In this episode of Hitting the Road, we sit down with California-raised singer-songwriter Ash Ruder, whose winding journey from the sun-soaked canyons of Los Angeles to the heart of Nashville is as cinematic as the music she makes. After turning heads on ABC's American Idol, Ash traded the West Coast for Music City and quietly became one of its most in-demand behind-the-scenes writers, crafting songs for some of country and pop's most respected names.

With a sound rooted in the breezy, golden warmth of 1970s West Coast rock and the emotional depth of classic country, Ash has carved out a lane that is entirely her own. In 2024, she stepped into the spotlight with her debut single "The Valley," followed by "Blue Genes" — a beautifully raw ballad weaving together the threads of family legacy and mental health that earned her a spot on CMT's Next Up Now.

Most recently, she released her debut Miss California EP, a love letter to the life she left behind and the artist she's becoming. We dive into what it looks like to spend years pouring your best ideas into other people's music before finally betting on yourself, the stories behind her most personal songs, and what it really takes to build something real from scratch. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation with an artist who's just getting started.

Check out Ash’s music: https://www.ashruder.com/

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