Alyssa Trahan
Interview conducted on Jan. 21, 2020
by Dan Locke
A little bit of sass and a whole lot of talent. Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist (she plays over a dozen) and audio engineer Alyssa Trahan (pronounced uh-LIH-sa TRAY-han) is a young force to be reckoned with. She grew up in the small town of East Rochester, NY where she created a major buzz in her hometown and surrounding areas. In 2016, she made the move to Nashville, TN and has been making big waves in the music industry ever since. In January of 2018, she signed her first publishing deal with Dan Hodges Music. This is an impressive accomplishment for any young writer, but especially for a young female artist that’s new in town. Not only that, but she has become a successful producer in Music City, producing not just her own music and demos, but music & tracks for several other artists & writers as well. In a male-dominated business, Alyssa is giving the guys a run for their money.
Dan Locke: How did you get started in music?
I never really had a moment where I started pursuing music, it was always just a part of me. I would make up little melodies and lyrics in my head all the time, which I now know what actually songwriting! I grew up surrounded by music, my dad would play guitar around the house pretty much every night. I was also in all the music programs at school as soon as they were offered. Music was always something I was drawn to!
Who were your musical influences growing up?
I listened to everything growing up. But a few key influences were Taylor Swift, Hilary Duff, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, and Michelle Branch.
What instruments do you play?
I play a bunch! Guitar, mandolin, ukulele, piano, silver flute, Irish flute, piccolo, pennywhistle, alto saxophone, dobro/slide guitar, harmonica, and a little bit of bass!
What is the year make and model of your favorite guitar? And what is its name? And can it be seen in any videos you have on YouTube?
I love Breedlove guitars, and my absolute favorite is my Oregon Concert Rogue. It was a limited edition color they came out with around 2016 that I just had to have when I saw it. It’s a beautiful blue/green reminiscent of water (hence the “rogue” name!). I call it “Blue”. I use it mainly for studio recording versus live shows, but you can see it on my social media from time to time! That guitar is like my baby so I’m very protective of it!
How did you get your first guitar? And do you still have it?
I got my first guitar for Christmas one year. It was a mini electric guitar. I actually gave it to my niece for Christmas last year!
You are from East Rochester NY. How is live music there?
East Rochester is very much a small town, but I loved growing up there. Rochester, in general, is a very musical and art-driven city. There are several live music venues, bands, artists, festivals, studios, etc. The focus is definitely more on other genres like jazz or rock, but there are country fans there for sure!
What was your first and last concert you went to see a performer play?
My first concert was Hilary Duff and my last concert was just last night, I saw my friend, Matt Wynn play!
Since you are from the Rochester area, I am going to ask you about some musicians from that area. I would like you to say something about each if you can.
Tony Levin
Tony is an incredible musician, and we actually both attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester!Lydia Lunch
I love that Lydia is a true artist and creates from the heart. She is fearless!Teddy Geiger
Teddy is a great songwriter, I’ve always loved his lyrics.Polar Bear Club
I’m actually not very familiar with them as they stopped pursuing music before I really got into the local scene. But I have heard they were a great band that put on a high energy show!The Chesterfield Kings
I love that they started as a garage band and went on to live the dream on rock n roll! They inspired so many musicians.
How did you end up in Nashville?
When I realized music was something you could pursue as a career, I started watching TV programs and reading interviews about my favorite artists. They all had one thing in common, and that was that they moved to Nashville. I knew it was where I had to be to “make it”. So, I asked my parents if we could take a family vacation there, and we did! The second I stepped foot in the city, I knew it was where I was supposed to be. I made several trips to Nashville after that and finally made the move in 2016!
Who was the first artist you wrote music for?
The first artist I wrote for was myself. I have always written my own music and have only ever released music I have written either solo or with a co-writer. To be honest, I don’t ever really write for a specific artist. I focus on writing the best song possible that any artist could cut.
Do you still enjoy performing as a solo artist?
Absolutely! There’s something so magical about performing on stage. It’s a feeling and energy that can’t be replicated anywhere.
You have opened up for the likes of Charlie Daniels, Jana Kramer, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack, and Midland. Have you picked up any tips from them about the world of music?
I definitely have. It’s always so cool to see how artists act backstage and how they treat their teams. One artist, Eric Paslay, actually talked to me for over half an hour and gave me so much advice about Nashville and the industry. But the one thing they all say is to stick with it and never give up.
Lets talk about your latest single “Memories Not Dreams”?
Yes! This is a special song for me. I wrote it with Kent Maxson and Adam James Deiboldt while on a writer’s retreat in the mountains of Monteagle, TN. We were talking about life and how fast time seems to fly by, and ultimately wrote this song. We wanted it to be hopeful and honest, and something that would inspire listeners to go for their dreams or call their friend they haven’t talked to in a while. It’s a ballad, which the songwriter in me loves, and the production is really simple and organic.
What was your first gig like?
My first gig was actually at my high school. They put on something called “Acoustic Coffee House” where students could come and play a song, whether it was a cover, just an instrumental or an original. It was the first time I played an original song somewhere that wasn’t my bedroom.
Do you remember playing in Jamestown NY on Jan 18, 2015, at the Eric Hurricane’s Pro Basketball Game?
I sure do! That was super fun. Sporting events are always special to perform at.
At that time did you go check out Lucy Ball’s childhood home?
I actually didn’t have time to explore while I was there, unfortunately. But I’m hoping I can get back there and check it ou!
So you have a tour coming up. Are you excited about it?
So excited! Going out and playing for the fans is always so fun, and it never gets old! I’m so excited to add some new songs to the setlist, too!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Oh gosh, I have no idea! I try not to set expectations or ideals and let the journey take me where it takes me. All I know is that I’ll be making music.
Anything in closing?
2020 is going to be a year of a lot of new music and videos, and I’m really excited to keep sharing new stuff with everyone!
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