In this deeply honest and soul-rooted conversation, Ashleigh Chevalier sits down with Northern Virginia songwriter Annie Stokes to talk about her newest album Ghostwriter—a record that captures what it means to grow, grieve, and keep creating in your thirties. Together they peel back the layers of womanhood in music: artistry, motherhood, faith, and the quiet rebellion of getting louder as you get older.

They talk about the balance between art and obligation, what it means to be a “ghostwriter” for the lives and stories that shaped us, and why women in their thirties, forties, and fifties are far from finished—they’re just getting started.

Highlights from the Episode:

• 🎶 The inspiration behind Ghostwriter and writing from midlife reflection, not for 19-year-olds.
• 🪶 “Country Wife” — the story behind the tongue-in-cheek anthem that pokes fun at social media’s highlight-reel homesteading.
• 🔮 “Tarot Card Reader” — reckoning with past relationships and the villains we create in our own stories.
• 👩‍👧 Motherhood, marriage, and music: how both Annie and Ashleigh are balancing tours, toddlers, and truth.
• 💰 The business side of being an independent artist—touring, sync placements, and why albums are “musical business cards.”
• 💪 Unconscious bias and the invisible ceilings women still face in the live-music scene.
• 🌱 Why both artists are now pouring energy into mentoring, producing, and building sustainable creative communities.

About Annie Stokes
Singer-songwriter Annie Stokes blends Americana, folk, and country into songs that are equal parts poetic and rebellious. Her new record Ghostwriter explores legacy, love, and the layered lives of women who refuse to fade into the background.
👉 AnnieStokesMusic.com to get the latest from Annie and links to @AnnieStokesMusic on Instagram and YouTube.

About the Host — Ashleigh Chevalier
Ashleigh is a lifelong performer, songwriter, and advocate for unmasking the real stories behind the music and life. Through the UNMASKED Podcast, she invites artists, thinkers, and change-makers to drop the filters and share what’s real—about art, life, and the messy in-between.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you stream.
💬 Follow @AshleighChevalierMusic and @UnmaskedPodcast for new episodes, performances, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Want to know which microphones famous singers like Taylor Swift and Mary J Blige record with? Listen to this episode.

Both successful Musicians and Entrepreneurs, Ashleigh Chevalier and Johnny Terrell delve into the intricacies of microphone selection for vocal recording, exploring various types of microphones, their unique characteristics, and how they affect vocal performance. They discuss the importance of understanding vocal ranges, the science behind sound waves, and the dynamics of live sound engineering, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to achieve the best audio quality in both studio and live settings.

Key Takeaways

• Different microphones serve different purposes in recording.
• Microphones referenced for vocals: Neumann TLM-170
  and The Telefunken U47 - a gold standard for vocals.
• Microphone choice can greatly affect vocal clarity and tone.
• Understanding vocal ranges is crucial for selecting the right mic.
• Live sound requires constant attention to vocal dynamics.
• Vocal texture can enhance the overall sound of a performance.
• Physics explains how sound is captured.
• Compression and refraction are key concepts in audio engineering.
• A good sound engineer knows how to ride the levels during a performance.
• Vocal pedagogy can help you understand and manage voice dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soul Haven Studios and Microphones
00:29 Exploring the Telefunken U47 Microphone
01:35 The Neumann TLM-170 Microphone and Its Applications
03:56 Different Microphones for Various Vocal Styles
06:42 Understanding Vocal Ranges and Their Impact on Recording
09:07 The Importance of Microphone Selection in Mixing
10:34 Physics of Sound and Its Relation to Microphone Placement
14:13 Live Sound Dynamics and the Role of Sound Engineers
17:09 Recap and Conclusion

Book Your Next Session at Soul Haven Studios: https://www.soulhavenstudios.com/
Follow Soul Haven on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulhavenproject/

🔗 CONNECT WITH ASHLEIGH
Follow Ashleigh on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIN
Level Up Collaborative: https://levelupcollab.com/
Ashleigh's Music Career: https://ashleighchevaliermusic.com/

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- Like this video
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🎙️ LISTEN ON PODCAST PLATFORMS
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In episode four of the Unmasked Podcast, Ashleigh Chevalier and Johnny Terrell discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the music industry. They explore how AI is being used as a tool for music production, the ethical implications of AI-generated content, and the financial challenges musicians face in the current landscape. The conversation also highlights the importance of the human element in music creation and offers practical tips for musicians looking to integrate AI into their work.

