An Interview with Susan Ashton

MBC: You've just signed with Capitol Records, where is a new release in your schedule?
SA: Well, we're in the middle of a new album.

MBC: I know in many of the past releases, you were focused primarily as a vocal artist, and most recently you began songwriting. Do you plan to write most of your songs under your new label?
SA: Yes, I'm basically trying to make myself write more. Before, for me, it was a bit laborious. You know, it was just something I did, but now I really want to do it. So now I'm doing it more as a practice or discipline.

MBC: Do you write on the road or just before a new project?
SA: I don't write on the road. How I've done it in the past is, 'Oh, I gotta make a record,' so I should write. I'm trying to incorporate it into all of the time - when I'm at home.

MBC: Do you and your husband (who incidentally plays guitar with her acoustic set) sit down and work on songs?
SA: No, I get with other writers.

MBC: Who is helping you with your new album?
SA: I'm working with a man named Emory Gordy. I recently signed with Capital Records and my next record will be a country record. Emory has worked with everyone in the world and he's a really great man - he's legendary.

MBC: Speaking of another Capitol Records artist, you've toured with Garth [Brooks].
SA: I toured with him in '94, and then I went with him last year to Ireland.

MBC: What's that like?
SA: Which?

MBC: Garth?
SA: (With a laugh) Oh, Garth?

MBC: That's pretty big.
SA: Yah, you know, he makes doing everything fun. You know, his philosophy is if we're going to be here doing this - it's music, we should be having fun; if you're not having fun, go home. So it's just great. It's incredible. It's great to work get to work with him.

MBC: You were in Ireland?
SA: Last year - before we toured the UK.

MBC: How has traveling globally changed your perspective as a Christian? Has it affected you in any way?
SA: Dramatically - quite a bit. It totally changes your worldview because you realize cultures are so different. Seeing the culture differences and how it affects people live out their faith has a tremendous impact on our worldview.

MBC: We had Margaret Becker out for a concert during Welcome Weekend. You did an album with her, what was it like working with her?
SA: With Margaret? Oh my gosh, it was so much fun. She's hysterically funny.

MBC: Really?
SA: She's one of the funniest people I've ever met in my life. Oh, yah. And just very warm and she has tremendous depth.

MBC: Yes, her lyrics are deep.
SA: Yep.

MBC: You are getting more into songwriting and telling the audience more -- in closing, what one message would you want to tell young people today?
SA: Hmmm. (very thoughtful pause) Young people? Gosh. I. I really don't know, but off the top of my head though, something that comes to mind is just to enjoy being who you are, where you are, right now. And to enjoy the process of life. You know, I think that would be the biggest thing - off the top of my head.

MBC: To enjoy the journey as you are traveling it?
SA: Yah. You know some of the things I said tonight. Life is a journey and it's a process. There's a certain point when you're young and you don't think about the future. And there's a certain point you hit in your youth when you focusing on a future and you become very goal oriented. Some kids are always kind of that way, but you know what I'm saying. And I think as little kids, I encourage them not to be in a hurry to grow up. "Cause we all want to grow up fast anyway. So I think, really, enjoy the process. Enjoy the journey. Look to the future and weigh things. In the choices you are making, what has eternal value? Counter balance it. Consider that. And then, beyond that, enjoy it.

Susan Ashton presented an acoustic performance during the Friday banquet of Homecoming '98. Susan's performance included songs from her latest album, "A Distant Call," and shared both personal and humorous anecdotes during her set.