Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Ann.
Hi Alyssa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My parents enrolled me into Kinder Music classes when I was 3 years old and ever since then I have been pursuing music. I took piano, voice, flute and guitar lessons growing up but I always enjoyed singing the most. One of the extracurricular activities I was involved in after school was musical theater and I did this for 10 years in a row until I started High School. Additionally, I was involved in choir all throughout my years in school including college. I attended Azusa Pacific University where I received my Bachelor’s of Music in Commercial Music with a double emphasis in Vocal Performance and Music Business in 2017. Two years after this I received my Master’s of Arts in Music Entrepreneurial Studies. From 2019 to currently I have been pursuing my solo music career as a Country singer/songwriter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles really began once I started grade school. I wasn’t considered a “cool kid” and I was bullied in junior high which ultimately made me transfer to a different schooling district for high school. But even high school wasn’t easy for me. I struggled with a learning disability where my eyes couldn’t focus at the same time when I would read. So I had to stay after class and take extra time to complete my tests. Doing assignments and testing was always harder for me because of this but I still managed to get good grades. The struggles didn’t stop here though. My choir teacher was less than supportive of me and my pursuits in music. Every year I tried out for the top choir (Chamber singers) and every year I wouldn’t get in. I would ask how I could improve but he would be vague and not helpful. He simply said I just don’t have what it takes and that my “music ear” wasn’t developed. When I tried out my senior year to see if I could finally make it my last year of HS he told me “you should consider going to college for a different major because you don’t have the skills that it takes in music”. This crushed me but I used his words as ammunition to prove him wrong. As stated earlier I got my Bachelor’s and Master’s in music thanks to the extremely helpful and supportive teachers on staff at APU. They were truly amazing and I’ll never forget the extra time and effort they put into my education. So luckily there was a happy ending for me but the road getting there was not an easy one. Even currently I struggle everyday just trying to book gigs and land auditions. The competition and saturation of the music industry is substantial but I’m not one for giving in or giving up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently recording/producing my original music for my debut album. So far I have released 4 singles to all streaming platforms, “Like I Did Before”, “Trust Issues”, “Honey” and “She’s a Warrior”.
My sound is a unique mixture of homegrown California Country and heartbreak Pop.
Some of the artists who have heavily inspired/influenced this sound are: Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Nicks, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Celine Dion and Linda Ronstadt.
I also love to perform and connect with others. Some venues I’m proud of performing at include: The Bluebird Cafe- Nashville, The Hotel Cafe-Hollywood, Category 10-Nashville, Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville, Tootsie’s-Nashville, Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk- Nashville, The Viper Room-Hollywood, Desert 5 Spot-West Hollywood, Big Shotz-Nashville, The Stillery-Nashville, etc.
The highest honor I have received was being nominated for the 2025 and 2026 Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry. The event is, “recognized as the largest and premier independent music awards globally…”.
In 2025 I was nominated for three categories consisting of: Vocalist of the Year (Country Female), Emergent Artist (Country Female), and the Songwriter Achievement Award for my song “Southland.”
Most recently for the 2026 Josie Music Awards I was nominated for: Social impact song of the year (Multi Genre) for “She’s a Warrior”, Vocalist of the Year (Country Pop), Song of the Year (Country Female) for “Honey”and Songwriter Achievement Awards for “Here’s to You” and “West Coast Boys”. It means the world to be recognized for the music I have written as an independent artist. Even though I didn’t win any of these awards, I see being nominated as a huge accomplishment all on its own.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned many things over the years whether it was easily or reluctantly. I can tell you for certain you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. For me being afraid of the outcome and my need for perfection held me back from putting myself out there sooner. I felt I needed to finish college before I could properly brand myself as an artist and perform live. If I could do it all over again I would have developed thicker skin and got more experience sooner. You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but that’’s okay. Not everyone needs to like you. Focus on finding the ones who resonate with you and your sound. Also this industry can be lonely but it doesn’t have to be. Collaborate with others and let people help you. It doesn’t hurt to ask for help from time to time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Alyssaannofficial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaannmusic?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssaannmusic?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alyssaannmusic4263?si=0OanGblKIdP3aSzf
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssaannmusic?_r=1&_t=ZP-9ACfX1SxJx1
