About Alyssa Trahan
Why country music ?
~ When I started writing songs, I wasn’t going for a specific genre. I didn’t realize I was writing country music until I heard artists like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Faith Hill on the radio. Then I had a moment of “oh, that’s where I belong!”
You are a multi-instrumentalist but when we allow you only to sing, who are the musicians you would choose for your ultimate band (feel free to wake the dead).
~ Oh wow, what a tough question! I would honestly love to have an all-girl band. I love Annie Clements (bass), Elizabeth Chan (drums), Lindsay Ell (guitar), and honestly Dolly Parton plays a ton of instruments so I’d love to have her!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
~ I like to work out, read and hang out with my cats!
Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Dolly Parton!
What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ I am 100% introvert. I love being at home with my cats just reading a good book with a cup of tea. I’m really not into going out to bars and parties, and I actually don’t drink alcohol at all. I would much rather have a few friends over with some good food and a chill vibe, maybe pass a guitar around and play our favorite songs!
Do you prefer songs that tell a story or songs with a strong message?
~ Ooh, can I say both? Haha! I love story songs so much because they take you on a little journey, like a mini-movie. But songs with a message are so important because sometimes that’s the only way to get through to someone, and music is so universal it can reach anyone and everyone.
What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would?
~ I would say I’m never asked what a cause or issue I really care about is. And I would say I am really passionate about equality, not just in country music but society in general. When you’re a kid, they tell you in school that everyone is equal and racism/sexism is gone, but when you grow up you realize that’s not exactly true. I’ve seen and/or experienced a lot of unfair treatment based on skin color, gender, beliefs, disability, love life, you name it. People are people, no matter what, and no one is above or below anyone else.
Describe the ultimate recording studio
~ The ultimate recording studio, in my opinion, would be somewhere way out in the middle of nowhere, maybe in the mountains, with an awe-inspiring view. A really cozy, warm & vibey space, like a cabin or old house. I’d have candles, incense, comfy couches and a coffee/tea station in every room.
Johnny or June ?
~ Oh wow, how do you pick between them? I love both, but I think I’d say June. I love that she helped Johnny through some tough times, he credited her for helping him get sober, and I always thought she was just beautiful, inside and out. She seemed so intelligent and confident. !
Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ I do get nervous sometimes, but usually at the smaller shows where there are fewer people in the audience but they’re closer to you and you can see their faces, especially if it’s something like an industry showcase. I also get a little nervous for live TV appearances/performances. I’ve found that the only thing that helps my nerves is to focus on my breathing because when I get nervous I forget to breathe and it makes the situation much worse!
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ I’d say the most memorable day was when I got asked to open for Charlie Daniels. It was a really cool moment because it was my first gig opening for a major artist like that. My dad actually plays guitar in my band, and he’s a huge Charlie Daniels fan, so I got to say “hey dad, guess who’s opening for Charlie Daniels?” He thought I was going to say someone I wanted to see in concert or a friend, but then I said “us” and his face was priceless!