Key Takeaways

• AI is a tool that can enhance music production.
• Musicians often face challenging financial deals.
• The Recording Academy (The Grammys) is actively involved in US policy discussions.
• AI can analyze sound sources to improve quality.
• Ethics in AI music creation is a growing concern.
• The human element in music is irreplaceable.
• AI can assist with scheduling and organization.
• Musicians need to be aware of their rights and royalties.
• AI-generated music raises questions about authenticity.
• Understanding AI's impact is crucial for future musicians.

AI Resources & Links From the Episode:

• Recording Academy (The Grammys): https://www.RecordingAcademy.com/About/Artificial-Intelligence
• For the Entrepreneur: Mike Koenigs: https://AiAccelerator.com/
• For the Studio Musician & Creator: https://www.xlnaudio.com/products/xo
• Equator by Waves https://www.waves.com/
• Smart EQ by Sonible: https://www.sonible.com/

In Episode 3 of the Unmasked Podcast, musician, business owner, and podcast hostess Ashleigh Chevalier and Johnny Terrell, owner of Soul Haven Studios, discuss their experiences in music production, the importance of authentic art, and the emotional depth of Jason Isbell's latest album, 'Foxes in the Snow.' They explore the studio environment, the value of collaboration, and the personal connections that shape their artistry. The conversation delves into the nuances of songwriting, performance, and the impact of personal experiences on creative expression.

Show Highlights

• Johnny Terrell is a versatile studio engineer and music producer with a diverse portfolio. He's worked with producers like Timbaland and Teddy Riley, and has rising hits by Hunter Hayes, Sexy Red, and others.
• The studio environment can significantly impact the creative process.
• Authentic art transcends political boundaries and connects with human experiences.
• Collaboration in music production enhances creativity and performance.
• Emotional depth in songwriting reflects personal experiences and struggles.
• Jason Isbell's 'Foxes in the Snow' showcases raw vulnerability and artistry.
• The flow and organization of an album can enhance its narrative impact.
• Personal connections in music can lead to profound artistic collaborations.
• Understanding the technical aspects of music production allows for greater creative freedom.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Unmasked Podcast

01:59 Johnny Terrell and Soul Haven Studio Overview

04:31 Soul Haven's Studio Experience: Comfort and Cleanliness

09:28 The Value of Authentic Art in Music

12:58 Collaboration in the Studio and The Creative Process

16:58 Influences and Unique Styles in Songwriting

19:30 Bridging worlds with music as a Connection Point

21:24 Exploring Jason Isbell's Latest Album, "Foxes in the Snow."

23:21 The Depth of Lyrics and Personal Reflection

24:17 Appreciating Art Over Critique

25:34 Favorite Tracks off the album

26:38 The Emotional Weight of Isbell's songs

28:20 Reflections on Divorce and Healing

32:26 Favorite Lines and Melodic Traditions off the album (opinion only)

34:56 Conclusion and What's Ahead

Soul Haven Studios
Book Your Next Session at Soul Haven Studios
Follow Soul Haven on Instagram and Facebook

Music Updates

•Ashleigh has a full-length album getting mixed down with 18 tracks from over a decade.

•She is also recording an acoustic album that takes tracks from her first, second, and third album and includes new songs

Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty warrior who will save; he will rejoice over you with love; he will be silent in his love and sing a song of joy for you."

Connect with Ashleigh

• Follow Ashleigh on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIN
• Level Up Collaborative
• AshleighChevalierMusic.com
• ashleigh@levelupcollab.com

Support the Show

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify
• Leave a Review

Episode released: March 19, 2025

#UNMASKED #AshleighChevalier #AuthenticConversations #FaithJourney #LifeUnfiltered

Ashleigh Chevalier dives into a trio of seemingly unrelated but very real topics: the frustration of parking tickets, the allure of the upcoming blood moon, and the potential dangers lurking in your lipstick. Ashleigh shares personal anecdotes, historical facts, and practical advice, encouraging listeners to think critically about everyday choices and find joy in the world around them .... From parking woes to cosmic wonders to clean beauty, this episode is a reminder to embrace authentic connection and find the extraordinary in the ordinary ....

