Kassi Ashton tempers her rural country roots with hints of gritty soul and atmospheric rock, creating a distinctive, unusual synthesis. Ashton began writing songs when she was 15, and after high school she headed to Nashville, enrolling at Belmont University's School of Music. Her plans were derailed in 2014 when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After successful treatment, she returned to performing. In 2016 she won the university's annual Country Music Showcase and interned at the publishing company Carnival Music. After signing a representation deal with Creative Nation for publishing and management, Ashton signed to UMG Nashville/Interscope in December 2017. "California, Missouri" -- a song co-written with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, and titled after her hometown -- followed in January 2018. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine