Photo Credit: Jesse Colton
Hey Allison! So excited to be chatting with you! You just released your first single off your new album! How excited were you to get this album out into the world?
So excited. This single is my first official release, and it feel amazing and also kind of surreal.
What did you hope your supporters would think of the new song?
I just wanted a song that would make people get up and dance and feel good, and it seems like that’s been the reaction!
Can you tell us the backstory of this song? Is it from a real experience?
I recently went through a breakup with my first girlfriend, and I just had a really tough time processing those emotions. It came down to just letting myself be sad for a bit, rather than just throwing an affirmation over my feelings like I usually do and going about my day. I Wanna Feel Better was me saying, ‘Okay, yes, I’m letting myself be sad, but I’m over it. I just want to feel good again. I just want to feel better.’ It came from a place of being frustrated with myself that I wasn’t over it yet, which I’m sure other people can relate to.
You also have more projects coming out in 2021!! Can you spill any details on what your supporters can look forward to from you in the new year?!?
My full EP Whirlwind will be releasing mid 2021! I’m really proud of the music I created for this EP, and I think that these are songs that everyone will be able to relate to in some way. I’ve got a few pop songs that I’m really excited about that are honest, but also feel so uplifting, which is very me. There’s a power ballad, an indie pop piano ballad, and an a cappella song that I am so in love with.
Do you have a creative say in your music? Did you help write all your new songs?
I created the demos and composed all of the original music and lyrics for these songs, but I collaborated with a couple of amazing producers who took them to the next level. Enough cannot be said about how monumental working with them was in bringing these songs to life.
What’s it feel like to be releasing your own original music?
It’s wild! Something I’ve always wanted to do. And it feels so awesome to see my name on all of the music platforms officially.
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Will there be a music video for your new single? If so, can you tell us about the concept of the video
I definitely want to make a music video! I haven’t officially started yet, but I do have some ideas. As soon as I’m finished with my last demo, I’m going to get to work on that!
What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing your music career?
Music is truly how I process my emotions, and I don’t know who I would be if I weren’t an artist. So, a pro is that I can always find myself again at the piano, no matter how lost I am. A con I guess is just coming up with the funds to produce, and getting the music in front of the right people to make it happen. But I am resilient, which is also the name of one of the songs on the EP!
Is there anyone you want to thank that’s helped you get to where you are today?
It’s funny that you ask that, because I have a song on this EP called If It Weren’t For You. The lyrics say “thank you for letting me go. Even though you hurt me, I know I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for you.” It’s a fun, dance-pop song, but it really is true. It’s about really finding myself after that heartbreak, which created all of this awesome music that I’m so excited to share.
How would you describe your fans? – what’s three words you would use to describe your fans?
Friends, Feelers, Free spirits
What do you want your message to be towards your fans? What do you want your fans to take away from your music and shows?
You know that feeling when you hear a song, and it says exactly what you’re feeling in that moment? And it makes you feel seen; makes you feel less alone? That’s what I want my music to give to people.
Are you planning any IG Live shows to promote your new music?
I don’t have anything planned, but I love IG, and I do share music on there all the time. Follow me at @astrock111
What is it like performing in front of your fans? Are you excited to start performing your own music live!?!
I’m not sure when that will happen, because of the state of the world right now, but I love performing, and I would love the opportunity to tour and bring this music to more people.
What do you want your supporters to know that you think is important?
Mental health is so important! I think that all people should be in therapy, I really do. I don’t know how anyone survived this year without it.
What’s something your fans don’t know about you?
I’m an ordained minister! I got ordained to officiate a friend’s wedding.
What’s one word you would use to describe what your fans have allowed you to accomplish?
Resilience.
What do you want your fans to know if they ever see you in public?
Well, I currently barely leave my house because of covid, so it’s unlikely that they will for a while. But when that happens, say hi!
Is there anyone in the music business you are dying to meet?
Lady Gaga is my biggest inspiration as an artist. I taught myself to play piano by playing covers of all of her songs!
What’s your current go-to song?
Stupid Love by Lady Gaga. I just can’t stop listening to it, and the piano version she did at the VMAs this year was so gorgeous.
Why do you think social media is so important for artists like yourself?
It’s how our generation communicates! And it’s such a great way to share music with people because it’s so accessible.
What would you say is your biggest dream/goal right now?
Releasing my first EP next year! And eventually signing with a label so that I can make more music and continue to share it with more people.
Any last things you want to tell your supporters?
I’d like to share my favorite quote, by Gabby Bernstein: “Obstacles are detours in the right direction.” The obstacle that led to this EP being created has been my greatest detour yet 🙂