Made From The Dirt

It is very rare that a single album can be so moving that it gets its own post... the story of how an album can be worth the wait, how grit and perseverance is everything, and how "California, Missouri" has evolved to "'Til The Lights Go Out" remains among the lyrics.

Despite fame, work ethic and patience, it is hard to get the green light in the music industry for when it is time to pull the trigger on a project, specifically one that is a breakthrough. 6 years after her debut with "California, Missouri", which has been referenced on this website time and time again- Kassi Ashton's debut album is finally here. With over a month to absorb its poetry, let's dissect the lyrics. 

Acquiring time and respect, this step through the industry door could not have captured her essence more than its end product has. A discography that represents being feminist, feminine, and, well, listen to "Heavyweight" to figure out the rest- there is nothing KA cannot do... as we have learned in "Called Crazy". 

We have gotten stories gradually throughout the years but there is nothing like a full length album where each track takes us through a timeline of stories. Made From The Dirt begins with its title track that is synonymous to the record's true, beyond the surface meaning. Getting up time and time again, fighting for this debut, and pushing through a male dominated industry where her sound is not typical of radio- Kassi Ashton proves that she may be fighting, but she did not swing first... as stated in the chorus. This ethereal entry into Kassi Ashton's world allows the listener to realize what they are getting into through the stories portrayed among the next 9. 

"If you see me blazing trails instead of taking the highway...

I never fit the mold so I did it my way.

I may be fighting but I didn't swing first"

Following the kickoff, we lead into a quintessential Kassi Ashton hit. We could not have an album without scaring men just a little... could we? Using gas to both ignite a flame and to gaslight men, there is a reason that this has been her most successful single on radio yet. The song superset of "Called Crazy" into "Son of a Gun" elicits who she is at her core- creative, witty, punchy, and melodically candid. Grasping the contrast of her upbringing and it blossoming into the artistry it produces- chapters we may take for granted are the exact ones that shape us. 

Traveling through this record, we get whiplash from the metamorphosis of songs that get us on our feet and lost in the music with a free-like effect of "I Don't Wanna Dance" into the heartbreaking narration of "The Straw" to "Angels Smoke Cigarettes"- within these transitions, we get to see the yin and yang of heartache as well as the realization that after it all, we will be okay. No words will be able to do "The Straw" justice, so you will just have to listen to it and read the lyrics to understand that there is a lyric for everyone. "Angels Smoke Cigarettes" is representative that just because something is nontraditional does not mean it is incorrect. Listening to this track just makes sense on why it is the halfway point of the record. This album would not be the same without this pivotal key that, once again, represents the brand that Kassi Ashton has built from the ground up- just like her wardrobe and stage sets... singer with a singer, as her motto goes. 

We then go into songs that simply feel like driving on route 5 in the middle of August in your early 20s with the windows down- "The Stars Know" and "Drive You Out Of My Mind". These songs equate to the feeling of hearing "Springsteen" and "Talladega" by Eric Church for the first time through the dashboard radio. These two songs contrast each other by the feeling of falling in love into the feeling of running from it. 

To cut the flowery language- the last two tracks of the record felt personal, and that is because they simply are. "'Till the Lights Go Out" and "Juanita" are the gems that draw my own personal connection to the lyrics and stories told on this journey. The final track(s) of an album are always special- especially when one of them happens to be a solo write from the composer.

Music is about community. Music is about people realizing shared experiences can be both emotional and fulfilling. Music is about bridging the gap from one person to another. 

Track 10 is the older sister to "California, Missouri", which was my introduction to KA from a friend in 2018- it is a driving force to not give up on your dreams, even if those around you do not understand or support you. Having grown up in a traditional, small town- the parallels are easy to draw from. Track 10 is about reflecting back to that first single with a smile to demonstrate progress, while acknowledging that there are still leaps to be made towards a passion. KA has kicked the door open for women in the industry with these songs and it does not seem like she intends on closing it on us.

"Maybe I'm made of big dreams in small towns- always chasing who I want to be and who I am right now." 

"Juanita" being the last track was a strategic placement. Closing this timeline of upbringing, who Kassi Ashton is and her experiences, was an ode to someone a lot of us view as a role model and someone who plays a vital role in shaping us- our grandparents. Personally speaking, the power of a grandma is one that speaks volumes and the first listen of this song manufactured a plethora of emotion. It is hard to find a heartfelt story dedicated to a grandparent among music, and a story portrayed with the perfect touch of sincerity. This ballad did just that and the emotion evoked among the lyrics capture a connection so many people are fortunate to experience. 

The conclusive statement of the record felt like a hit in the chest in the most bittersweet way:​​

"I know my soul will feel you sitting on my shoulder-

anywhere, anytime

​Granda, I know you're watching over"

I hope this article inspires you to listen to "Made From The Dirt" by Kassi Ashton and encourages you to listen to it from the first track all the way to the last in order. Its sequence adds to the tasteful charm and portrayal of stories. Regardless of how long it took for this record to come through our earbuds, the arrival was seamless, elegant, and in all honesty, full of independence and firm resolution. This record is uniquely her in a relatable way for anyone who listens. 

I have a feeling new music is on the horizon soon so stay tuned!

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