Blog - Ashlyne Huff's Blog

I lived in Brentwood, Tennessee. Now I live in Brentwood, California. What are the odds? I love the weather here...it's so pleasant that I haven't closed my windows or my patio door yet! The pace in Los Angeles might be realllly high energy and crowded, but my new Brentwood is feeling a lot like home all of a sudden.

From my apartment I can walk to my coffee house of choice because there are like three in the span of 2 blocks! (Peets, Coffee Bean, and of course Starbucks) And if I need a little sweet in my life, my favorite two yogurt places are literally RIGHT THERE! #1 is Yogurtland and #2 Pinkberry. I call that block "Heaven.” :) I also found this great little cafe called Literatti. Great BLT with Goat cheese and avocado...holy moly.

I'm still searching for my sushi spot... I'm not worried though because there are like a gazillion out here. Again "Heaven.”
Back in the old Brentwood, I have my beloved Miyako. If you ever make it to TN, you have to try the Dragon Roll. It's a must.

While I've been here, I've been working mostly on my second album (which is coming along quite nicely I might add!!!) I cannot wait for you guys to hear it! Last week we were in the studio for like 12 hours each day writing and recording, and we STILL are not done yet! But it's so worth it! Here is an inside look at the week.
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The Writing Camp:
A little bit of history:
Evan "Kidd" Bogart, David "DQ" Quinones, and Erika Nuri started The Writing Camp in 2007 with a similar philosophy as the historical Brill Building in NY in the 1960s-- a bunch of writers work in close proximity to each other collaborating and feeding off competitive energy to write the next big smash hit. The concept was huge then and yet somehow it got lost over time. Now artists cut and cut until they think they have enough songs to choose from their upcoming albums, which demands two things: a ton of money and a lot of time! Apparently it's working for them considering "Halo" for Beyonce and "SOS" for Rihanna came out of it! :)

For my project:

Evan, DQ, and Erika pulled specific writers for the week we worked together based on my particular sound. (Shari Short, Jerrod "Skins" Bettis, Lesley Roy, Eric Bellinger, Chuck Harmony, Reo, and Greg Ogan) Each of them are unique and bring something else to the table. On the first day, we all sat around until everyone got there. We watched YouTube videos and got to know each other. I could tell right then and there that the week was not only going to be a successful one but also an enjoyable one.

We split off into three separate studios at the amazing Glenwood Studios complex, two writers and one producer per room--and I floated around! Every day was a different group, which translated into a completely different kind of sound each day. By the end of the week, we had over twelve songs written...not just songs though, incredible songs. And while they are all songs that fit in with my style and my voice, they are songs that will challenge me. The new refined direction I am taking on is a more rhythmic, sophisticated pop sound--something you can really dance to!

I could not have had a better time writing, hanging, and learning from all of the writers. It was an experience that I will never ever forget! Seriously, it was like summer camp for musicians! It was sad when we had to say goodbye, but I'm not letting the goodbye be for long--I'm working with them again if it kills me! These next two weeks I will be picking the songs and recording the album, and I cannot wait to start.

To the Writing Campers: I heart you and am so proud of the work we accomplished this week. Muah!
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So that was the crazy week I just finished. (A good crazy one, of course!) I also got to go to the 1st Annual Geek Awards sponsored by AOL and guess who was the host?! Ken Jeong from The Hangover! He was so funny I cried!

So thus far, living in Cali is amazing. I can't believe I'm here! Don't worry, TN! I'll be visiting soon!

Love, Ash

Let's get one thing straight right now: I can't choose. :) I live in one state, move to the other, live in that state for a while, and move back to the other. The funny thing is that music is always the reason for the move. My dad and mom moved from Nashville to Los Angeles before I was born because he had a lot of work lined up out here as a session guitar player. A couple years later, I arrived (YES!) and about five years after that, the music business seemed to shift back over to Nashville-- and we went with it! Now, my pop music has given me a reason to move out to LA on my own! So, whereas with Kotex we are trying to BREAK the cycle, my move to California has continued another one!