Parking Tickets: Parking Tickets suck. Share your craziest parking ticket stories - drop them in the comments.

The Moon:

Mark your calendars: Blood moon in full lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025 (visible in the Northern Hemisphere, weather permitting)3 .

◦Check out starwalk.space for updates on moons and planets
Reference: https://starwalk.space/en/news/night-sky-tonight-march#planets-visible-in-the-northern-hemisphere--march-2025

Lipstick:

▪Red lip coloring dates back to 3500 BC4 .

▪Ancient Greece: Red lips = s*& workers

▪ Roman Empire: Vibrant lip colors = high status.

▪Suffragist Movement: Red lipstick symbolized the fight for women's rights

▪World War II: Red lipstick symbolized patriotic femininity
Reference: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-red-lipstick

◦Toxic Ingredients to Avoid: Formaldehyde, lead, and mercury

▪Read the Environmental Working Group's paper on toxic ingredients in lipstick
Reference: https://www.ewg.org/the-toxic-twelve-chemicals-and-contaminants-in-cosmetics

◦Non-Toxic Lipstick Options:

@OrganicBeautyLover's recommendations

Reference: https://organicbeautylover.com/makeup/best-non-toxic-lipstick/

Music Updates:

•Ashleigh has a full-length album getting mixed down with 18 tracks from over a decade.

•She is also recording an acoustic album that takes tracks from her first, second, and third album and includes new songs

•Jason Isbell released his album "Foxes in the Snow" on March 7 (and it is awesome)

Psalm 82:3 (NIV)
"Defend the weak and the fatherless;

uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed."

Connect with Ashleigh

• Follow Ashleigh on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIN
• Level Up Collaborative
• AshleighChevalierMusic.com
• ashleigh@levelupcollab.com

Support the Show

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify
• Leave a Review

Episode released: March 12, 2025

#UNMASKED #AshleighChevalier #AuthenticConversations #FaithJourney #LifeUnfiltered

Episode 1: The Beginning of an Authentic Journey

In this premiere episode, host Ashleigh Chevalier introduces herself and the vision behind UNMASKED - a podcast dedicated to exploring life's diverse experiences through authentic conversation. Ashleigh shares her perspective as a Christ follower, adventure seeker, and curious explorer while emphasizing that this podcast will cover a wide spectrum of topics ranging from faith and fitness to trauma recovery and scientific curiosities.

Key Topics Discussed

• [00:00] Introduction to UNMASKED and podcast mission
• [01:15] Ashleigh's background as a curious explorer and Christ follower
• [02:30] The podcast's approach to discussing everyday joys, hardships, and challenges
• [03:45] Overview of core topics to be explored in future episodes
• [07:20] Ashleigh's libertarian perspective and philosophy on respecting different viewpoints
• [08:40] Why Ashleigh chose not to limit the podcast to a single niche
• [10:15] Brief personal background (family, animals, plants, career, domestic violence recovery)
• [11:30] Closing thoughts and invitation to listeners

Topics for Future Episodes

• Faith and spiritual growth
• Fitness (CrossFit, weightlifting, archery)
• Travel adventures
• Entrepreneurship and business development
• Dog training and animal care
• Marketing strategies
• Motherhood experiences
• Navigating divorce and healing broken families
• Domestic violence recovery
• Relationship insights
• Music and art appreciation
• Whiskey tasting
• Plant care and gardening
• Health and neuroscience
• Space exploration and engineering

Quotable Moments

"This podcast is about the day to day we all face, the day to day things in this life that bring us joy, the hardships that build us, and the challenges that define us."

"I'm not an expert. I'm not a thought leader - and I am not trying to be one. The reality is - so many of us have a variety of interests, and I find they are way more connected than we think."

"You do you, I'll do me and my life - let's keep the peace and be free together."

"Remember, you're not alone, I'm praying for you, and today is just the beginning."

Connect with Ashleigh

• Follow Ashleigh on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIN
• Level Up Collaborative
• AshleighChevalierMusic.com
• ashleigh@levelupcollab.com

Support the Show

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify
• Leave a Review

Episode released: March 8, 2025

#UNMASKED #AshleighChevalier #AuthenticConversations #FaithJourney #LifeUnfiltered