After we saw the initial lineup for Boardmasters Festival including some of the local acts booked to perform on The View stage, we were keen to dig deeper and learn more about them. We reached out to a superb Country/Americana artist called ASHLEY HARDING and literally bombarded him with a ton of questions, covering everything from his influences, his dream festival lineup, the music scene in Wales and Cornwall and what he’d be serving us if were to head to his for dinner. Read on to see how he got on….
We know you’re called Ashley Harding, we know you play Country/Americana music and you’re based in Cornwall, tell us something that not many people know about you…
I’m a dad. I also teach guitar a few days a week.
You’re from Wales but now reside in Cornwall, when did you make the move?
I left Cardiff in 2013, did a bit of moving about, ended up in Australia for a bit and found my way back to my family in 2015. They made the move to Cornwall in 2014 when I was away. So coming back to the UK meant my new home was in Cornwall.
Do you prefer Cornwall to Wales?
I wouldn’t say prefer - this is my favourite chapter of my life so far. I love Cornwall, but my heart and soul will always be in Wales.
How does the music scene differ?
For me, The Cardiff/South Wales music scene was condensed to a few pubs/clubs in the city centre and the outskirts. I do lots of travelling in Cornwall, I don’t think I ever travelled more than an hour for a gig in South Wales unless it was a Wedding/Festival. I was in a band called The Lay-Lows from 2007-2013. Funny name but it was a good band with wicked players.
There’s definitely opportunity to play your own music here in Cornwall, you just have to snoop around a bit more.
Please shout out some of the venues that have helped you along the way…
There are so many and I’m going to miss lots out.
The ones in Cardiff where I learned the most about music and people was ‘The 147 Bar’ on City Road but that’s gone now, Buffalo Bar, The Claude, Clwb Ifor Bach, The Live Lounge. I’ve missed out so many. Every gig at every venue is a different experience. I’ve taken something from every gig I’ve ever played.
As for venues in Cornwall there are too many to mention. I make a living playing music in pubs and bars and any venue that books me regularly means a lot to me. Any venue that welcomes me and the music I play helps me in many ways. I’m very grateful.
Come Dine With Me is taking place at yours tonight, I need to know what you’ll be cooking for us (starter, main and dessert please)
Starter would be picky bits I reckon. Cheeses, meats (Gabagool!), olives etc.
Main would be Mexican pulled beef in soft tacos. No sides. Just an endless supply of meat and toppings. Yeah baby!
Dessert would be some sort of cheesecake. Or lemon meringue pie. I’ve never made either but I’d give it a good crack. Or tiramisu. I love deserts so might do a little selection.
Coffee with desert. Lots of Coffee. Always.
What about drinks?
Beers I guess? I don’t drink alcohol anymore but I do like a 0% Corona or a Lucky Saint. I’d encourage guests to drink whatever they fancied.
Did I mention coffee?
You have a couple albums under your belt, the latest being ‘Flat Tyre’ that landed in April 2025, where did you record it and who did you use as producer/engineer? Did you work with the same people for your debut?
I recorded them independently in a lock-up/rehearsal space in Redruth, Cornwall. The guy that played drums on it, Brinley Hall, also recorded it, mixed and mastered it.
He did the same with my debut album “Spoon Music.” The keys and bass were done remotely by Daniel Sinclair in his spare room in Cardiff. I’ve known Dan for years and played in a band with him. He’s an unreal musician and one of my best mates. They did both of these albums as favours for me and I could never thank them enough. I couldn’t see myself doing anything musically creative without them now. I just hope that one day I can pay them for their hard work and expertise.
You released your debut album ‘Spoon Music’ back in the summer of 2023, would you say that recording your new album ‘Flat Tyre’ was an easier process than the debut?
It was very much the same really. A few hours here and there in the evenings after work and when we could fit it in.
I had never heard these songs with a band until they were recorded so until I hear them being layered during recording process, I’m sort of worried that they’re not going to sound they sound in my head. Luckily, they’ve always worked out.
I had the songs written, I roughly recorded guide tracks for them and Brinley did the drums, then I recorded the guitars, Dan did the bass and keys and Brin made a rough mix so I could do the vocals. We got Brad do the Pedal Steel guitar on the first album, he’s based in Lancashire and George Naish put some Pedal Steel on “Flat Tyre.” We didn’t use much else other than keys, bass, guitars, drums and vocals. I feel bad for Brin really, it’s a lot of work for him. I owe him big time.
Are you a ‘hands on’ kinda guy in the studio?
Not at all. I know how I want the songs to sound but have no idea how to record them and all the technical gear. To be honest, I don’t really enjoy the recording process. I don’t know how people manage to get dolled up and have photo shoots when they’re recording - I spend the time grinding my teeth and wishing I still smoked. I like to get in, get it done and get out. I don’t have any interest in microphones, software, plug-ins and all that jazz. These days I think musicians have to be more hands on with gear and recording etc. but it’s just not for me. I’d rather someone that knows what they’re doing get their hands on the equipment. Brinley mixed and mastered “Flat Tyre” in a fancy studio but I was just sat there listening. He did all the work.
Do you have a band for live shows? Did these musicians work on the album with you?
I’ve had one gig with a full band. It was my favourite gig to date. Hopefully I’ll get a little band together for some gigs this year. We’ll see.
