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6 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com music and songwriting seems to be chalk full of intention as well as heart, which makes her music readily believable and easily accessible not only with the "heart on her sleeve" but, also with the intent in her head. What makes Ashley such a talented artist goes well beyond her musical talent yet, also reaches into the power of her vision, intention and design. Not everybody knows what type of artist they want to become. Ashley, however, does. It is this very vision, intention and design married with the natural musical instincts that have landed her a Grammy nomination for her single, "Angles." I recently had the chance to catch up with Ashley and was able to gain some insight about "Angels," as well as how she feels about all of her recent success. Ashley stated that "Angels is about a dysfunctional relationship and the process of wrestling with forgiveness, all the while trying to do what is right for oneself." Ashley pulls the topic of this song from real life experience, stating (with a chuckle) that she "finally made the right decision." Ashley also went on to say that she is working on her fourth full length album with South Shore based producer Joe Merrick. Ashley said how excited she is to be working with Joe and, although she has nothing but the best things to say about Adam Jenson, (who produced "Angels" and her last record "Nothing in Doubt") she is excited to get a different sound and a new approach through working with Joe. All of this recent success comes as a bit of a surprise to Ashley. Although she is excited to be a part of the upcoming events, humbled by the flurry of exposure and looking forward to the next chapter in her career, Ashley is simply "happy to have her music heard." For more information on this zesty songstress, visit www.AshleyJordanMusic.com. It is also here that you can listen to and watch the music video for her hit single, "Angles." Another extraordinary songstress from our humble music scene is Kristen Merlin. Kristen has been grinding it out with the best of them, playing for years in the local bars and clubs. Kristen has an electric energy, a positive vibe and a powerful voice…a VERY powerful voice. It is the Hanson native's soaring pipes that led her to national exposure after auditioning for NBC's Emmy Award winning show, "The Voice." Kristen not only made it onto the television program but, she made it all the way into the top five. Since then, her career has developed nicely, leading to many choice performances and a new EP, "Boomerang," which showcases Merlin's singing and writing talents as well as solidifying her place in the ever-competitive world of pop country. An energetic collection of songs, the instrumentation is spot on to that of a radio friendly, modern pop-country release. If you haven't already seen Merlin on The Voice or while exploring YouTube, take some time to visit www.KristenMerlin.com. Steve Smith So, there you have it music lovers; between these three amazing women, you should have plenty of entertainment to keep you busy as summer fades and we begin to settle into fall. Still not enough? Check out these local live music spots that are sure to give you a fix of the good sounds. The Snug in Hingham, Mr. Dooley's Old Village Pub in Cohasset, The Tinker's Son in Norwell, The Spire Center for the Arts in Plymouth, The River Club Music Hall in Scituate and The Red Parrot in Hull. Finally, make sure to tune in to WATD 95.9 on Monday nights to catch local artists doing what they do best! This is Jay Psaros, signing off for "The Beat!" Feel free to pay me a visit at www.JayPsarosMusic.com or www.PBandJayRecords.com and drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you! 61 Kristen Merlin by Jay Psaros Award Winners and Industry Insiders