Ashley Norton is a doorknob company. But Ashley E. Norton is Ramona California’s co-citizen of the year, the fearless leader of Americana all female Americana band, Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth, lead singer for rock band “Ash & The Mondays,” producer of the popular all female Songwriter showcase, “Songbirds,”, co-founder of the Ramona Music Alliance and solo artist. Back when Ashley discovered there were two identities of her name, she knew she had to change it for the stage. “People ask me why all the time. Adding the E was the most creative thing I could come up with. I embrace being stuck with it.”

So Ashley E. began her long career in the Arizona music scene with folk-rock band Delcoa, performing on as many stages as she could and releasing their two albums. Wanting to step out into Country music, Ashley moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue her love of songwriting. There she hosted many successful songwriter nights at venues such as Hotel Indigo, Red Rooster, 12th & Porter and more. “I wanted to really hone my craft as a writer, so I never had to sing a single cover on Broadway by hosting.” She worked with some of Nashville’s finest, including Johnny Garcia, lead guitar player for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood and released a Country album she still performs songs from today. “I call it Nashville University,” says Ashley. “I lived there for four years, got my ‘degree’ and left to put it to use.”

In 2014, she began touring the world non-stop with her music partner Edward Williams in folk duo, Whitherward. They put everything they owned into storage and toured the United States and Europe full time non-stop for an incredible 6 years. They managed to release 6 EPs and albums during this time, often recording from airbnb’s on the road. “It was quite an adventure and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” But the pandemic had other plans for most musicians, including Ash & Ed. All of the tours were shut down and Ashley was forced to re-invent her career. She moved to the small country town of Ramona, California with her now husband and leaned heavily into Americana music. She put her Cowboy boots back on and began performing at local wineries. She started her band, Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth, with part-time member of Whitherward, Stephanie Groot. Soon, Marica Claire and Amanda Albini joined them on bass and drums. “Our shows are a hoot,” says Ash. “We run all around the venues with our wireless singing about crazy things and never taking ourselves too seriously.” This band is all about having fun and crosses four generations of top notch female musicianship. The name comes from a bar in San Francisco they stumbled into on tour. With a plaque on a booth reading, “Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth.” They knew this was the name for them.

Ashley also accidentally started a rock band called “Ash & The Mondays,” coming out of a local jam that happens on, you guessed it, Mondays. She has received endorsements with large companies such as Subaru Europe, Martin Guitars, Avian Guitars and currently, Electro-Voice. Residing in Ramona and recent cover girl for San Diego’s top music magazine, “The Troubadour” and “The Ramona Home Journal.” She has been nominated twice for a prestigious San Diego Music Award and was awarded “Citizen of the Year” by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce for bringing the most business to the town that year. How amazing to do that through music. And now, she has sold out her Ramona Town Hall album release concert, being the first person to perform there in 40 years.

Ashley lives for the stage. She performs at as many venues as she can and is often joined by her dog, if the venue allows. “He only sings along to my original songs, I don’t know why,” she says. That’s right, Ashley’s dog actually…sings. He was even featured in the NPR Tiny Desk Mashup for his skills. Such a thing happens when you name your dog Garfunkel. Ashley has an EP and an album out with Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth and a solo album debuting on August 16th, “Call Of The Void,” with producer Johnny Garcia. Don’t forget the E. Otherwise, she’s just a doorknob.