Songwriting Department Hosts Alumnus Ashley Gorley

Students gathered on April 17 for a Curb College songwriting seminar to hear from Ashley Gorley, Belmont music business alumnus and No. 1 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 Songwriters chart. ?

Raised in Danville, Kentucky, Gorley spoke of his rise from a small-town country background to coming to Belmont not knowing anyone in Tennessee, and finally, to becoming the lead songwriter in America.??

“When I started writing songs, I didn’t know what I was doing,” he said. “Somebody was going to be in a showcase and said they needed a song, so I wrote him a song and he ended up winning. That was the moment I became aware of the slot I could have. All I wanted to do, all I still want to do, is write ‘songwriter’ on my taxes.”??

Having written for some of the biggest names in music including Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton and Bon Jovi, Gorley spoke to all the aspiring songwriters in the room, stating that it’s all about believing you can get your songs to the right people.?

With humble sincerity and years of expertise to draw upon, Gorley shared his best tips with the audience for succeeding in the industry, from paying attention in business class, to finding a better motivation than money to pursue your dreams, and never being afraid to freestyle, shout things out and vibe in a songwriting session.??

“It’s more fun that way,” he said. “You’re trying to bring something different to the table. That’s what gets you back in the room. You’ve got to bring the heat, always.”??