In July of 2015, she made the move to Nashville where she continues to write music and perform regularly.  She attributes her significant musical growth over the last year to her sessions with Kim Franca, her vocal coach.  The talented Trinidad Sanchez produced her first Nashville release, “This is How You Get to 99.”

In this interview spotlight, we chat with Alaina about the new project, her influences, the digital music world and more.

Full Q&A along with links and the video for “This is How You Get to 99” below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I don’t know that I write for a specific genre.  I’m attracted to songs that make me feel something, and those are also the songs I love writing.  A good song makes me lose myself, even if just for a brief moment.  My sound is often a mix of folk, country, and pop.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public? 

I’ve created music on and off since college, but I began sharing it publicly when I lived in Greenville, South Carolina in 2013.  I had a supportive network of friends who heard the songs and encouraged me to record them and play around town.

I recorded my first album with a producer in Atlanta, John Briglevich.  He taught me so much and supported me during that initial period of pursuing songwriting.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

I grew up listening to the Indigo Girls, and I’m always drawn to a song with good harmony potential.  A lot of my writing inspiration comes from personal experience, my own and other people’s.  I have been hugely influenced by some of my wonderful mentors in Nashville, including Rick Beresford, songwriting coach.

I write music because it takes me out of whatever reality I’m experiencing and makes me feel connected to something inexplicable and magical.  When I create a song, I feel like I’ve received a surprising gift, every time.  This experience is when I feel the most spiritual and the most grateful.

Tell us about your single “This Is How You Get To 99”:

“This is How You Get to 99” is a song inspired by my 99 year-old grandmother.  She has taught me so much about being independent and strong, and I think a lot of my sense of humor comes from her.  I was sitting with a friend of mine, telling him about my grandmother, when the idea for the song was born. Everyone asks her what her secret is, and she says something different every time.  The funny thing is, she was an extremely tiny baby when she was born, and they didn’t think she would survive in the first place.  She said she survived because her family just loved her so much.

She has been really excited about the song since I started the project.  It has been wonderful to have her support.  We are planning her 100th birthday celebration in January.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific with this single? Creatively or otherwise?

I set out to record three songs with a wonderful producer, Trinidad Sanchez.  As the songs grew, I became particularly attached to “This is How You Get to 99.” After we recorded vocals, I listened to the track and just felt that I wanted this one to stand alone.  Not only was it a tribute to someone I love, but it seemed like a song others could relate to based on their own life experiences.  I felt like this was a song people would turn on when they wanted to feel hopeful and happy.  I don’t think I had a specific goal (although I would like to hear it on the radio), but I think this song has and will continue to take on a life of its own.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I grew up with CDs…my dad played the Beach Boys, the My Girl soundtrack, and Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant on the way to school.  These were great bonding moments, and also some of the first times I recognized that hearing a song can bring you right back to a certain time or experience.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Spotify.  I travel a lot, and it’s easy.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

I create music because I love it.  While I’m creating it, I’m obsessed with it, overprotective, and demanding.  When I release a song, it’s not mine anymore.  If people want to listen to it, that makes me happy, and if no one listens to it, I won’t love it any less.  Practically speaking, though, I suppose it’s just difficult to get your name out without the backing of a label.  Not impossible.  It feels like your idea and your sound have to be so good people can’t ignore it.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

I play all around Nashville, and in the past year I’ve focused on songwriter rounds.  In 2017 I hope to put together a full band and do a few live shows, and possibly play in a few other cities.  You can catch me playing rounds in Nashville most weeks.  You can find the dates and locations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

I am most active on Instagram these days, and that is also the best way to watch for show announcements and the occasional singing-gram.  I have music on iTunes and Spotify, and I’ll be releasing new singles on both platforms in the near future.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

I can’t talk about my music without mentioning Kim Franca, my vocal coach.  Kim helped me completely transform the way I sing and the way I view my musical journey.  She helped me embrace the power of gratitude, trust myself, and tune out negativity.  When I look back at people who have truly changed my life, Kim Franca would be at the top of the list.