Rising Stars: Meet Alyssa Trahan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Trahan.

Hi Alyssa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in the small town of East Rochester, NY. I have loved music ever since I was a baby, I’d dance if there was music was playing, and I was involved in my school’s music program as soon I was able. Ever since I can remember, I would write songs in my head, and I thought everyone came up with little melodies and lyrics for fun. When I got older, I found out that wasn’t common and I was actually writing songs. My dad played guitar all around the house when I was growing up, so I asked him to teach me how to play so I could add music to my songs. He taught me a few chords and I practiced constantly, always playing and writing. One summer, I wrote a new song every day! I always knew I wanted to be in music when I grew up. I didn’t really know where my music fit in until I heard Faith Hill, Shania Twain, The Chicks, Taylor Swift, etc. on the radio. Then it all clicked for me.

I started recording my original music at local studios and playing out any chance I got. I’d play at coffee shops, bars, anywhere that would have me. I remember seeing specials on TV about artists and songwriters in Nashville, TN and they all said that if you wanted to make it in country music, you had to be in Nashville. So I knew that was where I had to be. One summer, I asked my parents if we could go to Nashville for a vacation and they said yes. As soon as I stepped foot in Nashville, I had this overwhelming feeling like I belonged there. I knew I’d move there someday. When my music picked up and things got more serious a few years later, I asked my dad to take me back to Nashville on “business trips” so I could start meeting people and get my foot in the door. We took dozens of trips over a few years while I was in college for audio recording and playing gigs regularly, and eventually, it was clear that it was time to make the move. So, in 2016, I moved from my little hometown to Music City. Since then, everything has snowballed and my music has become my whole life.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There have been many challenges on this journey. I’ve dealt with everything from struggling to pay rent and make ends meet to sexism in the industry. I’ve had to pick up multiple side jobs, especially when it’s not touring season. I’ve had labels tell me they’re “not looking for a female artist” and they “already have a female” signed to their roster. I’ve been burned by people I thought were my friends. I’ve been scammed and I’ve been in bad contracts, But I know it’s all worth it because I get to do what I love and I’m making it work. No path is free of struggle and as Dolly Parton once said, you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a little of everything when it comes to my music. I consider myself a songwriter first, but I am also an artist, a multi-instrumentalist, and a producer. I play over a dozen different instruments and got my degree in music production. Some people call me a “track girl” around town because I produce my own tracks and demos, as well as music for other artists. I actually self-produced my latest full-length record on my own and played about 95% of the instruments on the project. As an artist, I’m known for being a little outside the box. I love to push boundaries and experiment in my music. I believe good music is good music and there should be no rules when it comes to creating!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned is to be 100% authentic and be unapologetic about it. Trying to be like someone else will get you nowhere and true magic happens when you fully embrace who you are. Plus, your real friends will accept you for who you are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alyssatrahan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssatrahan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssatrahanofficial
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lysstrahan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/alyssatrahan

Image Credits
Anthony Romano – 412ink Joanne Graham