“This album focuses entirely on the songwriting.” — Alyssa Trahan’s Songwriter Selections Vol. 1
Growing up loving music, listening to your father playing the guitar around your house every night. “I wrote every second of every day. Eventually, I told my dad I wanted to start playing gigs. A local musician in the area asked me to be a part of his weekly show in the summer. I began to record music during high school. After graduation from high school, I played out, wrote every night, and recorded my music. Every day I would tell my dad about the new song I wrote, many of them were terrible, but I was still writing.” How can we best encourage our children to make music a part of their everyday lives, in and out of school?
I think music programs in school are really, really important. The music program at my school is a huge reason that I am where I am today! From band and chorus to afterschool groups and musicals, I always looked forward to those things and they helped me grow so much. I fully believe that having access to music programs and creative outlets helped me in my academics, too. When it comes to outside of school, I think the biggest thing is support and encouragement from friends and family. If someone has an interest in music, they should be encouraged to pursue it!
“It’s been a crazy ride and so much has happened, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” Moving to Nashville 8 years ago after learning to play over a dozen instruments and getting a degree in Audio Recording. What brought you to Music City from East Rochester, NY?
I first heard about Nashville when watching a TV program about country singers and their journeys in the music industry. They all mentioned this magical place called Nashville and said it was Music City. I knew I had to get there, so I asked my parents to go there on a family vacation one summer! As soon as I stepped foot in Nashville, I knew I would call it home someday. I felt this undeniable pull, like I was meant to be there. After a few years of back and forth trips, I finally made the move in 2016!
The eclipse song. Back in 2017 you wrote a song about an eclipse for a meteorologist and a feature reporter who were traveling through Nashville to see one. In minutes, you’d written a chorus and song, laid down instrumental tracks and taught them how to record vocals. Writing songs to pitch for publishing can be different for a songwriter since you must be radio friendly. Can you share a project that you’re particularly proud of and why?
I’m really proud of my new album Songwriter Selections Vol. 1! It’s a different album than I’ve ever put out before. This album focuses entirely on the songwriting. It’s a collection of songs I call “songwriter songs,” the ones that are the deep cuts on most records, the ones that deal with tough or taboo topics and even the ones people in the industry said I shouldn’t release because they weren’t mainstream enough. The album has 14 songs I am so proud of and truly think are my strongest songs. It’s also 100% produced, mixed and mastered by me!
You’ve had song placements on The Jimmy Kimmel Show, The Young and the Restless, and many independent films. How does a new artist go about getting their songs placed on TV and movies?
Most of my placements have been happy accidents! I posted a cover on YouTube and the next thing I knew, someone from Jimmy Kimmel emailed me asking to use the song on TV! I’ve also worked with companies and agents that help artists get their songs to music supervisors. There are multiple ways to make it happen!
Producing for multiple artists (like Miggie Snyder) ranging in genres. How do you feel about working with artists to create a specific sound or vision for their music?
I absolutely love working with and producing other artists! It’s so rewarding to help an artist bring their song to life and hone in on their sound. It’s also so special because I know how much trust goes into the process, so I never take that for granted.
For new music producers, what is the most important thing for them to know?
I think the most important thing is to stay authentic and not try to be like any other producer. For a while, I felt like I wasn’t good enough because I didn’t do things other producers in town did and my tracks didn’t sound like theirs. But now, I realize that’s actually a big strength for me! Don’t be afraid to be different!
“This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of; it has such a powerful message that I think will resonate with many people, and Allie’s performance is absolutely stunning. We knew we were onto something good the day we wrote it, and I know Craig Wilson, our beloved co-writer who is no longer here with us, would be so proud.” Co-written with Allie Colleen, Krystal Polychronis and the late Craig Wilson, “Grass On The Grave.” Can you share what inspired the co-write?
This song was inspired by real life events and a mutual feeling we all had in the writing room. It’s all about healing and growth after a really, really tough time. We wanted something meaningful and powerful without being cheesy or redundant. It was one of my favorite co-writes in the moment and I knew the song was special. But since Craig passed away, the song has taken on a whole new meaning for me. It will always hold a special spot in my heart.
“Long After 85” tells George and Claire Kittle’s story, from first meeting to his playing in the last Super Bowl. You said that it is one of your favorite songs that you’ve written and produced. What makes this song so special for you?
This song is special because it was actually a gift for George and Claire! A close friend of theirs, Niner, asked me to help write & produce it after we connected and I was so honored to be a part of it! They are just great, down to earth people with a beautiful love story the whole world should know.
“When you finally finish the album, make a cup of tea, and listen to the final masters.” Songwriter Selections Vol. 1. Can you share how you made the selections for the album?
I have written well over 1,000 songs since moving to Nashville and write over 100 every year. So many of those never get released, they just sit on someone’s computer or in someone’s notebook. Maybe an artist didn’t cut the song, maybe it got dropped from a project, maybe it just never found a home. But there are so many songs I have written that I am beyond proud of and want the world to hear, so I decided to start a new album series, the “Songwriter Selection” series, that focuses on the songs that haven’t been given a chance, yet. The new album is the first of many to come! I started going through the archives of all the songs I’ve written from 2016 to now and picked out my absolute favorite ones (this took several hours!). Some of them I already had full demos for and some of them were just rough worktapes on my phone. But every song is one I remember absolutely loving after it was written.
Concerts at Point of the Bluff to support Sara Evans on June 22nd . Which song by Evans is your favorite in terms of song structure and arrangements?
“Suds in the Bucket” will always be a classic for me! It’s so nostalgic and is one of those songs that feels like summer to me! I also play it live regularly and it’s always so much fun to do! Fun fact, my band and I call it “Bucket of Suds” as an inside joke after one of the band members called it that on accident, haha! I’m also a sucker for a good story song and that’s one of the best!
Welcoming Shadow from The Catio Nashville to your family. How is she doing?
She is doing great! She’s getting along great with her brother, Chip, and is definitely part of our little family now! We believe our sweet Beesly sent her to us when she crossed the rainbow bridge last year.
What’s ahead?
I have so many projects I’m working on right now! I’m producing more and more artists in multiple genres and can’t wait for everyone to hear what they’re working on. I’m also writing a lot of music for TV/movies which I’m having so much fun with! In a few weeks, I’ll be heading out to do a summer tour and opening for Sara Evans, Clay Walker, and Allie Colleen plus headlining a bunch of shows. And of course, I’m always writing new music every single day! It’s a busy life, but I love it!