We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashton Eller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashton, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
I believe my empathy was born out of the challenges I faced growing up. From experiencing homelessness, to my parents’ divorce, to losing my father at a young age, each of these moments shaped how I see people and the struggles they carry. When my parents divorced, I was only eight. My mom lost our house, and my three brothers and I had to move in with friends in a rougher part of town. Despite the hardship, that year turned out to be one of the best of my childhood. The neighborhood was incredibly diverse, and it opened my heart to people of different cultures, backgrounds, and economic situations.
Watching my mom work tirelessly to give us a good life gave me immense respect for her and a lasting compassion for single mothers everywhere. Later, when I lost my father, I not only had to process my own grief, but I also learned how to comfort others walking through loss.
These experiences didn’t just teach me empathy—they continue to guide me in my music and in life. They remind me to listen, to care, and to use what I’ve been through to help others feel less alone in their own struggles.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Ashton Eller, and I’m a singer-songwriter based in Nashville by way of North Carolina. Music has always been part of my identity—growing up in a family filled with singers and storytellers gave me a deep love for both melody and narrative. Over time, I’ve drawn from a wide mix of influences—everything from Southern gospel and classic country to punk, rock, and pop—which has helped me create a sound that blends raw energy with heartfelt storytelling.
After graduating with a degree in music from Catawba College, I started writing and performing my own songs, sharing pieces of my journey through singles like Fast Car, Clarice, and Pumpkin Spice. I also had the privilege of making music alongside my brothers in our family band, Bristolina. Life has thrown its share of challenges my way—losing my dad at a young age, surviving a house fire, and weathering the pandemic—but those experiences deepened both my faith in Jesus and my belief in the power of music to connect and heal.
In 2024, my wife Priscilla (also a songwriter) and I moved to Nashville, and it has been an incredible season of growth. Since then, I’ve been performing at writers’ rounds, collaborating with other artists, teaching music at School of Rock, and spending time in the studio. I’m especially excited about what’s ahead—I have several singles set to release later this year, including one called Rusty coming out this fall, which I can’t wait to share.
What excites me most about this path is the chance to build real connections. For me, music isn’t just about performance—it’s about telling honest stories that make people feel seen and remind them they’re not alone in their experiences. As I move into this next chapter, I’m more committed than ever to writing songs that are vulnerable, authentic, and true to the human experience. That passion is what drives me as an artist and what I hope my music brings to the world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I think three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, authenticity, and curiosity.
Resilience has carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life. From personal loss to career setbacks, I’ve learned that success in music—or in any field—depends on the ability to keep moving forward when things get tough. This industry is full of ups and downs—rejections, tough crowds, songs that don’t land the way you hoped—but each of those moments can become fuel for growth. My advice is to embrace challenges as part of the process. Every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes,” and every hardship has the potential to make you stronger if you let it.
Authenticity has shaped the way I connect with people through my songs. Listeners can always tell when you’re being real, and for me, the most powerful moments come from writing and performing with honesty. For anyone just starting out, I’d encourage you to lean fully into who you are. Don’t chase trends or try to become someone else—the right audience will always connect with your genuine voice. The songs that resonate most are the ones born out of real experiences and emotions. My advice is simple: write from your own story. Even if it feels small or ordinary, your honesty has the power to speak to someone in a big way.
Curiosity has kept me growing as both an artist and a person. I’ve never stopped learning—whether it’s exploring new genres, collaborating with different musicians, or picking up lessons from everyday life. For those early in their journey, I’d say stay teachable. Be open to new experiences, ask questions, and never stop feeding your creativity.
Together, these qualities have not only shaped my career but also helped me navigate life. If you can build resilience, stay true to yourself, and remain curious, you’ll be equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes—absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate. I love working with other songwriters, artists interested in co-writing and releasing songs, and anyone in the artist development field who can help me grow as an artist and reach the right audience with my music. The best way to connect with me is by sending a DM on Instagram or emailing my booking address at [email protected]. I’m excited to hear from anyone who wants to create and grow together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashtonellermusic.wixsite.com/official/tour
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashton_ellerphant/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashtonellerofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcizauQPBCGfdKequu9odcA
Image Credits
Terie Shaver Photography
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