We were lucky to catch up with Alison Albrecht recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Music has always been at the center of my life. I started performing at open mic nights when I was in 3rd grade, singing Taylor Swift and Coldplay covers to crowds of midwest baristas in the evenings after school. Soon thereafter, I traveled to larger music cities and performed at the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City and the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, still before I was even a teenager. I started booking my own regular gigs the summer after 6th grade by searching “Live Music Detroit Area” on Yelp and emailing a bio and performance footage to nearly every restaurant or festival I could find. Only one place responded to me at the start, but from there I began working as a musician.

I continued performing all throughout high school and found success opening for artists such as Troye Sivan, Charlie Puth, and The Steve Miller Band. However, I pressed pause when I got to college. I was someone that loved school and took it very seriously, and as the eldest daughter of two engineers (albeit, two engineers overwhelmingly supportive of my music career), I decided to study a non-music field. I attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and received a B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience, focusing much of my studies and work in clinical psychology.

I had a decision to make after graduating in 2022: Do I go to graduate school, or do I pursue music as my career? Being an artist has been my dream job for my entire life. While I highly considered other paths, a career in music was undoubtably what I wanted. So, I packed up all of my belongings in my Ford Escape and drove across the country from the Detroit suburbs to Los Angeles to professionally pursue music as an adult.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an artist and songwriter originally from Michigan, now based in Los Angeles. My music lives in the indie-pop genre, influenced by artists like Maggie Rogers, Sara Bareilles, and Lizzy McAlpine.

I am most proud of the way my music has resonated with others and made them feel seen and understood. My song “White Tab” is about taking medication for anxiety and depression. My next single “Lifeline” is about finally feeling relief from constant heaviness after a break up. Being able to profoundly connect with listeners energetically and lyrically is what keeps me writing every day.

I also love performing live and creating magnetic, one of a kind moments with listeners every night. I hope when people come to my live shows or hire me for private events that they resonate with the joy I feel every time I’m onstage.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I’ve said this a lot, but it’s absolutely true – the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to positively impact the lives of others. Music fosters connection unlike any other medium. When I was 16 playing a festival in Royal Oak, Michigan, a father and his son came up to me after the show to tell me that they heard my song on the radio days prior, and were so moved that they drove 3 hours to the show so they could meet me in person. I’ve loved creating music that inspires connection, introspection, and healing.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Choosing a creative path is not for the faint of heart, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Early on I seriously struggled with my mental health, limiting my ability to do much of anything, let alone create and perform. I learned that in order to continue in this field I needed to prioritize my own wellbeing above all else. Artistry demands constant vulnerability – putting yourself out there for the world and hearing so many “nos” before getting a yes. I’m still growing, but I am so much more grounded now that I’ve learned how to better protect my peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alisonalbrecht.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonalbrecht
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonalbrechtmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/alisonalbrecht
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alison_albrecht

Image Credits

NBC, Greg Gayne/NBC
NBC, Tyler Golden/NBC
Mario Sulaksana
Alex Andersen
Annette Isabelle