What did you like most about YouTube that made you start posting covers?
I liked the fact that ANYONE could post a video about what they were passionate about. There was no expectation or criteria you had to meet, or fee that you had to pay. You didn’t need fancy equipment or professional gear. Anyone who had a camera with a video feature could upload what they loved to create! For me, that was music. It was simple, organic, and real. I am an everyday, average girl, and when I saw people like me upload cover songs from their bedroom, it made me realize I COULD DO THAT TOO!! It was a level playing field.
What is your process for creating your original music?
For writing original music, most of the time, I like just writing by myself in my room, usually with my guitar in hand. Generally, I’ll start playing a chord progression that matches the mood of what I’m feeling at the time, sometimes It’s happy and other times it’s sad. I’ll just sing what I feel and it’ll start to take shape. Sometimes it’s about experiences I’ve had or that I dream about having, but I don’t always know exactly what I want to say with a song until I start singing. I like to improv and figure out cool lyrics or patterns or rhymes and as it comes to life, I’ll refocus and make the theme of the song more consistent. If I’m writing with others, we usually lay down a track (aka guitar or piano music and some sort of drum beat or groove,) and then we will throw out ideas for lyrics of something we’re feeling ‘til we find something that resonates!
Did you have a “break out” song that started things for you with your followers?
YES, I did have a break out song! It didn’t exactly go viral, but one of my earlier covers that first gained traction was “This Is Me” from Camp Rock. I’d found the song a week before the Disney Channel original aired. So trying to be ahead of the curve, I covered it and posted it before the movie was out. I had about 60k views in one day which was INSANE for me and a lot of views at the time. It sparked a bug of excitement and love for this growing world on YouTube. Little did I know it would be a world of opportunity. Thankfully, I’ve had a very steady growth with my music so it wasn’t some overnight success that was here one day and gone tomorrow. My dedication and consistency has kept my followers and momentum growing.
What kind of message do you want your music to have on your supporters?
I want my supporters to CONNECT with my music. Whether that’s helping them through a breakup, falling in love, dealing with hard things and giving them hope, or just giving them a light upbeat song to brighten their day. I want to be relatable. I’m a normal person who experiences all the same emotions and life challenges others go through. It’s always nice to feel understood and I like to do that through my music. I want them to know they aren’t alone. I want my music to help others find happiness and purpose.
You recently have been working on your new album. Can you spill any details about the new album – Title of album? How many songs? Etc.
YESSSS!!! Ahhhh, I’m so excited to release new music! There will be 5 songs on the new mini album. Though the title is in the works, the songs are complete and I am hoping to release one of the songs as a single very soon!!! Stay Tuned.
What is it like making the new album?
It’s very exciting and creative and stimulating. Going into the writing process with a clean slate is so fun because you never know what you will come up with. Some days you get stuck and others you leave feeling like you made something REALLY special. It’s so cool to bring a song into existence that otherwise never would have existed. My songs are from MY HEART which is so rad.
Would you say this album will be your biggest acomplishment in your music career so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s my biggest accomplishment as every album and work of art I release holds a special place in my heart, however, I do believe it’ll start a chain reaction and a world of new opportunities to perform live, meet fans, and hopefully get out on tour again. I always hope for the best with each project, but if I can touch one life and make a difference, that’s all I can ask for!
Have you had any moments while creating the album that stood out to you?
Yes, there was one day me and two songwriters were working on a track and the other songwriters were trying to find a cool sound or melody that would make the song it’s own. Everyone took a break as I continued to write. It was just me and the track on a loop and I started humming a really fun falsetto vibey melody. I ended up writing almost the whole song by myself and I felt like I was unstoppable. The song is SO ME! (It’s a love song, ha-ha.) Love songs are my fav to write and it’s called “Selfish”. It’s still my favorite song on the album atm! ?
Did any artists style influence you on this album?
I was trying to find my groove/vibe on this album, . When we started we were listening to Ditto and wanted to do a modern approach, but as we worked on songs, they came to life on their own. One inspiration is Ella Vos. I listened to her a bunch while writing this EP, and I think that’s what inspired a lot of the falsetto, chill singing in the songs.