I love Tennessee. I have lived here most of my life. All of my family still lives here and of course I have a ton of friends because I changed schools a lot as a kid (the bad thing about that is that you have to start all over in a new school, but the good thing is that in the end, you know a lot of people!) I started dancing, singing, and writing all in Tennessee. My first job was at Opryland in the Kid's Club show when I was eleven. BUT. I need to go. The kind of music I sing and write doesn't originate in Tennessee and I need to go chase where it does. I may have started it in Nashville, but it is taking me to the West Coast now! I cannot wait to get started on this new album...prepare your ears ladies and gentlemen! LA, here I come!

Here's the a view of Beverly Hills, a view from the top of Mulholland Drive and my LAX luggage tag!

This is the biggest problem I have these days! :) Apparently, I'm a bag lady. I have lots of purses and I never get rid of them. None of them are very expensive because, let's face it, we girls have ever-changing likes and dislikes. I usually go to Forever 21 or H & M or even TJ MAXX or Target to find them. And typically, I pick the biggest tote or hobo bag I can find. Why you ask? Well, I carry about a journal, a book, my calendar (yes, I'm old fashioned and I like to write it down), and a wallet, a camera, some touch up make up, my phone, keys, and whatever else the person I'm with decides to throw in there. My back will probably break at some point, but I'm a fighter !!!

This is my current dilemma: I LOVE my big bags. I feel like Mary Poppins with the furniture down in there! BUT I now have a sudden interest in clutches. I have one from Kitson in LA and it's black leather with the silver studs all over it. And I have another light baby pink one with a fringe from H & M. They don't hold really any of the stuff I mentioned I always carry, but they are just so darn cute! And sometimes I need to be less weighted down I'm sure! SO!

How many of you are like me? And how many of you have figured this dilemma out? :)

Love,
the Bag Lady Ashlyne

Holy moly I had so much fun! Jordin Sparks' fans rule!

Pros: EVERYTHING. Jordin, Days Difference, the FANS, the cities, my band, Jordin's band and crew, the FANS, Wal-marts, cakes, the FANS, the FANS, the FANS!

Cons: it's overrrrr :(

Seriously, this tour went by so quickly that I still wake up thinking I'm going to a Wal-mart for an in-store! I could not have asked for a better second tour. My band and I made some funny Kotex: Break the Cycle videos, which you shall being seeing soon! I finally ate dairy after the Chicago show (which was a big deal!) I went into more Wal-marts than I think anyone, besides associates, has ever done! And I successfully shopped at a Wal-mart every time I was in there! I honestly saved money and lived better! Haha!

I can't wait to see what comes up next! For now, I'm writing and preparing my next record, which is so exciting! New songs, new dances, YES! In the meantime, I want to see you all perfecting your "Heart of Gold" moves! See you as soon as humanly possible! Love you all!

PS. The hearts you guys made rocked my world!

Love, Ash

Hey!

What. A. Week! It started off in the Northwest in beautiful Seattle and Portland! I had never been to either state, so to go to both was awesome! We were told we got very lucky because the weather was actually sunny and warm! I guess we're good luck! :)

Then for the next three days, we went from one amazing city in California to another: San Diego, LA, and San Francisco! Every single show was exactly what I hoped for! For instance, there's nothing like playing at Club Nokia in Los Angeles!

Yesterday was the real test of character for me. I left my home (the tour bus) and headed to Anaheim to sing the National Anthem for MLB's All Star Weekend! Can you say nervous? I used to sing them all the time in high school for football games, but this was my first time in a stadium like that...and it was absolutely incredible! I can't wait to do it again!

This week is our last week on tour and it feels like it's already slipping away! I can't believe it! I hope everyone else's past week was great! I'll talk to ya soon!

Love, Ashlyne

"Thank you so much to MLB and the Los Angeles Angels...had so much fun singing the anthem & loved kicking off All-Star Weekend!!!"

Hey Guys!

Well, the tour continues to be an amazing experience for me! One of my favorite things about touring in general is the fact that I get to visit so many new places! For instance, we played in Reno, NV last night and it was so cool! The closest I'd ever been to Reno was watching Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg!

