The Superstars of Country Music and the Critical Press are Drawn to the Authenticity of Ashton Shepherd and SOUNDS SO GOOD

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Many artists in the music community are gravitating to the authenticity of Ashton Shepherd and her music. Here is what they are saying:

Keith Urban -- "I heard 'Sounds So Good' and went out and bought the album. I must have played this song eight times consecutively and I knew I was listening to a piece of classic, country perfection."

Sugarland (Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush) -- "Ashton's natural talent as a songwriter, a singer, and as a performer is about to come crashing down on country music. We believe she just raised the bar for every new country artist on the planet."

Miranda Lambert -- "The first time I heard Ashton Shepherd's voice, it's like she reached out of the radio and grabbed me. Within the first 10 seconds of the song you know it's her. I think that is what sets her apart as an artist and will make for a long, strong career. I love that in her music you hear her life and the down home feel of her lyrics. She is perfectly unpolished. The fact that she is a redneck, beer drinkin' chick fromAlabama, I mean what's not to love? I'm a huge fan!"

"Receiving such amazing comments from other artists is the biggest compliment I could ever receive as a singer/songwriter," says Ashton. "I started singing as soon as I could talk and I've been writing songs as long as I can remember. I can't even tell you how much it means to me when these huge superstars tell me they like my music. It's just unbelievable! I keep having to pinch myself."

Ashton co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on SOUNDS SO GOOD, produced by award-winning songwriter Buddy Cannon. "The simplicity of her songs communicates sincerity," says Cannon, "and other artists recognize that and appreciate it."

The critical press recognizes Ashton's raw talent as well. Here is what they are saying:

USA Today -- "Shepherd balances a fondness for music, motherhood and alcohol with a deep drawl and a straight-forwardness learned from the likes of Loretta Lynn."

Entertainment Weekly -- "Shepherd's CD is the best mainstream country debut since Taylor Swift's in 06."

Blender -- "SOUNDS SO GOOD sounds so familiar that it comes to feel utterly distinctive -- which is the genius of Ashton Shepherd's debut.

Billboard -- "There are debut albums and then there are debut albums that serve notice that the landscape has changed."

American Songwriter -- "She sings with a distinctly rich, lower-Alabama drawl that will grip you from the outset and make you proud to be a country music fan."

Just announced yesterday, fans will be able to see Ashton performing her self-penned songs all across the country as the opening act for Sugarland's LOVE ON THE INSIDE tour, which begins on September 13 inAsheville, NC. "What a dream come true to be on such a great tour with superstars like Sugarland. Jennifer and Kristian are incredible entertainers and I'm honored to be given this chance. I am just thrilled!"

             For further information on Ashton Shepherd, contact:
           Regina Stuve at 615.524.7543 or regina.stuve@umusic.com,
           for Tour Press contact Kelly Russell at 615.524.7552 or
                           kelly.russell@umusic.com

         Or log on to www.ashtonshepherd.com or www.umgnashville.com

SOURCE MCA Nashville

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Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze, Daily News

Tags: tennessee, north carolina, Alabama

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