Can we expect any collabs on this album?
I don’t have any planned for this album, but I would LOVE to collab on some original music soon!
Would you say this album is the same style as your old music?
I would say my new music captures the same essence as far as being fun and lighthearted like my previous albums. I’m always working to grow and progress and I feel it shows in the new songs. This album is a lot more pop, like a sparkly ice cream that you can’t resist! It’s still me, just from a new angle!
Does any of the songs off the album come from personal experience?
Most of the songs are from personal experience because I gravitate towards what I connect to most and that’s what comes from my heart. One of the songs, “Where Would You Be,” is about how fragile life truly is. There was an incident with someone close in my life who had passed out/fainted right in front of me. It was so scary and shocking (they were fine, thank goodness,) but it was like everything flashed before my eyes. Then about two days later I drove past the scene of an accident where there was a motorcyclist laying on the ground. It hit me that no matter our plans or dreams, NO DAY is promised. Whether we are safe or cautious, there’s really no guarantee. I wanted a song on the EP that would make you reflect and think about life and your intentions and connections with people. The idea was, “If I told you today, that tomorrow would be the end/would you keep things the same or would you do it different?” So if you had one day left how would things change, or would they?
Have you and your team picked the single for the new album yet?
I’ve been narrowing it down as I’m so pumped for ALL the songs on the album. It’s hard to choose the first single, so I’ve been getting opinions. However, I think the song that will be most popular with my fans will be, “No One Can Love Me.” It sounds rejecting, but its really, “No One Can Love Me Like You,” ha-ha. xD I’m 98% sure that’ll be the first single, ‘cause I’m feelin’ it!!!
Do you have a favorite song on the album?
Besides, “Where Would You Be” my next fav is another one called, “Not Your Girlfriend,” which is a modern-day classic friend-zone song. We all have those amazing guy friends that WE LOVE AND ADORE… but just don’t want to date. It sounds harsh, but I think we’ve all been there. I love it because it’s so light and carefree, but very honest and relatable.
Any details on when this project will be released?
I’m working on finalizing everything this month so right now I’m looking at late May or Early June!
Are you planning to go on tour or do any performances to promote this project?
As everything comes together I’d love to get back on the road and tour my new music and see my fans again!! I’d love to do a radio tour or tour with one of my fav artists!!!
Talking about performing you had the honor of performing in Times Square on the Nivea Kiss Stage on New Year’s Eve in 2012. What was that experience like for you and how did that come about?
Performing on the Nivea Stage is still one of the most surreal experiences that I’ve had to date. Nivea was holding a cover contest to win the chance to sing in Times Square on NYE. To enter you had to cover Carly Rae Jepsen’s song, “This Kiss.” The person with the most views/votes won, and my fans all pulled through! I remember being on stage seeing all the people and everything felt like slow motion, it was so incredible and exhilarating and it made me fall in love with performing all over again!
You also got nominated for “Favorite Viral Music Artist” at the 2017 Kids Choice Awards. What was being nominated in this category like for you?
It was very surprising and I felt honored! I’ve watched the KCA’s ever since I was a young girl and I love that they are acknowledging and adding categories for online artists that are outside of traditional media. The category was “Favorite Viral Music Artist.”
Do you have any other fun projects or events in the works that you can tell us about?
I’ve been part of the Hollister 2018 Swim Squad which has been a blast and I had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii and Mexico this year for photoshoots. I’m starting an online advice column on my website where fans can submit questions, problems, concerns and I’ll respond and interact with them. It’s called, “Ask Anny.” My goal is to be a role model and to inspire others for good and this is one way I feel I can reach out and be in touch on a personal level. I’ve also started my own boutique called True Love Apparel which is fun and part of my online store.
Any last things you want to tell your fans?
I just want to thank all my Tiffanatics for being so loving and patient while I create new music and for always having my back. I feel so grateful that I get to do what I love to do because of them. They literally are the reason my dreams have came true and that’s something special! #Tiffanatics
Socials: @tiffanyalvord
(Photo Credit: Nathan Tecson)
