Ashley Woodruff Spins the Cycle of Love, Loss, and the Lies We Tell Ourselves With New Single “Again”

Sudbury-based pop and adult contemporary artist Ashley Woodruff returns with her new single “Again” on October 24th, marking her first release since 2023, and it was well worth the wait. Known for her powerful vocals and soul-baring lyrics, Woodruff steps right back into the emotional spotlight with a song that captures the pain, passion, and pull of going back to someone who never truly stays.

“Again” isn’t just another breakup song; it’s a mirror for anyone caught in that push-and-pull relationship cycle. The late-night texts, the half-hearted promises, the quiet realization that you’re replaying the same story one more time; it’s all there in her voice. Ashley delivers each line with raw honesty, embodying the tension between desire and disappointment that defines modern love.

The production, led by Eric Miron, pairs shimmering pop textures with a grounded emotional core. Gentle percussion from Joey Giroux and clean, atmospheric guitar lines provide space for Woodruff’s vocals to soar, while Dustin Moore’s mastering polishes the track to perfection. The result feels cinematic yet intimate, like a diary entry set to music.

Lyrically, “Again” strikes that bittersweet balance between vulnerability and self-awareness. Woodruff sings from the edge of heartbreak but never falls into despair; instead, she reclaims her power through reflection. “I hope this song reminds listeners that they deserve love and respect,” she shares, “and that they are not alone in navigating the complications of the dating world.”

There’s a maturity in her songwriting that reflects her journey from her self-titled debut album to 2020’s Distanced and now this deeply relatable chapter. It’s clear she’s no longer writing just to process pain; she’s writing to help others feel seen in theirs.

With upcoming shows across Ontario and new music already in the works, “Again” marks a bold new era for Ashley Woodruff, one that blends classic emotional storytelling with a modern pop sensibility. Whether you’ve been ghosted, rekindled something you shouldn’t have, or finally walked away, “Again” will hit you right where it hurts and heal you a little, too.

“Again” captures such raw emotion. Was there a specific moment that inspired you to write it?

To be honest, there wasn’t a specific moment that inspired Again. I just really wanted to write something with an Amy Winehouse kind of vibe, something soulful and emotional with that same raw feeling she always brought to her music.

You’ve described the song as being about someone who always comes back but never stays. What keeps people stuck in those cycles, in your opinion?

I think there are many different reasons people get stuck in those cycles. Loneliness can make you hold on to something painful because being alone feels even worse. It’s also natural to long for a deep connection with someone else, and when you find that, it can be tough to let go. Sometimes people start to believe they don’t deserve better, so they settle for the familiar, even if it isn’t healthy. And when the love feels genuine, even if it comes and goes, it’s easy to keep hoping that maybe this time it will finally last.

How did working with producer Eric Miron help shape the emotional atmosphere of this track?

He really brought the song to life in such a powerful way. The lyrics and melody are one thing, but the instrumental is what truly builds the emotion, and he nailed that. Every little detail adds to the atmosphere. One of my favorite parts is the bridge, where the voices blend together in such an emotional and haunting way. During recording, Eric had me sing the song several times to really capture the feeling behind it, and he gave me great tips on how to bring that emotion out, especially in the choruses. His production and guidance played a huge part in making the song what it is.

After a year without releasing music, what made “Again” the right song to mark your return?

After nearly two years without a release, I aimed to return with something powerful. Again, I felt like the right song because it carries so much emotion. It’s honest, it’s relatable, and it felt like the perfect reintroduction to who I am as an artist now.

You want listeners to remember that they deserve love and respect. How do you personally stay grounded in that truth?

I stay grounded by being firm with my boundaries and not letting others take advantage of me. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Once you know your worth, it becomes easier to protect your peace and only let people in who treat you the way you deserve.