Photo Credit: Marloes Lucy Duizer

This summer, Marloes Lucy Duizer, a freelance writer, photographer and frequent contributor to TheCountrySite.com, was lucky enough to conduct an interview with Ashton Shepherd.  In Marloes’ interview with Ashton below, Ashton shares who she was most looking forward to seeing play at this year’s CMA Fest as well as how she balances motherhood with her career.

1. Ashton, thank you so much for your time. The internet is the only way for european country music fans to see you. We don’t have CMT/GAC and we can’t access CMT/GAC online. You have done video blogs in the past that gave us a peek into your life on the road, which was great for us. Will you be doing that again?

Yes hopefully so. Looking forward to it!

2. The new album, Where Country Grows, came out in July. How is this one different from the other one? Did you approach things differently this time?

It’s more tempo heavy than the last record. But it still has strong ballads I think. I wrote with some of nashville’s writers for this record. I would say that makes it different.

3. What are you most proud of with this album?

I’m most proud of being able to stay Ashton Shepherd. And being able to do so in a prideful way.

4. You’re praised for being ‘true country’. What do you think makes you stand out and/or different from other artists?

Ya know I’m not exactly sure…. I’ve been told because I’m rootsy. Very family oriented. And I still have my feet on the ground in lower Alabama. But I feel like most artists are too.

5. You were named one of GAC’s most beautiful moms. How do you balance motherhood and your career?

Family and God. I’ve had tremendous support from my family. And God has blessed me very much.

6. You are several months pregnant now (congratulations!) and you’ll be played LP Field during CMA fest. That sure is special. How do you do it?

I do it happily and proudly. It is so special to be expecting and still perform my music.

7. Will you be taking a break from the business after CMA fest? Maternity leave so to speak?

Yes. We taper off in August and of course will have time when the baby is born.

8. Are there any items, family or friends to keep you company while you are on the road? Is there something specific you just have to have with you?

I love bringing my son James and Roland when we can. And I try to always bring the earrings they got me for Christmas and wear them when I travel with out them.

9. What is your favorite song to play live and why?

I love all my songs especially the singles because the audience knows them.

10. What’s your funniest memory from a concert?

Wearing a tag on my shirt I had bought from Walmart while I performed.

11. Which artist were you looking forward to see play at CMA fest?

Reba!

12.You played the GAC Kick off breakfast. Are you a morning person?

Yep. You have to be an all the time person in this business.

13. What can we look forward to from Ashton Shepherd in 2011/2012?

More singles. A big tour next year! And hopefully lots of record sales!

Interview and Photo Credit:  Marloes Lucy Duizer