Meet Ally Ryan- a young, L.A.- based pop artist and songwriter ready to break into the scene with her debut single. After years of writing music for other artists, she’s finally beginning to release music personal to her own experiences. She’s already garnered some success early on in her career, when the song she wrote for Kat DeLuna, ‘Waves’, went #1 in Japan.
This new stage of her career kicked off with the release of her debut single ‘Wasted’ earlier this year. Written about her previous toxic relationship, ‘Wasted’ is a catchy summer bop that allows Ally’s sultry vocals to shine. And the song is already making waves (no pun intended)- it peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot Singles Chart and placed third in Musical.ly’s #NextWaveJuly contest. Ally is currently finishing up her debut EP, set to release before the end of 2017.
We caught up with Ally Ryan to talk about ‘Wasted’, songwriting, her upcoming EP, and more. Read the full interview below!
Hi Ally! Tell us a bit about your debut single, ‘Wasted’. What was your inspiration for the song and how did you go about writing it?
The inspiration behind ‘Wasted’ came from a toxic relationship I was in. The record is essentially about two people who are in love, but toxic for one another, which I think happens more often than we think. I learned a lot through that relationship, and felt like it was a story that should be shared!
The music video looked like it was really fun to shoot! What was your experience like on set?
Shooting the video was an absolute blast! Phil Lubin, who played my love interest in the video, was such a great time on set and made me feel extremely comfortable, which I think showed through in the final product!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QafNw316rkQ
How did you start singing and writing songs? Has it been something you’ve always wanted to do?
I got my first microphone around the age of three and have been putting on shows ever since! I grew up on stage whether it was singing, dance recitals, or plays, so I always knew I was born to be an entertainer of some sort. I got really into writing music around the age of 13 when I had my first writing session, and haven’t stopped since!
You’ve been writing music for other artists long before the release of ‘Wasted’. What made you decide to transition into making your own music?
I think when songs became too personal to give away is when I knew I was ready to release my own music! I had been working on my own stuff while writing for other artists as well, so It was only a matter of time!
The song you wrote for Kat DeLuna, ‘Waves’, reached number 1 in Japan! How did it feel to be apart of something so successful at such as young age?
I honestly still have trouble comprehending it. I never ever thought it would reach number 1… or even number 10 for that matter. But it’s been absolutely amazing. I feel very blessed!
What are some of your biggest goals or dreams for your career in music?
My main goal is just to stay focused and to keep doing what I love. Music is my dream, so as long as I’m doing it, I’m happy!
You’re hoping to release your debut EP by the end of the year. How is it coming along so far?
The EP is coming together great! It’s so close to being done! It’s been my little baby for the past couple years so I’m excited for it to finally come out!
Can you give us any details about the sound or theme of your upcoming EP?
The EP will definitely feature songs similar to the ‘Wasted’ vibe, but it will also feature some slow, more personal records!
Do you have any other plans for the rest of 2017? Any shows or live gigs coming up?
I do have some shows lined up that I am looking forward to. Nothing I can talk about just yet, but stay tuned!
Is there anything else you’d like to say about ‘Wasted’ or to supporters of your music?
THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT! Means the world to me!!
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, and we wish you the best of luck with your upcoming EP!
Thank you for having me! :)