Ashley Monroe Quotes

Some things feel really good to sing: there's a physical aspect, but there's more to it - a deeper place you go to.

I feel what I sing, and I sing what I feel. Really, that's all I can do.

When I sing, it's the most solitary state: just me, and the microphone, and the holy spirit. It's not about notes or scales, it's all about emotion.

I had no desire to become a singer until I heard Billie Holiday. The first time I heard her on a record, it was a revelation. She sounded like a woman singing about herself.

I'm a true singer who grew up singing in church, so I love singing my heart out.

Growing up, I wasn't as comfortable expressing myself as I am now, and I think that's why I chose acting: because it's acceptable to have your feelings. It's a place that they want you to feel. Whereas in life, growing up, it was 'Be quiet!' and 'Keep it to yourself.'

What's the point of a song if you can't be honest?

I don't play pyrotechnic scales. I play about frustration, patience, anger. Music is an extension of my soul.

In order to get a note out, I have to dig deep, and I mean that on an emotional level. To physically sing, I have to get somewhere deep before I can do it.

As a stand up, and often in acting, there is no place for the most intense feelings. Rage, genuine sorrow, naked hope... These things don't fit on a comedy stage and if you act you'll get to express them once in a while. Music is a place for the intensely personal.

Since I'm not good at anything else, I hope I can keep singing for a long time.

Acting has always been a way for me to express myself, and show all my vulnerabilities and flaws through my characters.

When I was younger, I thought I had to shut myself off, work really hard to cry. I learned after a while that that's just not... You know, often in life, you cry when you're caught off-guard. That's where I need to be when I'm acting, too.

I open myself up every time I walk on screen and give you everything that I am. There are parts of me that are in every movie that I've done. That to me is what my job is.

I think I sound like a fella who's always making a plea through his music. Sort of a plea of sincerity.

I put my emotions in my music and I want people to relate to that.

It was a really strange way that I came into music. Once I gave voice to it, the pit of emotions that I guess I knew was inside of me for a long time, the stream never really stopped.

For me, music is so passionate, I have to give it my all every time I go onstage. Onstage, it was always comfortable for me, because that's where I felt at home.

Rapping is the only time I'm serious.

Sing the song or keep it inside.

When Billie Holiday sings a song, I hear the song, but I always hear her and her truth.

Sometimes it's good to just sing and let the words come out. Whatever comes out is valid because it's what you were thinking.

Back in the day, I was afraid to speak out. When I get music behind me, it feels like I can soothe the hurt and put it in vocals and say it to the room the way I feel it.

When I listen to gospel singers pouring their heart out to God, it's the act of pouring their hearts out that interests me.

I'm a human being, just like everybody else. I'm up some days and down others. Some days, I just refuse comment. If I'm feeling a little down, I won't say anything. But if I'm really up, I'll let it all hang out. I do have a slight propensity to put my foot in my mouth.