Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alyssa Allgood. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alyssa, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my new EP “Leap” which was released on January 9, 2026. I self-composed, arranged and produced this 6-track EP that captures the spirit of taking risks in life and love. It’s both a reflection of the struggle and a celebration of the triumph to make a leap. The recording features 3 original songs and 3 arrangements of jazz standards that highlight my refined voice as a modern songwriter and arranger.

I was inspired to release this EP because I wanted to take greater risks with my music and entrepreneurial skills as an independent artist. I began writing and arranging my own music a few years ago, which has given me greater confidence as an artist and businesswoman. This recording is meaningful because I’ve been able to invest more in myself, apply lessons learned from past releases, and feel in command of communicating my story. “Leap” has empowered me to really show up for myself and stay committed to my creative journey. I hope the music inspires listeners to move forward in their own lives, whether that’s a big leap, a small step, or a dance into who they are.

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

I am a Chicago-based jazz vocalist, songwriter, arranger, bandleader and educator. I was named a “Rising Star Female Vocalist” in the 2024 and 2025 DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll and voted “Best Individual Jazz Musician” in the 2024 Chicago Reader Poll. I blend soulful storytelling and rich improvisational language through original compositions, captivating arrangements and a lyrical focus of self-love and human connection. My music prioritizes fierce musical interaction and vulnerable expression that is rooted in modern sensibilities.

I have performed as a leader at major jazz venues around North America including the Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Green Mill and Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Dizzy’s, Birdland and Mezzrow in New York, Blues Alley in D.C., Blue Llama in Ann Arbor, Jazz, TX in San Antonio, Rudy’s Jazz Room in Nashville, The Century Room in Tucson and many others.

I currently teach jazz voice at Loyola University in Chicago. I use my experience on the bandstand to empower students and nurture their artistic journey. My teaching work has appeared at the Jazz Education Network Conference, the University of North Texas’s Jazz Lecture Series, the Illinois Music Educators Association, the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Anchor Music’s Vocal Jazz Academy, jazzvoice.com, the University of Chicago and many other prestigious institutions.

Notable awards include winning the Inaugural Ella Fitzgerald Competition (2017), having songs selected as finalists in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and International Songwriting Competition (2023) and receiving the Performance Plus Grant from Chamber Music America (2025).

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by empowering others to find belonging and a sense of self through song. My music promotes positive values like empathy, vulnerability, resilience and introspection, which impact our ability to relate to one another. Music encourages meaningful reflection on the ways we love and understand ourselves and those around us. I believe jazz is a powerful connector that asks us to surrender to the moment and trust each other as we express our authentic selves. My work as a bandleader, composer and arranger is rooted in these beliefs, as I invite listeners to move forward in some way, whether that’s a big leap, a small step, or a dance into who they are.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

A common misconception about the creative journey is that artists are successful becuase they’re talented. While having talent is a good starting place, it won’t get you very far. The creative journey requires grit, determination, resilience, empathy, commitment to one’s vision, flexibility, and a little more grit.

For example, I used to think that songwriting was magic and some people could do it while others couldn’t. It turns out that songwriting is a practice and a skill that can be developed. It’s true that some ideas come to me, but most of my writing experience requires hours and hours of thinking, working and editing to make the song come together.

The creative journey is beautiful, but challenging. It asks us to commit, dig deep and fight for our musical truth. And it’s worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alyssaallgood.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allgoodjazz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssaallgoodmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaAllgood

Image Credits

Adrien H. Tillmann
Dominic Guanzon
Alvin Cobb