COOKE TO PERFORM “tastes like” OFF OF HER DEBUT ALBUM shot in the dark
shot in the dark DEBUTED AT NO. 6 ON SPOTIFY’S TOP DEBUT ALBUMS USA
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Big Loud’s country songstress, Ashley Cooke, will take center stage in New York City this Friday, July 28 with her highly anticipated morning television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. Hot on the heels of releasing her debut album shot in the dark last Friday, July 21, Cooke will check off yet another dream on her bucket list while she performs track No.1 off the new project, “tastes like,” live from Times Square during NBC’S TODAY with Hoda & Jenna.
The carefully crafted album, available everywhere now, saw a massive opening weekend, notching the No. 6 spot in the Top 10 of Spotify’s Top Debut Albums USA. As one of the longest debut albums from a female country artist to date, Cooke’s writing prowess is on full display across the collection’s 24 tracks, 20 of which Cooke co-wrote. Showcasing the pages of her journal laid bare for all to see, the collection stands as a testament to the roller coaster of life, inviting listeners to come along for the ride to experience each raw and relatable moment through her sun-kissed melodies and genuine lyrics. Also featured on the album are collaborations with some of Nashville’s most sought after names including Jackson Dean, Colbie Caillat, Nate Smith and Brett Young.
As Cooke’s rise to country stardom continues to gain momentum, the unstoppable artist will head out for her second weekend on Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour before stopping at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 12. Come Aug. 23, Cooke will launch her first-ever headlining tour, shot in the dark Tour, in her home state of Florida in Panama City with rising acts Matt Schuster and Vincent Mason. Stay up to date with the latest news and more exciting announcements by visiting ashleycooke.com and following along on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok @theashleycooke.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR SHOT IN THE DARK
“Cooke, rightfully so, is on top of the world with the milestone release — and she knows it. But she’s delightfully humble; dedicated in her pursuit to stay true to Ashley, and not anybody else.” – People
“No one can overlook Cooke’s songwriting contributions to the project. Each of the songs is a deeply intimate vignette from her own life. Without Cooke holding the reins, this project would be far less impactful.” – American Songwriter
“Cooke deftly mixes stories of love, heartbreak and lessons learned along the way, and showcases a range of sonic styles — all underpinned by her powerful but accessible vocals.” – Billboard
“shot in the dark showcases Cooke’s musical flexibility and the spread and scope of sounds and styles currently in the genre.” – The Tennessean
“A thoroughly engaging listen…one of the best this year…a finite collection of heartfelt ballads and gratifyingly relatable pay-offs that immediately cements Cooke as a one of the genre’s most engaging new acts” – Holler.
“anchored by Cooke’s smoky timbre and reflective writing approach” – Billboard
“From gut-wrenching heartbreak ballads to empowering spells of freedom to self-reflecting anthems, and everything in between, Ashley Cooke’s songs evoke a sense of relatability for fans.” – Country Now
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, the next chapter begins with her debut album shot in the dark. Unfolding as if they 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.
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Ashley Cooke | Image by Robby Klein | Download here