Anyway, that schedule I was talking about getting into is in full force now! Wal-mart in-store in the morning, shop at Wal-mart (I do literally every day), soundcheck, show, meet n' greet! I've got it down to an art! :) The shows keep getting better and better, and I am having more fun each night! Jordin is still the sweetest girl alive, and Days Difference has taken me in as a surrogate sister I think!

The last three shows consisted of Tempe, AZ, which was such a cool place! Hot hot hot but a cool place! The next night, we were in Anaheim, CA which I will go back to on July 11th to sing the National Anthem during All Star Weekend! I literally hopped off the bus and saw the Angels Stadium! Wish me luck! And then last night was Reno, and it was awesome!

Happy Fourth of July to you everyone out there!!! We are heading up to Oregon and Washington next!!!

Love, Ashlyne

Hello Guys!

I just started the "Battlefield Tour" with Jordin Sparks and Days Difference and I must say, IT IS AWESOME ALREADY! Friday night was my first official show in Atlanta at Six Flags, and I couldn't have had a better time. I can tell this tour is going to be so much fun!

Yesterday, at Dixie Landin' in Baton Rouge I got to ride a water slide! Besides the water in my nose...best idea ever. :) I definitely "rocked my shine" in my OP bathing suit! The crowd was rockin' and it turned out to be another great night!

Tonight is another Six Flags in San Antonio and I can tell it's not going to disappoint! I am so excited to see some Texans!

Another cool part of this tour is that every morning in every city, I get to do an in-store acoustic performance and signing at Wal-mart! (by the way, do you know how convenient that is?) If you are planning on coming to a show on this tour, don't forget I'll be at a nearby Wal-mart earlier that day, so stay tuned to my twitter account for details!

I hope to see all of you at the shows! oh, and don't forget to learn the moves to "Heart Of Gold" from my Youtube video!

Love, Ash

Ashvillians!

I just wanted to talk a little bit about what's going on lately!
This morning I was on Tennessee Mornings on FOX...this EARLY morning! I performed "Heart of Gold" and it was awesome! (did I mention EARLY?!) :)

I only have a little longer here in Nashville because I join the "Battlefield Tour" with Jordin Sparks next week! I did one show with her in NY at the sold out Nokia Theater last week and if that was any indication on how it's going to be, I AM EXCITED. I hope you all can make it to one of the shows! (for dates go to the LIVE section of the site!)

And one more thing for now... FEED FEED FEED the children! I am a big supporter and believer in the FEED Projects organization. Go to the website (below) and see how you can change the world one bag, bear, or bracelet at a time! Whatever you choose, bring it to a show to get signed or twitpic it! Every little bit helps!

(www.feedprojects.org)

I'll be back very soon! I hope everyone has a great rest of your week!

Love, Ash!

what a beautiful city you all live in! honestly, I wish I had more time to explore! thank you to Martini Ranch and all of you amazing Honor Society Fans for baring with me like you did! ALL I wanted to do was do a show for you guys! I couldn't have felt more supported. Honestly, you are just what the doctor ordered!! I hope you guys enjoyed yourselves as much as I did!!

JEALOUS of your weather BY THE WAY!!

love, ash

I promise promise I will make that show up to you. Thank you all for being so understanding that my voice simply wasn't going to hold up. I found out at the ER that I have acute bronchitis, and I haven't been talking for the last 3 days. However, I am still so glad I got to meet you guys after my "set" and with Kait and the boys after the show! You are all so nice. I am steadily getting better! Thank goodness for ER's and medicine!

Thank you again. You are priceless!

Ash

How did everyone like the White Rabbit! :) I thought it was so much fun! I am so glad I got to play for you guys and see some of you in the pizza place! You are all so important to me. Honestly. You are why I do this. The BEST part of the show is when I can sit down and take pictures and sign and get to know you!

I will post pictures soon. I am behind because I have been recovering from my bronchitis. It hit me like a ton of bricks!

Ash