THE SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

Fast Facts:

Pursuit: Country-pop music writer/performer, TSAI’s Female Songwriter of the Year 2014

Definition of success: The late Maya Angelou: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

 
I’ve cheated again. And this time I’ve been even more shameless. This is my second interview with a music act whom I’ve attempted to catch at that moment where success is just beginning to spark. Honestly, I’m doing it for the good of us all: how can we understand success if we’re not there to watch it form? But secretly I’d like to feature a guest and then, in a couple of years’ time when they hit it big, say to everyone: ‘See, I told you they’d make it – I’m a genius when it comes to talent-spotting.’ It’s just not true though. With country singers Ward Thomas I piggy-backed the prestigious opinions of BBC radio and television, and now with the wonderfully talented Alayna I have forgone any attempt at self-prophesying in favour of a professional opinion: Tennessee Songwriters Association International, or TSAI if you prefer. But trust me, it’s better this way. You don’t want me picking random people from around the world just because something tells me they’ve got that spark. Far more appropriate that I apply the evidence of an authority figure. Hence I bring you the TSAI’s Most Promising Female Songwriter 2013 and Female Songwriter of the Year 2014: Alayna.

If you’ve not come across her – and if you take the word of Tennessee Songwriters Association International as gospel then in a short time you certainly will – Alayna (full name Alayna Carroll) is a singer-songwriter in the country-pop genre. She won’t thank me for this comparison because, hearing her enthuse over the industry in which she’s fast making her name, its clear she has a niche set out all of her own – but take a listen to the insanely catchy Crime Scene and if you’re anything like me you’ll be wondering if this is the next Taylor Swift. Not a carbon copy by any means – Alayna’s image and sound are all of her own – but opinions more qualified than mine predict a bright future. Before we explore what’s to come though, what about the past?

“At age seven I began taking piano lessons,” Alayna recalls, “then started singing when I was playing. Eventually I picked up guitar and a pastor at my local chuch taught me a few chords, and I ran with it and have been teaching myself ever since. After a few years I started to write songs. I grew up listening to mostly pop and rock, and the big powerhouse singers like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. Slowly I got more and more into country, thanks to Martina McBride, the Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain. Jewel was a huge inspiration for me, too. She’s incredible.”

Music, as you can imagine, is Alayna’s life. It’s a challenge though, fitting it all in – especially in the early days of a career which doesn’t pay all the bills. I ask how many hours she devotes to music in a typical week.

“As many I as possibly can…probably somewhere between forty to fifty. I work a part-time job on the side, but music still is and must be full time. I don’t watch much TV or go out that often. But honestly it doesn’t really bother me because I love music!”

Such a potentially manic lifestyle is at least ameliorated somewhat by Alayna’s disciplined approach:

“Some days have variety but I do have a set schedule every week. Certain days I work at my part-time job, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to making YouTube videos. Wednesdays and Saturdays are used for random things most of the time such as co-writes, pitches, workshops, watching others play music around town, emails and more.”

Take a listen to any of Alayna’s songs (just head over to her website as below and they’re all available) and you’ll get an earful of those relatable lyrics that we all find so appealing nowadays. And when I ask Alayna where she hopes to be five years from now, it’s clear that connecting with her audience is high on the list of priorities.

“In five years I hope to still be playing my original music for people, but the crowds have gotten larger. I hope to be on a label and receiving commercial airplay, on the country charts. Hitting number one. Making a CMA performance. Touring. Touching people’s lives with my music. Connecting and relating with others. Music is powerful.”

So what’s the definition of ‘success’ for someone who’s got it all so neatly laid out?

“I have always agreed with and loved the quote by the late Maya Angelou: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” ”

By now you’ve probably got the picture: Alayna is a girl on a mission. There seems to be a design in everything she does and if she hits the big time it won’t be through luck. Not surprising, then, that her biggest satisfaction comes not from any outside influence, but instead from her own impetus.

“Probably moving to Nashville,” she says of her proudest achievement to date. “It’s a huge step and I’m blessed to have made it here and stayed this long.”

A huge step indeed – a brave one, too. Does she ever consider treading a safer path, knuckling down to a more routine vocation?

“I’ve been on both sides, and I am much happier pursuing something that I love.”

So there you have it: case made. Still need a push?

“You’ve just gotta take the leap,” Alayna advises. “Every day you spend thinking about doing it is another you could actually be doing it!”

My sincere appreciation to Alayna for working me in to her schedule and for sharing some of the secrets of her success – which looks to be well in the making.

To listen to Alayna’s EP and discover what it takes to be the Most Promising Female Songwriter 2013, visit her official website at www.alaynasmusic.com.

For the latest news, keep up to date @Alayna924 or facebook.com/alaynamusic

Finally for some amazing covers, including an acoustic version of Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass, head over to Alayna’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/amc924