Allison Cipris is a singer/songwriter from New York who delivers her own brand of gritty, melodic country rock. Allison has shared the stage with nationally touring artists and has performed all over the country at stadiums, festival stages and smaller venues alike.
Over the past few years, Allison has emerged on her own as a gifted songwriter and powerhouse performer, carrying on the lineage of dynamic country-rock women like Miranda Lambert, Jennifer Nettles and Sheryl Crow before her. Allison’s powerfully distinct vocal style has received much attention from critics as well as audience members.
What first got you into music?
Music has always been a constant in my life. My parents, although neither were musicians, were huge music enthusiasts. They started taking me to concerts at a very young age. I grew up listening and singing along to some of the best rock bands!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I always describe my music as “the rock side of country” since many of my early influences were more rock than country. I try to write songs that are real and relatable so that my audience can see themselves in the stories I tell with my songs.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
There are so many great artists that I would love to share the stage with. If I could ever open for Sheryl Crow, that’d be amazing. She is my all time favorite artist and has been such a huge influence on my personal musical journey. Of the newer artists in my genre, I’d love to open for Carly Pearce or Kelsea Ballerini because I love their music and think they’re both tremendously talented. Just think, how much fun would we have on an all girl tour? Let’s make that happen!
What is your favorite song to perform?
My most favorite original song to perform is my latest single, “Sunrise Drive”. I have always loved performing this one since it was written and have been playing it out for a while, waiting for the right time to release it.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
I am a storyteller. I really enjoy creating stories with my music. Some are my own, some stories belong to people I know or have come in contact with. There is no greater rush than having an audience respond to your original music. It’s like every time I perform my own music, I share a piece of myself with whoever is listening. It’s really special.
What are your plans for any future releases?
I plan to continue to write as much as I can and release more music, for sure!
I really do enjoy collaborating with other songwriters and have been consistently adding to my song catalog. So, yes, there will absolutely be more new music released.
Was anyone else involved in writing, recording, or producing the songs?
Yes! Sunrise Drive was written with my talented songwriter friend Al Lama, and it was produced by Joey Ebach in Nashville. I tried tracking this song before and it just never hit right until Joey created the perfect vibe.
If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be?
Don’t try to copy anyone else. If you are creating music and representing your authentic self in this world, that’s all that matters. Music is subjective. Not everyone is going to like what you do. If you are creating something that you are genuinely proud of and it’s something you enjoy, you don’t need anyone else’s approval.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
Just watched the last season of Cobra Kai. So good!
Would you rather be the one in a movie who gets the hero/heroine or the baddie with all the good lines?
I was always cast as the baddie in all my high school musicals, so I guess the baddie. It’s way more fun!
What makes you nostalgic?
Teenage rom-com series! I always think how different things might be in my life if I could go back and relive a few things!
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
Before every show, I need to eat some red Swedish fish candy. Also, I have this really old, worn out folder that holds my printed set lists. I have had it in my gig bag for what seems like forever! It’s literally held together by some fancy duct tape now. Even if I don’t need it, I always make sure it’s in my bag for good luck!
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
I’d tell her to stay positive. That she is going to be very surprised at how some things work out!