FANS WILL GET THEIR FIRST TASTE OF THE 24-SONG COLLECTION THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 23 WITH THE RELEASE OF THREE NEW TRACKS

COOKE’S SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE FROM INSIDE THE CIRCLE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY

shot in the dark Album Art | Courtesy of Big Loud Records / Back Blocks Music | Download here 

NASHVILLE, TENN. –  Big Loud’s rising country star Ashley Cooke announces the release of her debut album shot in the dark, dropping Friday, July 21. Revealing the highly anticipated body of work in a surprise moment at the Grand Ole Opry this evening, Cooke also treated fans to the first live performance of the album’s closing track “state i’m in.” The new chapter begins this Friday, June 23, when the breakout songstress will share the flavorful introduction of what fans can expect from the album with the release of three tracks: “tastes like,” “shot in the dark” and “mean girl (feat. Colbie Caillat).”

“The last year of my life has been crazy and wonderful in so many ways, but I think the next year might be even better…” shares the Opry NextStage artist from the coveted Circle. “It’s been full of bucket list moments for me… I made my Opry debut, signed my first deals, went on tours with my heroes, and lived a lot of life in the moments in between. This album is about all of that — and it’s about the magic that can come if you really take risks in life and love. It’s a huge honor to announce my debut album at a place that means so much to me. So, without further ado on July 21st, I’ll release my first album shot in the dark, and I can’t wait for each of you to hear it. Thank you to everyone who helped get me here, and thank you for making me feel so safe to take a shot in the dark.”

The forthcoming album, available for pre-save/pre-add now, enlists some of country music’s hottest names like Caillat, Nate Smith, Jackson Dean, and Brett Young for collaborations. With 24 carefully crafted tracks, shot in the dark will be among one of the longest debut albums by a female country artist to date. Unfolding as if they were ripped from pages of her journal, Cooke shares her sun-kissed blend of two-lane pop country as she opens her heart to tell the true tales of love, heartbreak and all the moments in between. Fully capturing the spirit of a twenty-something that is unafraid to chase her dreams, create her own path and take risks, paired with raw relatability and deeply addictive hooks, Cooke’s introductory record invites listeners to join her while she fearlessly jumps into the whirlwind of life’s roller coaster.

PRE-SAVE/PRE-ADD shot in the dark

Since her first release in late 2020, the promising talent dubbed a “rising star to watch” (WWD) has already amassed an impressive 200M global career streams with fan favorite hits like SiriusXM’s The Highway No.1 “never til now.” With her irresistible melodies and unique country sound, hailed as “arguably better than ever” by American Songwriter, Cooke garnered attention from Spotify who named her a Hot Country Artist to Watch in 2022. She has also been selected as part of the latest wave of artists in prestigious programs such as Opry’s NextStage, CMT’s Next Women of Country and YouTube’s Foundry Program.

Only halfway through her biggest year yet, Cooke kicked off 2023 strong with her first overseas performance at C2C, followed by tours with Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis, and Brett Young. As she gears up to join Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour this fall, Cooke solidifies her position as a “force to be reckoned with” (CMT).Stay up to date with the latest news by visiting ashleycooke.com and following along on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @theashleycooke.

shot in the dark TRACKLIST

ABOUT ASHLEY COOKE

With Big Loud / Back Blocks Music country artist Ashley Cooke, it’s best to know what you’re getting into – because this emerging star is the definition of more than meets the eye. A graceful exterior matched by a casual-cool nature. Skillfully crafted lyrics and a knack for unforgettable performance. Effortless vocal beauty and a bold sense of internal grit, freely mixing it up with the boys while she rallies the girls. And most important, a passion for capturing the magic between heartbeats, each moment as unique as she is. Still early in her journey, being herself has already served Cooke well. It has led to over 200M global streams with chart climbing hits like “never til now” with Brett Young, Ryman and Grand Ole Opry debuts, national TV appearances on ABC’s The Bachelorette, tours with Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan and more.

Hailing from Parkland, Fla. and moved by emotional hit makers like Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson and more, Cooke embraces the energy of pop and depth of country, writing her first song by age 11. Cooke moved to Nashville at 18 and attended the prestigious Belmont University – but unlike so many others, she did not study music. After entering the schools revered Country Showcase on a whim and winning, Cooke decided to pursue music for a year. When the pandemic had other plans, Cooke went to TikTok where she built a thriving fanbase, writing and sharing country music on her own terms.

And now, on July 21, the next chapter begins with her debut album shot in the dark. Unfolding as if it were ripped from pages of her personal journal, Cooke’s sun-kissed blend of two-lane pop country is on full display in the collection’s 24 tracks, inspired by true tales of love, heartbreak and all the moments in between. Fully capturing the essence of a daring twenty-something growing up, chasing her dreams and taking risks, Cooke infuses heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies and raw relatability as she invites listeners to come along for the ride.

# # #

Media Contacts

Ashley Cooke Announces Her Debut Album on Stage at the Opry | Image by Mick Bodie | Download here

Ashley Cooke | Image by Robby Klein | Download here