Q & A with Ally Burgess – Not Your Little Song Bird

Izzy Spears| 8.24.2018| @izzy_spears

I first heard Ally live, not over seven days ago. Looking up at the stage, I saw a young woman, hair pulled up into a bun, rocking a Micheal Jackson vintage-t.  Not knowing what to expect, my mind was blown. Ally opened her mouth to sing and as clear as day, I heard an angel. To this very moment I am not able to pin point how she captivated the crowd that night. Was it the fresh and funky groove she sang as the crowd swayed back and forth? Was it the hype band she had killing it in the background? Was it her chill and relaxed demeanor that dominated the stage? I guess you will have to figure it out for yourself.

Ally Burgess photo credit: Sam Street

Q: Can you describe your first experience with music?

A: “My first listening experience with music, that I can specifically remember, is from when I was a kid, maybe 8/9, and my mom, who is still to this day a MASSIVE Elvis fan, was watching an Elvis greatest hits film. It was just a movie made up of live Elvis performances, but this one song called “If I Can Dream” weighed me down so heavily with emotions that it has stuck with me since. In the song Elvis is swinging his arm around talking about dreaming of a world where all his “brothers walk hand in hand” and my 8 year old self felt that.”

Q: How would you describe your musical preference?

A: All in all, it’s r&b with influences from rap and gospel. I’m still learning to channel that same energy rappers do in my own music.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I wouldn’t complain if I had to eat sushi for the rest of my life.

Q: If stranded on an island, what are three things you could not live without? Not including family, friends and faith. Spotify, coffee, tequila (if I’m gonna be stranded I at least wanna have a good time)

Q: Who has influenced your music the most?

A: God gives me the lyrics I write. I have to give Him the credit.

Q: Is there someone you look up to and why?

A: I wish everyone could hear my dad’s story. If anyone’s work ethic inspires me, it’s his. Musically though, I really look up to Donald Glover/Childish Gambino. I strive to be as honest and creative as he is in his music/artistry.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: I really do see myself touring, creating, and making a living off of it. I know for a fact that it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. Probably not in Nashville though, I see myself in ATL or LA.

Q: If something happened and you couldn’t create music anymore, what profession would you take up?

A: If I couldn’t sing I would write. If I couldn’t write I would help artists develop or teach music. Last resort though.

Q: Do you have any project are performances coming up?

A: Yes! I’m releasing a single this fall called “FOMO” and my friend Neeko is rapping on it. Super hype. I’m also playing around Nashville coming up

as well. Probably looking forward to October 20th at Analog with Lauren McClinton and Bryant Taylorr most.

Photo credit: Sam Street

Q: How can fans find out more about you?

A: My instagram is @allyburgess and my facebook is @ALLYburgessmusic. I’m on spotify/apple music as “ALLY” with my single called “Lil Mama”. I’m also always down to chat over a cup of coffee!

Q: What is your favorite song?

A: I can’t pick between these two: “Silver and Gold” by Kirk Franklin and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’angelo

Q: What 5 artists are on your playlist?

A: Anderson Paak, Tyler the Creator, Blackstreet, Frank Ocean, NAO

 

 

 

 

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