Ashley McBryde Gets Emotional While Hinting at Her Next Musical Chapter
By Website Content Manager
“It feels like I’m hearing this song—and this artist—for the very first time.”
Ashley McBryde is clearly preparing for an emotionally charged new chapter in her music career.
In a recent Instagram post, the singer shared a black-and-white photo of herself in the studio, sipping a warm drink, hinting that something special is on the horizon. She captioned the post: “It’s brewin’. Can’t wait to pour you a big fekkin cup of this right here.”
Just days earlier, McBryde had posted a raw, unfiltered video from her car, capturing her reaction to hearing demos from her upcoming project. Originally intended for her team, she decided to share it with fans, offering a glimpse into the strong emotions the unfinished songs evoked.
Her voice trembled and tears filled her eyes as she listened to the demos, revealing that even though she had written the songs herself, their impact still surprised her.
While discussing the project, McBryde referenced the album as a whole but intentionally kept the title under wraps. She did, however, highlight one standout track, “Hand Me Downs,” describing its emotional resonance as undeniable even before final production.
“I just listened to unreleased title for the first time. It’s a rough mix, not even finished. I heard ‘Hand Me Downs’—a song I wrote—and I kept staring at the dash like, ‘why would you do that to me?’ I’ve been there for every note, every syllable, every breath of this record, and listening to the mixes felt like I’d never heard this record—or this artist—before,” McBryde reflected.
Fans can clearly expect something powerful from her in 2026. Before unveiling her new music, McBryde took a moment to look back on 2025, highlighting some of her personal and professional milestones.
In another Instagram post, she reflected on her year, noting that choosing a highlight was nearly impossible given so many accomplishments.
She first pointed to her standout performances at major festivals like Stagecoach and CMA Fest 2025. “That was fantastic. I love festivals,” she said.
Another major milestone was receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Music from Arkansas State University, the college she once attended. “That was a pretty cool moment,” she said, noting that her parents were able to witness it.
Later in the year, she traveled to London to perform the first-ever broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry from Royal Albert Hall, a moment she says still feels surreal. While in the UK, she also hosted a highly successful Tribe party.
McBryde also highlighted her first Pajama Jam Fan Club event at the historic Station Inn and the launch of her non-alcoholic-focused venue, located on the fifth floor of Eric Church’s Chief’s Bar on Broadway. The venue, which celebrates her sobriety, offers a space for others to embrace their own journeys.
“I never imagined I could stop drinking, let alone have a bar,” she said. “And it’s NA-forward. You all are making it a huge success. A big thank you to the songwriters and entertainers performing at Redemption—you’re building the crowd and the reputation. Thank you.”