Ashtyn Barbaree – Sent Through the Ceiling (self-release, 2024)
Ashtyn Barbaree is a Fayetteville, Arkansas-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist recognized for her smoky, magnetic vocals within the indie-folk genre. Known for her emotionally resonant music, Barbaree’s latest album, Sent Through the Ceiling, will be independently released on October 25.
The album’s second single, “Reckless Nights,” is an electrifying song that explores fleeting passion and impulsive decisions, capturing the essence of spontaneity and unexpected love.
The first single, “Copenhagen,” released on August 9, reflects on togetherness and separation, inspired by Barbaree’s experiences in Denmark.
Sent Through the Ceiling delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and life’s bittersweet moments, with Barbaree drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Ozarks and personal stories of love, loss, and dreams. The album features Americana grounded in American folk, rock, blues, pop, and country.
Notable tracks include “Along for The Ride,” which recounts the loss of a first love in a car accident, and “I’m Not Ready,” a poignant reflection on witnessing a loved one’s terminal illness. The title track is about taking a leap of faith for love, while “The Doorbell Rang” confronts grief through pop-infused piano melodies.
Other songs, like “Lost in Your Eyes” and “I Don’t Believe in Coincidences,” explore themes of connection and fate.
The album was self-produced and recorded at Haxton Road Studios in Bentonville, Arkansas, with a lineup of local 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). Guest musicians such as Nick Caffrey (bass), Christian Serrano-Torres (cello), Lacy Hampton (backing vocals), and Adams Collins (banjo, Arkansauce) feature on select tracks, and the project was partially funded by the Artists 360 program through the Mid America Arts Alliance.
Barbaree has a history of performing extensively across the U.S. and Europe, earning recognition as Arkansas Music Ambassador. She released her debut EP in 2018 and her first full-length album, Better Luck Next Time, in 2020, which helped expand her touring career. She has been nominated for Americana Artist of the Year (2023) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2024) at the Arkansas Country Music Awards.
Author: Ryan Emmert
