Written by Anne Blessing
Growing up in Massachusetts as the daughter of Senator Scott Brown, Ayla Brown was an aspiring star basketball player who dreamed of one day playing in the WNBA. Then, in 2005 at the age of 17, one (very important) singing audition would change the course of her life entirely. Having never sung in public, Ayla took a huge risk and on a whim tried out for American Idol Season 5 in Boston. To her amazement, she received high praise from the judges and ended up a top 16 semifinalist for the popular singing reality television show. American Idol sparked something new in Ayla, and although she continued to play Division 1 college basketball at Boston College through graduation, she began to set her sights on a singing career. Just one year ago, the northern athlete made the move to Nashville and now dedicates 100% of her time to developing her upcoming album and country music career. We caught up with the outgoing, personable and ultra-talented musician to learn more about what she thinks of Nashville, her music ambitions and how her love of country music came to be. One thing’s for certain: Ayla Brown is here Nashville, so get ready!
Miss A: What kind of music did you grow up listening to and loving?
Ayla: All kinds! My favorite had to be pop – it was the Christina Aguliera era – and I also adored Celine Dion. It wasn’t until I was a junior in high school that I was really introduced to country music. My best friend loved it and played a Rascal Flatts CD one day and from then on, I was hooked. I haven’t looked back since!
Miss A: When did you decide to pursue a singing career and move to Nashville?
Ayla: Music opened up a new side of me that I have come to love. It only took one trip to Nashville to realize that country music and this city was the fit for me. So, I packed up my bags, and left New England to move down South! I’ve already recorded eight songs for my album and have a single out: “Goodbye for Good.” Miss A Note: Download Ayla’s single here.
Miss A: What do you fill your time with in Nashville, when you’re not on the road performing or singing the National Anthem for athletic events?
Ayla: A lot of singer/songwriter music nights! I’ve met a lot of friends in the industry and we do writing sessions every day. It’s one of my goals to perfect my skill of songwriting. I love creating and performing my original music. The words are mine.
Miss A: Who has been the most interesting person you’ve met in the industry?
Ayla: Easy! I’d have to say Blake Shelton. When I was a Great American Country (GAC) correspondent at the CMA Fest in 2009, I actually got to meet him and he was so fun – joking around with me the entire time. A close second is his wife Miranda Lambert. I interviewed her at the Academy of Country Music Awardsonce and she was so down to earth. What impressed me the most about her was her unique way of relating to her fans. I loved that about her.
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