Finding Her Voice

By Morgan Thomas

Sweet Owen Editor/Contributor

For one Owen County native, a childhood filled with church hymns and small-town performances helped pave the way to a growing music career rooted in faith, passion and gratitude.

 From an early age, Ashley Renae knew music held a special place in her life. Singing in her small country church, she found encouragement from her family and congregation that fueled her confidence and set her on a musical path.

“I remember singing in church when I was really little,” Renae said. “Anytime the preacher asked if someone wanted to do a special, I’d hop right up. I didn’t even realize if I was any good — I just loved doing it.”

Those early performances soon extended to local ball games, church events and community gatherings. Each opportunity, she said, made her feel like she was performing for thousands, even if the crowd was just a few dozen.

One of her first large-scale performances came during high school, when she sang “How Great Thou Art” at the state FFA convention in Rupp Arena.

“It was overwhelming walking onto that stage with the lights in my face,” she said. “But once I got through it, I felt proud. That moment gave me more confidence than anything else before.”

Renae describes her style as a mix of country and Christian music — a reflection of both her upbringing and personal taste. As her confidence has grown, so has her versatility. In recent years, she has begun weaving Southern rock, hip-hop and oldies into her setlists.

“I used to stick to just one genre because it’s what I knew,” she said. “But now I love mixing things up and adding my own little twist.”

Performing locally holds a special place in her heart. While playing in larger cities brings new challenges and unfamiliar audiences, Owen County offers familiarity and steadfast support.

“My favorite part about performing here is that people always show up,” Renae said. “This community has been with me from the beginning.”

That support began early, with her first official gig at Elk Creek Winery. She was a high schooler with nothing more than a cheap guitar and a binder of chord sheets. The winery took a chance on her — a gesture she’s never forgotten.

“The support local artists receive here is unmatched,” she said. “Folks come to shows, share my posts, buy merch and recommend me for gigs. That’s not something you find everywhere.”

Some of Renae’s biggest influences include country star Miranda Lambert and country legend Dolly Parton. Lambert’s style resonates with her voice and musical journey, while Parton’s multifaceted career and philanthropy are sources of admiration.

“If I could collaborate with anyone, it’d be Dolly,” she said. “No explanation needed — she’s iconic, and I think we’d have a blast.”

While she performs regularly across the region — including upcoming summer shows in Covington, Cynthiana and Williamstown — Renae is also preparing for a new role: motherhood. She’s expecting her first child in late summer, which will temporarily shift her focus.

Still, she hopes to record an EP of her favorite hymns when the time feels right.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “I just recently gained the connections and means to make it happen.”

Her advice to young, aspiring musicians is simple: self-promote.

“Get your name out there early,” she said. “That’s something I didn’t do enough of when I started. Don’t be shy — share your talent.”

When she’s not on stage, Renae enjoys outdoor adventures like hunting, hiking and porch-swinging with her husband and dog. One of her more surprising hobbies? Bowhunting.

“I had my first successful harvest last year, and I love it,” she laughed. “People don’t expect that from me, but it’s become one of my favorite things to do.”

Looking ahead, Renae says she’s content with where she is. She loves the balance between performing and enjoying life outside of music.

“If the Lord puts me on a big stage someday, I’ll follow,” she said. “But right now, I’m just grateful to be doing what I love — on my own terms.”

For more information and upcoming performances, visit facebook.com/ashleyrenaemusic.