.” She continued, “And I think that’s what keeps them coming back for more.” It’s a playful yet pointed commentary on relationships, showcasing Kassi’s unique ability to blend humor with sharp social insights.
The Long Journey to Made From The Dirt
Made From The Dirt has been years in the making, and Kassi is the first to acknowledge that the road hasn’t been easy. The release of her song “The Straw” was particularly significant for her, as she had held onto it for years, waiting for the right moment. “I always knew it had to go on the debut album…I don’t feel like I’ve outwritten it,” she says, explaining why she saved the song for so long.
The pandemic was another obstacle in Kassi’s career, derailing what had been a promising trajectory in 2019. “Covid wrecked everything,” she admits. But despite the setbacks, she remained determined, trusting her gut instinct that the timing would eventually be right. “That constant gut feeling of, ‘This is so good, this is timeless,’ won out every time.”
Now, with the release of her debut album, Kassi Ashton has arrived at a moment that feels like a long time coming. “It just doesn’t feel real,” she says, reflecting on being nominated for an ACM Award and seeing fans line up for her shows. “I feel like I’m doing little, tiny steps every day. I didn’t realize – you look back and you’ve walked 15 miles, ”
Kassi Ashton’s Made From The Dirt is more than just a debut album—it’s a deeply personal, emotionally rich project that showcases her as an artist who is unafraid to be herself. From honoring her grandmother in “Juanita” to delivering bold anthems like “Called Crazy,” Kassi has crafted an album that reflects her unique blend of strength, vulnerability, and authenticity. Fans who listen to Made From The Dirt will not only get to know Kassi Ashton as a musician but also as a person, someone they can root for and relate to.
