Cowgirl Clue is For the Texas Girls

Maddie Bogan

Rap/Hip-Hop Journalist

Earlier this year, I came across this solo artist referred to as Cowgirl Clue. I was immediately hooked on her discography because her production style is distinct, but arguably still easy to listen to. In short, Cowgirl Clue’s music is suitable for Southern girls who love indie music.

Cowgirl Clue, or Ashley Clue, was born in Austin, Texas. She initially began her music career as a DJ in the Austin area around 2015. Since Clue clearly had a talent for producing, she started making her own songs independently with no label, as she is a D-I-Y artist. She dropped her debut single “Cherry Jubilee” in 2016. For the next three years, she started consistently releasing singles.

During this time, Clue was under the alias ‘Wu-Wu,’ which she believed was not as concrete, so in 2019, she changed it to Cowgirl Clue to reference where she came from. 2019 was the same year she put out her first album, known as Icebreaker. This album showcased her electropop sound, and it gained the attention of hundreds of thousands. Following Icebreaker was Rodeo Star in 2023. At this point, she had a larger following, as songs like “Trailblaze ☆” and “Trust Fall” found their way to being her most-streamed tracks. 

Clue released Total Freedom in 2025, which was the album that introduced me to her. I first listened to “Ballet Flat$ on The Gas Pedal,” which ultimately led me to the rest of the album. This project drew me to her work because a lot of the tracks feature the dobro guitar, which is commonly used in country music to create a floaty, atmospheric feel. To hear an instrument like this in a techno-pop piece is a bit of a surprise to me, but as a Texan myself, I appreciate it a lot. To me, the dobro guitar in Clue’s music is like her own little producer tag, and a nod to Texas as a whole.

Other than music, Clue is involved in the fashion industry. During the time she made her first two albums, she was simultaneously working on her personal clothing line called Clue Wear. She designed what was basically her merch, placing emphasis on denim. Having a perfectly curated style is important to her, so the development of this brand is a big part of her career. 

Cowgirl Clue has had a great influence on the alternative music scene over the last decade. Due to her inspired library, she has performed with artists such as Crystal Castles and Kero Kero Bonito. Nowadays, she is based in the California area, but she performs in a wide range of locations. Her next tour dates are in Paris on November 7 and London on November 10; it is evident she has reached many. So, whether you’re on a road trip in the South or getting ready to go clubbing, Cowgirl Clue’s music is the perfect pick.