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"A Sort of Comeback"
07/18/05
Susan Ashton was one of Christian music's top artists in the 1990s,
churning out now classic albums like Angels of Mercy, Along the Road
and A Distant Call. Country music fans are also familiar with the
songstress, first for touring with Garth Brooks, and later for a mainstream
country album with Capitol Records. After originally signing with Sparrow and
then getting scooped up by Capitol, it seemed as though sky was the limit for
the multi-market mainstay. However, after her 1999 mainstream debut Closer
didn't earn the anticipated response, Ashton found herself without a deal and in
the midst of a bit of an identity crisis. Now she's back on track with Lost in
Wonder, pairing up with Christine Dente and Michelle Tumes. We recently talked
with Ashton about the successes and snags along the way, plus God's recent
revelations in her life.
What have you been doing since the release of your first record for Capitol?
Susan Ashton: Since that record came out in
1999, I spent three years making a follow-up record for Capitol and then early
last year they dropped me from the label. So I've spent the last year being a
nanny, sitting, waiting and hearing what God wants me to do with my life. It was
really difficult, but at the same time I've I needed some healing and clarity.
This past year has been really emotional and ultimately turned out really good.
I think I was probably aware that I was going to lose my deal, but it's a whole
different story knowing you're going to lose it and then actually having it be
gone.
How did you initially deal with that experience, especially after your
success as a Christian artist throughout the 1990s?
Ashton: For my entire adult life I was an
artist signed to major label, and then I found myself no longer in that
position. While the name on a record is not your entire identity, it is so much
of who you are and how people perceive you and think of you. It caused a bit of
an identity crisis with me. I don't think that's all bad, but it had to be
worked through. And that's probably been the hardest part.
What went wrong with the unreleased album for Capitol?
Ashton: My perspective is that it did not turn
out what I wanted it to be. I wanted it to be a great country record because I'm
from Texas and I love that music. But the producers I was working with—who I
wholeheartedly believed wanted the best for me—loved my Christian records
[with Sparrow], and they were trying to emulate those a little bit. I'm proud of
those records, but they aren't country records.
What are some of your fondest memories of your Sparrow catalogue?
Ashton: First and foremost would be making the
very first record [1991's Wakened By the Wind]. That was so special and
since I was so young and green, there was a real innocence in that process
that's still beautiful to me. I can listen to anything on that record, and it's
all very clear with distinct emotions attached to making it. I love everything
about the lyrics, musicianship and instrumentation. There's one song, "No
One Knows My Heart," where the drummer played a shoebox. On "Suffer in
Silence," one of the instruments credited was a "pencil guitar."
On the [1993] Susan Ashton record during "Heart Like a Rock," I
was messing around doing vocals and singing along trying to sound like an
electric guitar. We actually recorded it and that sound of me imitating the
guitar is still kept in the final record. There was so much fun stuff on all
those records and they were all a reflection of growth and maturity and life
experience through those years.
Shortly after that, you toured with Garth Brooks. Tell me about that.
Ashton: I did a leg of his '94 European tour,
but we weren't playing to his largest crowds. But there was still something very
special about his audience. Initially I was a little nerve-wracked, worrying
they'd boo me off the stage, but I got a wonderful response. I was also really
nervous about meeting him, but he was so nice and supportive. He told me if
there was anything I ever needed, just to let him know.
In what ways were you able to be a light on that tour and in other crossover
opportunities?
Ashton: A lot of people in Europe were
fascinated that I was a Christian artist doing a country tour. That generated a
lot of press and created a format for me to talk about my faith. Other than
that, I always try to be kind and do my best with the job that's put in front of
me to do. I've never been a preachy person anyway, but if I'm given the
opportunity, I'll step up to the plate and speak the truth. As I've been
involved in country for the last few years, I've noticed there are tons of
Christians, particularly with country radio. They were so supportive and happy
to play my music on a mainstream station. It's a worldly world, yet there are a
lot more Christians in it than people are aware of.
How did the doors open for the Lost in Wonder sessions?
Ashton: About two years ago I became friends
with [the project's producer] John Hartley. Before I lost my record deal, I was
asked to sing some demos for what would become a worship project releasing in
England. When I lost my deal, John asked if I would still be interested in
continuing with the project. God had been healing me, growing me and helping me
find my center again, and this seemed to fit as part of his plan.
What were the sessions like with the other ladies?
Ashton: We weren't actually together in the
studio, just during the photo shoot. I already knew Christine [from Along the
Road], and Michelle and I met way back since we all used to be on Sparrow.
How does this project compare to you, Christine and Margaret Becker teaming
up on Along the Road?
Ashton: I think it's completely different,
because musically and stylistically it's a very worshipful record. For me
personally, the only connection is that Christine and I both on it, but other
than that I don't find a whole lot else similar between the two records.
Where has worship fit into your life on the whole?
Ashton: From a very early age, worship has
been really important to me. It's an integral part of the church I grew up in,
and it's always been very important in any church I've called home since.
Musically, this is where God has put me right now. It wasn't something I went
looking for.
Will this lead to a full-fledged comeback for you with recording in either
the Christian or country communities?
Ashton: I don't have one single clue what God
wants to do with me! Every day is literally one foot in front of the other, and
I'm grateful for each day. Being a nanny is something I'm doing in the interim,
but it is leading me to be still in so many ways. I've never had children, but
have been around them all my life. Once you have them, it's not about you
anymore. That has been very grounding and centering for me.
Will there be any touring in support of the album?
Ashton: There won't be any touring for it. As
for the future, I honestly have not even the first clue. At this point in my
life, I don't even speculate. It's totally up to God. He's given me the pieces
as he feels I need them. That mindset tends to freak people out in the music
business, but I've been in it 16 years, and I'm not so concerned about my 5-year
plan as I once was. I literally just take it one day at a time, sometimes moment
by moment.