We recently connected with Ali Schwartz and have shared our conversation below.

Ali, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents taught me everything I know. They instilled in me the values of kindness, empathy, and self-love, all while encouraging me to dream big. They also gave me the foundation to believe in myself, work hard, and pursue my passions with determination. Both my mother and father brought their own unique lessons and unconditional support, shaping me into the person and artist I am today.

My dad comes from the theater world, working behind the scenes on Broadway, and he never kept that part of his life separate from us. Instead, he let my sister and I be a part of it. I got to sit in on rehearsals, hang out backstage, and experience the incredible sense of community that exists in theater. When he went on tour with shows, he’d take us out of school to join him, valuing real-world experiences as much as traditional education. Those moments—watching performers bring stories to life and seeing the grit and passion it takes to make it happen—left a huge impression on me. They taught me that with hard work, constant curiosity, and a big heart, I could carve out my own path while lifting others along the way.

My mom on the other hand, is my ultimate hype woman—truly my biggest fan. Every day she calls me (in her thick Brooklyn accent) to remind me I should be “calling Macy’s or one of them department stores to get ya songs on the radio.” She shares my music with everyone she meets, from her friends to total strangers, often with pictures or videos to prove it. She’ll even make her friends dance to my songs on camera, which I’ll get sent as adorable evidence of her advocacy. She’s this fierce, 5-foot-tall Brooklyn-born ball of energy in her 70s (but don’t tell her I revealed her age!), and when she tells someone to pull out their phone and look up her daughter’s music, people actually listen.

She’ll sing my lyrics out loud walking down the streets of New York, talk to flight attendants, servers, or even commuters on the subway about me, and I’m endlessly inspired by her fearlessness. As much as she’s taught me about love, loyalty, and giving, I feel like I still have so much to learn from all of her confidence and warmth.

I am very fortunate to have had my parents by my side all these years, and to still have them cheering me on today. Just the other week, my dad helped usher people into one of my shows, stepping in to check tickets and show people to their seats. The venue was short-staffed so he took it upon himself to make sure my fans didn’t have to wait in the cold. My parents don’t just cheer from the sidelines; they roll up their sleeves and dive in with me. Their support and presence are the greatest gifts I could ever ask for, and they’ve taught me the importance of showing up—not just in my career, but in life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi Canvas Rebel readers! I’m Ali Schwartz—singer, songwriter, choreographer, sister, wife, proud New Yorker, and lover of coffee and the human experience. Whether I’m performing live, teaching dance, or writing music, my ultimate goal is simple: to make people feel good. So, before we dive in, let’s have some fun—on the count of three, say, “Wassup, Ali!”… 1…2…3…! (*hangs in the abyss of this article imagining your response*)

My music has reached over 10 million streams, charted on iTunes 23 times in 18 countries, and hit Apple Music’s charts 19 times. I draw from real-life experiences to write lyrics that turn pain, joy, and everything in between into anthems. Whether it’s helping someone get over a breakup or hyping them up before a night out, I pour my heart into every song. I don’t like to put myself in a box, but if Lizzo and Tori Kelly had a baby, that’s kind of what my music sounds like—soulful, empowering, and full of personality, with a pop-funk twist that gets you moving. In addition to music, I teach hip-hop dance classes with DivaDance, a company I’ve been with for over a decade. DivaDance creates a stress-free, inclusive space for adults to build confidence, connect with others, and have fun. Watching students grow and step out of their comfort zones inspires me as much as performing does.

Before pursuing the creative arts full-time, I spent over a decade in the corporate world, working at Yelp and later as the Director of Live Event Marketing at Fortune Magazine. Those experiences shaped me in unexpected ways. Presenting on stage in front of executives and organizing high-profile events sharpened my storytelling and adaptability. My dance background gave me the confidence to thrive in high-stakes environments, while my corporate connections opened doors to exciting creative opportunities—like writing and performing the theme song for Entrepreneur Media’s podcast. Everything I’ve done—corporate gigs, songwriting, dance classes, live shows—has all been connected. Each experience builds on the other, broadening my perspective and sharpening my skills.

Growing up in New York, I was always captivated by the arts and the city’s hustle. My dad worked in theater, behind the scenes, and being immersed in that world at a very young age exposed me to the magic of live performance. I grew up dreaming of the stage but pursued a more ‘traditional’ path. In college I studied Business and Marketing but still stayed involved in the creative world—teaching and leading my college dance team and staying active in artist communities. Those years taught me how to balance structure with creativity and set the foundation for where I am today.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to connect—whether it’s through a song, a performance, a dance class, or mentoring an emerging artist, I want to help people feel good. I’m grateful for every twist, turn, and collaboration that’s brought me here, and while I still feel like I’m just getting started, I can’t wait to see what’s next. At the end of the day, I dream big, chase what I want, and plan like crazy to make it happen—while staying ready to adapt to whatever curveballs life throws my way.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the constant evolution—there’s always something new to learn, explore, and stretch toward. And part of that growth has been learning to push past the self-doubt that can sneak in. A lot of times that’s easier said than done, to force yourself to rethink any limiting beliefs. But there’s something so empowering about stepping onto a stage, even when doubts linger, and fully embracing the moment. Honestly, I might just be a bit of an adrenaline junkie because I kind of live for that heart-racing moment right before the curtain opens. Feeling the fear and doing it anyways—that’s how we grow.

At its core, being an artist is about connection—not just with others, but with yourself. It’s about embracing the messy, beautiful process of growth and trusting that every twist and turn brings you closer to where you’re meant to be. That’s what keeps me inspired and grateful to do what I do!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert!!! It’s a must-read bible for any creative person. Elizabeth frames creativity as a collaboration between us and our ideas, rather than something we have to force or control. Her idea that fear will always be in the car but doesn’t get to drive is something I return to all the time. One of my all time favorite quotes from the book (and yes, I have a list of 10 but will only share this one for now): “Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?” She also emphasizes the importance of showing up for your craft, even when it feels imperfect or vulnerable. As a Type A person who’s usually going 100 miles per hour and striving for perfection, Big Magic is a powerful reminder to embrace the joy of the process and trust that creativity will come (and flourish) when we create space for it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alischwar/
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CXu2xqQnt5Ey4vyWuiuFk?si=TFdeM7agTKONeH2RRgtp5Q
  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/ali-schwartz/1475442361
  Live Performance, New in New York: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtylycPtzW8
  Live Performance, Red Couch Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L1YDTLKsBE