Nostalgia and Nuance: Dan Ashley’s “Small Town Nights” Captures a Bygone Era with Enduring Relevance
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In an age saturated with digital noise and constant connectivity, there’s a certain yearning for simpler times, for moments where the world felt a little less complicated. Americana, rock, and country artist Dan Ashley taps directly into this sentiment with his upcoming single, “Small Town Nights.” Co-written with Bill Bentley, the song is a heartfelt ode to coming of age in an era before the internet and social media redefined adolescence, painting a vivid picture of cruising Main Street and Saturday night movies at the local theater.
Ashley’s inspiration for the track stems from his own experiences growing up in a small college town in North Carolina. However, as he explains, “Small Town Nights” transcends mere personal reminiscence. “I wanted to write a song that reflected my high school experiences growing up in a small college town in North Carolina,” Ashley says, “But, much more than that, this is a song that reflects the same joys, pressures, and questions that teenagers still ask and face today. In so many ways, a kid’s life today is made a lot more complicated by all of the distractions and pressures that the internet creates, but that shouldn’t rob them of the simple pleasures of being young.” This perspective gives the song a deeper resonance, making it relatable even to those who never experienced life without a smartphone. It’s a celebration of universal youthful ideals – friendship, first loves, and the quiet thrill of independence – untainted by the relentless scrutiny of the digital age.
The production of “Small Town Nights” is handled entirely by Bill Bentley Productions, with Bentley himself contributing guitar, bass, and background vocals, in addition to his roles as producer, engineer, mixer, and mastering engineer. This close collaboration between Ashley and Bentley likely contributed to the cohesive and authentic feel of the track, allowing the song’s narrative to take center stage.
Dan Ashley’s journey in music is as extensive as his celebrated career in broadcasting. His passion ignited early with guitar and piano lessons, and he found his voice in his church’s junior choir. Summers spent on the family farm, surrounded by music and his accomplished pianist grandmother, further cemented his lifelong connection to the art form. For many years, Ashley has fronted his own band, commanding stages and opening for an impressive roster of legendary artists including REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, Patti LaBelle, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Melissa Etheridge. He’s also shared the spotlight with musical luminaries like Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon of Journey, Brad Gillis of Night Ranger, and the multi-Grammy winning Narada Michael Walden.
Beyond his band performances, Ashley is a familiar figure performing the National Anthem at major sporting events for the NBA, Major League Baseball, college football, and professional hockey. His unique blend of Americana and rock and roll, coupled with his distinctive vocal style and rich life experiences, informs his musical storytelling. Ashley has a knack for sharing the universal joys, heartbreaks, loves, and losses that connect us all. He’s backed by a formidable group of musicians who have toured with a diverse array of major artists, a testament to the quality and professionalism he brings to his projects.
What makes Dan Ashley’s artistic pursuit particularly compelling is that he manages this vibrant music career alongside his prominent role as an evening news anchor for ABC7 News in San Francisco, a position he has held for three decades. This dual life undoubtedly enriches his songwriting, providing a unique perspective on the human condition that few artists possess. “Small Town Nights” is poised to resonate deeply with anyone who cherishes memories of simpler times or longs for a moment of quiet reflection away from the modern world’s relentless pace. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of Americana that reminds us that some feelings and experiences are truly timeless.
Photographer Credit: Jessamyn Photography