Building a devoted fandom within the music industry is difficult, but Ashley Cooke made it look easy. Just like the rest of us, the fast-rising artist found herself doomscrolling and making videos on TikTok during quarantine. When the global pandemic brought darkness into our lives, Cooke's vibrant videos were the glimmer of light that users were longing for. Many would attest that any artist can gain a following over time, but Cooke's authenticity, relatability, and undeniable storytelling cultivated a full-fledged community. 

It's been nearly four years since Cooke's breakthrough, and her adoring online fanbase has been transformed into a supportive live audience. After selling out venues nationwide, the Big Loud vocalist recently (Jan.29) added more dates to her widely successful headlining shot in the dark tour. While sitting backstage at Chicago's legendary Joe's On Weed St., Cooke told Fandom Daily that she doesn't take her fans or new reality for granted. 

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"I go on this Tour, and I see that people are actually showing up, buying tickets, and knowing the words to the songs. You really get to connect the fan base from an online presence to now in-person," she explained. "Social media is one thing, but then to actually get people to get a babysitter and leave their house, that's a whole other level of commitment." 

Although the iHeartCountry On The Verge Artist has well over 270 million global streams and 1.3 million TikTok followers, she still gets surprised when fans belt out or request deep cuts like "Sunday Morning Kinda Saturday Night," "Already Drank That Beer" or "Jealous Of The Sky." 

"That's what shocks me," Cooke pointed out. "When I was in Michigan, I sang a song that has never been pushed on social media. I haven't really posted a whole lot, and people knew every single word. They know the music, they know the discography. I can't speak to everybody else's fandoms, but the people in mine are very intentional, and I think it's because I'm intentional with them. They're just very zoned in. It's not like they show up to listen to songs and leave. They really want to care about me as a person," she added. 

A ticket to an Ashley Cooke concert holds significant weight, as it's like an exclusive invitation to the ultimate hangout in town. She effortlessly invites listeners into her world through her memorizing storytelling and playful stage presence – fostering a sense of intimacy and connection with her fans. 

Those who haven't caught Cooke on tour can feel the same while listening to her debut album, shot in the dark. While the 24-songs collection conveys raw emotions of a twenty-something year old, it has the power to inspire listeners and make them feel heard or even understood. Her ballad "it's been a year" encourages fans to reflect, while her chart-topping single "your place" will have them reclaiming their self-worth and kicking toxic relationships to the curb – an empowerment anthem everyone needs on rotation. 

If every artist wore their heart on their sleeves like Cooke, cultivating a community would be simple. To maintain this rare connection, Cooke exclusively told Fandom Daily that she turned to Kenny Chesney, the hitmaker behind No Shoes Nation. The essence of No Shoes Nation goes beyond just being fans of Chesney's music – it embodies a sense of camaraderie, shared values, and a way of life. 

While performing at the Tortuga Music Festival in sunny Florida, Chesney pulled Cooke on stage to sing "When the Sun Goes Down." The two instantly formed a mentor-like friendship, and he revealed his secret to longevity. 

"We immediately connected and became friends. He's one of those guys who likes to mentor younger people, which is really cool to get to be like a beneficiary of that," she explained. "One of the things he said that really hit me, and I put this in my life now, is, 'It's not about racing to whatever the thing is and then taking a break. Instead of sprinting, find a stride to get to where you want to go and get your snacks along the way. Hit your friends and fans along the way, run a little slower, run a little faster. It's a marathon, not a sprint.' It's as cheesy as that saying," Cooke added with a beaming smile. 

With Chesney and her devoted fans rallied behind her, she has become one of the fastest-rising artists in music city. The breakthrough artist is slated to keep her head down grinding, as she has a jammed-packed year ahead. Cooke is currently across the pond on Jordan Davis' DAMN GOOD TIME Tour, but is slated to continue her must-see headlining run in early march. Tickets are still available for purchase, here. 

Photo Credit: @theashleycooke.