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

Alison, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The second I learned to speak, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career as a recording artist. Of course, most little girls say they want to grow up to either be a princess or a pop star, but with me it stuck. My mom enrolled me in dancing, acting, and singing lessons at the Triple Threat Theater Studio at three and I was extremely devoted to growing there, eventually working up to attending classes/rehearsals sometimes 30 hours a week. As I got into high school and started applying to arts colleges, the classic “What’s your backup plan” questions came from every single adult in my life, and I was always sort of dumbfounded by that mindset. Of course I can see how that may seem like the responsible choice to them, but isn’t putting all of your eggs in the basket of your back up plan, the same as opting out of working your ass off for your dream? I have always had that mindset but in my teen years, while having the same conversation over and over again, I became so much more sure that I would live with regret if I didn’t do everything in my power to go after my dream of becoming the global pop sensation I know I have the potential to be. Following that turning point I went on to study Commercial Vocal Performance and Music Business at Belmont University In Nashville, and made the move to LA, I’ve waited my entire life to do, a little over a year ago. Within a month of my move to LA, I was lucky enough to be casted on Season 21 of American Idol, and have seen so much personal/professional growth since. American Idol was a childhood dream of mine and I feel so much more confident in my abilities to achieve the rest after getting to have a place on THAT stage. It was absolutely incredible and affirming to not only learn from Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, but to receive positive feedback from them, while getting to experience so many other artists and creatives on the show. Needless to say, the experience changed my life and I can’t wait to see where the rest of my path as an artist takes me.

Alison, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a sassy, soulful, 23 year old R&B/Pop artist, currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired by the soulful smooth tones of Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Ariana Grande, and more, I bring to the table raw, truthful, and powerful vocals/messages as an artist, embellished with my own signature sass of course. In pursuit of my biggest aspirations and happiness, I spend most of my time writing and creating independently, as well as through collaborations with other creatives in both Los Angeles and Nashville, TN. So far I have released three singles, “Loving Me”, “Sweetest Sound”, and “Too Close”, which are all part of a greater work that is several years in the making, following every stage of love from the early on denial to the aftermath of when it’s long gone. I am extremely excited to release the entire project soon… I can’t contain myself! There have been teaser videos of several of the songs on this project ALL OVER my social media, so make sure to follow me @itsalisonogden on all social media platforms, so you don’t miss them! It’s the greatest release emotionally for me to get my heart out there through music, and I hope I can help people feel heard in the things they may not even be able to admit out loud to themselves, like other artists have for me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my life as an artist is that I’m blessed to be able to pursue something with endless possibilities, not to mention something that I have an evergrowing love for. Most people do not know their path from the day they are born and I am so lucky to have never had a question on the subject.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Our creatives and artists need to be better awarded for their work. It is devastating to see the lack of fair pay to writers specifically. While creating, whether it be through writing, composing, dancing, or any other avenue, we are pouring out a part of our souls. The most valuable work is often the most emotional release for creatives and we need to take care of those who help the world feel seen and heard, not just those at the top of the entertainment food chain.

Contact Info:

• Website: alisonogden.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsalisonogden/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsalisonogden/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsalisonogden?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsalisonogden/videos

Image Credits
“Loving Me” Cover Photo, Photo on Bed, “Too Close” Cover Photo, and Disco Ball Photo: EmmaLee Photography Personal Photo: Orel Chollette