Q&A's

 

Alannah McCready has been carving out her nice and making a name for herself amongst the country music fans since she first released “Something Like That,” the first track on her recently released EP Back To Me. We recently had the awesome opportunity to check in with Alannah and chat with her about her first official CMA Fest, her new EP Back To Me, working with Will Gittens on the project and having him guest of her current single “Can I Call,” her NCAA ice hockey career, and much more!

(Interview by: Jeffrey Kurtis

"Can I Call" Music Video

https://www.alannahmccready.com/

 

1) You participated in your first official CMA Fest this year (2022). Tell us about your experiences during it.

This year was my first time officially being a part of CMA Fest, so I tried to experience everything I can! I really enjoyed playing shows and my meet and greet! I love that CMA Fest is all about the fans!

2) You mentioned your meet-n-greet. What did it mean to you to be able to meet your fans one on one in an incredible setting like that?

This year, I participated in my first ever official CMA Fest meet and greet! I am grateful to Roper for having me and loved meeting everyone at Fan Fair X!

3) You’ve recently released your EP Back To Me. Tell us a little bit of what we can expect from it when we hit play.

I think Back To Me is by far the most relatable and transparent project I have ever released, and I am so happy everyone is finally getting a chance to hear it! Since this project is an EP and not an LP, I wanted to make sure there was something on there for everyone and show each part of myself as an artist. The project features everything from a girl-power anthem in the song “Back to Me” to a vulnerable sad track in “On My Own,” as well as a duet and a feel-good love song to round it out.

4) You worked with Will Gittens and Sterling on the project. How did their involvement change the landscape the most and help you find the overall feel for your EP that might not have otherwise been there?

I think having them involved ensured the project would portray me exactly how I want to be seen and heard as an artist because they know me so well. That, paired with the fact that they are two of the most talented people I have ever met!

5) Your most current single is “Can I Call.” Why did you feel that this was the perfect song to follow-up “Something Like That”?

I think “Can I Call” was the perfect song to follow “Something Like That” because we felt it was very relevant to what is currently happening in the world. Also, I wanted the next single to be very different from the first and highlight that there is a duet on the project because they are not as common.

6) Will Gittens is featured on the song with you as the duet partner. How did having him come in on the track help add the full depth to the lyrics and vibe of the song the most?

He is a fantastic songwriter and vocalist. I also think our voices work very well together. I love having his voice throughout my entire project because I think it adds warmth to the tracks.

7) Is there one song from the EP that stands out as your personal favorite? If so, why that song?

Honestly, I can't pick just one as my favorite. I think the songs all represent a big part of who I am as an artist and songwriter and different facets of my personality.

8) We can’t let this Q&A go by without talking hockey with you. All our staff members are big hockey fans, and so we're intrigued by your resume. Tell us a little bit about your history of playing hockey, being part of two NCAA Women's Championship teams, etc.

Haha, yes, most people do a double-take on that part of my bio! I grew up in Minnesota, so you get skates as soon as you can walk. There were no girls' teams for me to play on until I got to high school, so I played on all-boys teams until then. I played for UW Madison in college and was a part of two national championships within the Badger women's hockey legacy! Believe it or not, I have been able to apply my experience with hockey to my career as an independent artist.

9) You obviously also had a passion for music as well as hockey. What ultimately led you to choosing music when you had that kind of amazing hockey career on your resume?

They are my two passions! I always knew I wanted to make music as a career from a very young age! So, I did both for as long as possible, and when I finally got the opportunity to do music full-time, I took it and ran  - and I haven't looked back!

10) What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

I think the best advice I have ever received is to remember to stay mentally tough. This industry is a roller coaster. One day you could be up and the next down, so you have to be able to handle the good and the bad equally while still staying positive about your career!

 

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