FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ashtyn Barbaree is an internationally touring Americana singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Fayetteville, Arkansas, noted for her distinctive style of ethereal vocals and melodies, heartfelt songwriting, and passionate performances. Barbaree’s dedication to creating authentic, emotionally resonant music continues to push boundaries and enchant audiences. Her latest project, Sent Through The Ceiling, is set for independent release on October 25.
This collection of songs explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the bittersweetness of life’s journeys. Drawing inspiration from the vast landscapes of the Ozarks and personal experiences, Barbaree weaves narratives of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. The album features arrangements that reflect the spirit of Americana music through the eyes of an Arkansan with a rich musical palette that includes elements of folk, rock, pop, and country.
The first single, “Copenhagen,” is out now. Musing on togetherness and separation, “Copenhagen” recalls Barbaree’s time in Denmark’s capital. Glide Magazine premiered the song and says, “There is a warmth to Barbaree’s vocals that pulls you into its embrace.” The song recalls Barbaree’s encounters in Denmark’s capital, illustrating how warmth and love can be found even in the coldest climates and captures the essence of cherished memories and enduring bonds amidst the city’s wintry landscapes. Co-written with Mike Mains, it blends catchy piano melodies, upright bass, electric guitar, drums, and harmonies for an indie Americana folk vibe.
“Along for The Ride,” the album opener, is a wistful folk ballad that invites listeners to accompany Barbaree on her introspective journey. With delicate instrumentation and poignant vocals, Barbareee gracefully navigates her closeness to the narrative—the tragic loss of her first love in a car accident—to leave a lasting impact.
The title track takes a leap of faith for love, while “I’m Not Ready” tells the heart-wrenching experience of witnessing a loved one’s battle with a terminal illness, clinging to hope for another day together. Embodying the raw emotions that come with the complexities of grief and loss at a young age, “The Doorbell Rang” reveals both vulnerability and fortitude through pop-infused piano and melodies.
With smoky vocals, dreamy melodies, and an atmospheric backdrop reminiscent of Lana Del Rey’s aesthetic, the intimate song “Reckless Nights” speaks of impulse and fleeting romance. Barbaree, who also plays piano on the track, wrote ‘Reckless Nights’ inspired by a podcast project with NPR’s Arts & Letters, aiming for a production that portrays the ambiance of short-lived passion while emphasizing its emotive lyrical substance.
“Lost In Your Eyes” spins a moody tale of timeless connection, and “I Don’t Believe In Coincidences” contemplates love, fate, and stability, encouraging one to savor each moment. “2am Shadow” confronts miscommunication in a relationship, while “What We’ve Become” reflects on the enigmatic nature of growing up, finding strength in accepting change, and moving forward.
Self-produced, Sent Through The Ceiling was recorded in December 2023 at Haxton Road Studios in Bentonville, Arkansas, with engineer Ryan Ceola. Along with Barbaree singing lead, the album includes a talented lineup of Arkansan musicians, including Phillip Cannon (backing vocals), Ty Dunn (pedal steel, electric and classical guitars, piano), Garrett Jones (upright bass), Matt Nelson (organ and piano), Jacob Campbell (acoustic and electric guitars), and Derek Weiand (drums and piano), as well as cameos by Nick Caffrey (bass), Christian Serrano-Torres (cello), Lacy Hampton (backing vocals), and Adams Collins (banjo, Arkansauce).
The ten original tracks on Sent Through The Ceiling include a number of co-writes with Mike Mains (“Along For The Ride,” “Copenhagen”), Joel Robertson (“Sent Through The Ceiling,” “Reckless Nights,” “2am Shadow”), Eric Spahn (“Lost in Your Eyes”), Derek Weiand (“I Don’t Believe In Coincidences”), and Megan Palmer (“What We’ve Become”). “I’m Not Ready” and “The Doorbell Rang,” two particularly noteworthy introspective tracks, are both entirely Barbaree’s compositions.
Ashtyn Barbaree has demonstrated unwavering enthusiasm and dedication throughout her artistic career. Her authentic songwriting and passionate performances have silenced rooms across the United States and Europe. Throughout college at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), she performed over 300 shows annually between 2013 and 2017, balancing her studies and her burgeoning music career while earning a degree in geology. Her 2018 debut self-titled EP, recorded at The Butcher Shoppe in Nashville with producer David “Fergie” Ferguson, paved the way for her first European tour in 2018.
In 2020, she recorded her first full-length album, Better Luck Next Time at The Studio Nashville and it’s release propelled her career into extensive touring throughout Europe, recognition as the Arkansas Music Ambassador by Arkansas State Tourism, and nominations for Americana Artist of the Year (2023) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2024) at the Arkansas Country Music Awards.
Notable performances include opening for a range of talents such as Alexandra Kay, Mike Mains, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, William Clark Green, Arkansauce, and Adeem the Artist.
2024’s Sent Through the Ceiling represents the culmination of Barbaree’s artistic evolution and personal growth up to this moment.
Out Oct 25. Pre-save Sent Through The Ceiling → https://push.fm/ps/sentthroughtheceiling
WATCH Barbaree’s solo performance of “Lost In Your Eyes,” filmed for her submission to NPR’s Tiny Desk 2024 Contest and showcased by Arkansas Tiny Desk Concert→ www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqyeBRDqieM.
WATCH “Copenhagen” Live by Barbaree with a full band on Fayettetunes by Fayetteville Public Television, Recorded in January 2024
For more information and updates, please visit www.ashtynbarbaree.com, www.facebook.com/ashtynbarbaree, www.instagram.com/missashtyn, and www.tiktok.com/@ashtynbarbaree.