By Bob Makin
originally published: 04/04/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week, “North Star,” is Jersey Shore-raised singer-songwriter Ashley McKinley’s latest single. PHOTO BY KRIS KHUNACHAK
Jersey Shore-raised singer-songwriter Ashley McKinley co-wrote “North Star” while trying to enjoy college during the COVID lockdown.
The tune is her latest single and the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “North Star” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on April 4 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“I wrote 'North Star' with my friend Jackie Minton,” Ashley said. “I was sitting on a wooden stool in my landlord's bathroom with my laptop propped on the sink, still trying to figure out Zoom songwriting co-write sessions. She and I were Songwriting majors at Belmont University in Nashville at the time. Jackie and I both love the song ‘Yellow’ by Coldplay and feel it is spiritual in nature. It was only fitting that we wrote ‘North Star’ together as it is about self reflection and redirection, trust in the mystical, God, the universe. ‘North Star’ is about making better choices for yourself, and finding a way to shut out the world for a moment and connect with something bigger than yourself. It's about remembering where you've been and making better choices for next time.”
The chorus of “North Star” describes an unwavering sense of trust and self reliance that’s needed through life's ups and downs.
The soothing harmonies and delicate textures of the mellow country/folk/pop song was helmed by Nashville-based producer Mikey Bar-Lavi.
“I could not ask for a better friend or producer to have made this song shine,” Ashley said.
Due by month’s end, Ashley’s next single, “forever,” is about “a kind of love that must live in your pocket,”she said.
“A love that became like the winds of a tornado, forcing you to remain underground for safety,” Ashley continued. “Ever present, it's always with you, safely tucked away. This song is my touchstone for the grief and happiness that came from letting someone go.”
“I just received the final copy, all shined and ready to go. I cannot wait to share it.”
Ashley long has been exposed to the music industry, having grown up near the musical streets of Asbury Park, where she was able to first cut her teeth as an artist, and then attending college in the Music City of Nashville.
Her influences include Christina Perri, Lake Street Dive, The Chicks, and Carole King. Fans of Kacey Musgraves and Phoebe Bridgers also will appreciate her, especially live when Ashley plays April 6 at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn.
She also recently sang the National Anthem at Barclays Center also in Brooklyn.
For more about the multiple Asbury Music Award nominee, visit ashleymckinley.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
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