We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allison Dyg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allison below.

Allison , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My mother would say I’ve always wanted to pursue a artistic/musical path. I’ve been singing for years! Since I was about 4 years old. I remember wrapping myself in a bedsheet with a paper “torch” trying my best to look like lady liberty. Then I’d sing the national anthem for my grandma/mom and anyone who was in my grandmother’s kitchen- that was the hang out spot for my family. I’d say for me however… I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue a path in music/performing after I saw “The Girl Singers of the Hit parade” at 9 years old. There I met my aunts friend, Colleen Raye, who I had made a career in performing all around the US. 9 year old me thought “WOW!”
“I want that! I can dress up in pretty dresses and sing for a big audience. I want to be just like her!” A few weeks later I started voice lessons with Colleen!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

It all started with voice lessons. Unfortunately soon after I started it got to be too expensive and I wasn’t able to go anymore. But I still learned a little here and there through singing in the school choir and music teachers! Around 15 I started going to open mics at bars with my highschool boyfriend and his family…. Sometimes we’d be out until 1 in the morning! I specifically remember the Beach Bar in Lakewood MN as a regular place! I did this throughout highschool but got discouraged because I always needed someone to play music for me so I could sing and no one knew the songs I did.. then I met Sarah Vanvalkenburg. She played guitar and sang her all by herself! She even played her own songs! Sarah to me that if she could do it so could I. The only thing holding me back was my own fear of failing and she was right. For my 17th birthday I was gifted a beautiful salted maple guitar buly my boyfriend. He knew I really wanted to learn and learn I did! I twilight myself how to play chords and read guitar tabs… YouTube and the interwebs helped a lot…. Thanks YouTube! After highschool I joined a band at 23ish. A cover band called Flashpoint. We had some great times!!! Unfortunately for me though it wasn’t enough and I knew I could do more… Wanted more.. needed more! I started toying with the idea that I could play by myself… Do songs I wanted to… Maybe play some of my own? The problem? MONEY. I didn’t have the cash needed to buy the equipment to play at a bar or cafe… My boyfriend(highschool sweetheart) was a full time musician with The Dweebs Cover band and he didn’t have the best income from it… I was a bank to him unfortunately… But my mom gave me my chance to play solo! She asked what I wanted for Christmas and I said all I want is to be able to play! All I need is a speaker… Just one! So that Christmas I got a $200 Behrigner Speaker that I could plug a guitar and microphone into! I booked my first show at Gibby’s Lanes iny hometown of New Richmond WI and the rest is history. Since then I’ve booked a bunch more shows! Got a booking agent. Met a ton of wonderful people and have started recording my first single. I’m proud of how far I’ve come… Never did I think that I would have people who come out to bars/restaurants and venues not for the food/drinks but to hear me play!!!

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative individual is being able to touch people in ways day too day life can’t. Music heals so many wounds… One line… One melody or lyric can completely open a person up… Let their emotions run.

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

My grandmother was a huge supporter of my music/singing… She passed away the day I got my driver’s license at age 16… The year after my grandfather ( my best friend) was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer… I stayed with him at his home and took care of him in his final months… That was the hardest time in my life… Losing one of my biggest supporters and the my best friend… My grandpa… But I never quit on him. Even when I couldn’t recognize him anymore… He wasn’t strong and stoic at the end… He was fragile and terrified… But I never left. I never gave up on him even though I knew there was no hope …… If I am anything it’s resilient… They taught me that. I never give up. Choosing a career path like mine. In music can be absolutely heart breaking.. people love to tear you down.. But you can’t listen to them.. Keep moving forward. Don’t stop. Don’t give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: allisondyg.com
• Instagram: allisondygmusic
• Facebook: Allison Dyg Music
• Other: Snapchat and TikTok as allisondygmusic