I have seen photos of you with a beard and photos without, does it tend to come and go?
I have a strange relationship with my beard. It becomes “my thing” to other people and they often say “you look way better with a beard” or some comment about having a beard is good for my image. “The bearded Americana/Country singer-songwriter” and all that. If I feel like growing it - I will. If I want it gone - it goes. I don’t see it as part of my identity or image. I’d sound the same if was bald and wearing a tracksuit or if I was hairy and wearing a frilly dress. I’d like to urge people to stop listening with their eyes.
It does make posters and promo shots more interesting though. I’m often mistaken for someone else or not recognised at all. Which isn’t always a bad thing.
When you have the beard, tell us what goes into maintaining it, oils, brushes, trimming….
When it gets long it needs brushing and drying after a shower but that’s it. No oils or anything on it. I don’t like anything with strong smells or that gives it a greasy feeling.
I have my head shaved by my barber every 6 weeks or so. I hate doing it myself and cleaning up the mess (I can never get every little hair!) and It’s also a chance to sit and chill and catch up with my mate Deano. He might trim the sides and tidy it up a bit. He never knows what’s happening when I sit down. It might be a grade 1 all over… including the beard.
When did you start writing your own songs?
For as long as I can remember I’ve loved music and lyrics in songs. I remember being young and thinking “wow, you can just make up songs?”
I think the first one I actually wrote was called “Birmingham Blues” after my old man sold his van to a bloke from Birmingham. I was probably 12 or something.
Most of my songs are inspired by something that’s happened or happening in my life. I’ve only ever written one fictional song I think. It hasn’t been recorded yet.
Describe a perfect day for Ashley Harding….
I guess a perfect day would be a day filled with my favourite things?
A morning with my Mrs and kids, drinking coffee and watching SpongeBob or cooking programs.
Then I might head to the gym for an hour.
After that we’d head over to mum and dad’s to see the whole family, eat food and relax in the garden in the sun.
Then come home and play guitar. Doesn’t get much better than that for me.
Please share some of the artists and bands that made you want to start writing your own material?
Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, The Specials, The Beautiful South, Willy Mason, The Police, Dire Straits, Bee Gees, Oasis. That’s a very very short list of artists I listened to when I was a kid/teenager. Theres something different about all these artists and how they inspired me.
Have you met any of your heroes?
Not really. Not the famous musician ones anyway.
Most of my heroes are people that I’ve known and have become my heroes over time when I’ve hopefully matured enough to see how amazing “regular” people are. The stuff normal, working class people have to do to keep a house warm and food on the table. My mum, my dad and my family are my heroes. My Mrs and even my kids are my heroes too.
Cardiff musician Tony Morley is a hero of mine. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if it wasn’t for him. I think about him every time I pick up a guitar. So every day.
You’re going to be playing at Boardmasters Festival, is this a first for you?
Yes it’s my first year. I’m very excited. I’ll be on the BBC introducing stage on the Friday. I’ve been applying for years so to get the email and an invitation to play on The View Stage, I was buzzing.
I saw many comments from some fab local acts congratulating you on the Boardmasters gig, please take a moment to shout out any locals that you enjoy….
It’s quite sad that I don’t get the chance to enjoy local musicians as I’m always out gigging when they are. I’d love to be able to make more time to get to their gigs and support them. Here’s some of my faves I’ve managed to see.. Helm DeVegas, True Foxes, James Dixon, CBone, Ben Banford (Bude Young Folk Collective), Seamus McKenna, Kitty Crocker, Ezmay Grace, Liam Jordan, Jenny Bishop, Still Dizzy, Steve Panter, Tin Sandwich Seb, Cat Florence, Sam Lisle, Rue, Joe Hurworth, Liquid Apes… there’s too many and I’ve missed out loads. But these are the ones I’ve managed to catch recently.
I’ve started a podcast called “Gigging The Dream.” My aim was to get them in for a chat so I can meet them, have a chinwag for an hour and spread their stories and music with my followers. It’s my way of getting stuck into the music community if I can’t get to gigs.
We’ll be chatting again at Boardmasters but in the meantime, please share any gigs or festival appearances that you have planned for 2026.
I have a busy year ahead. Hopefully heading out for a couple of dates supporting Wille and The Bandits, playing at Together Again Festival in Cheshire and I’m in the process of booking a little run of dates around the UK in October. I’m look forward to catching up with you after my set at Boardmasters.
If you were asked to nominate three headline acts for a major festival, who would you have? (They can be alive/dead and money is no object!)
Right. So this is purely for me.
Friday night - The Highwaymen (Willie, Waylon, Kris and Cash)
Saturday night - Grateful Dead
Sunday Night - Bob Marley
Saying that, it’s a hard question to answer. I imagine I’d give a different answer tomorrow!
Where is the best place to keep up to date with your musical exploits?
My social media accounts (@ashleyjamesharding) and my website www.ashleyhardingmusic.com
Lastly, would you rather live with a singing dog or a gorilla that can do the housework?
GET ME THAT GORILLA RIGHT NOW!
We’d like to thank Ashley for sparing the time to answer our questions, I’ve certainly learned a lot about this Cornish artist, certainly enough to pique my interest and make sure that I catch his set at Boardmasters in August this year, I suggest you do the same!
Interview by Steve Muscutt
