San Diego-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Aly Rowell has spent years developing her musical identity through songwriting, production and collaborations with artists including Jon Patrick Titterington, Joe Vann and Tyson Motsenbocker. Drawing inspiration from contemporary indie, folk and alternative pop, her work combines intimate storytelling with richly textured arrangements and an instinctive understanding of emotional nuance.
Her debut solo album 'Where It All Goes' marks a deeply personal milestone. Exploring generational trauma, family relationships and the complexities of the female experience, the record draws on Rowell's own journey through reflection and therapy, confronting the difficult relationship between inherited experiences, forgiveness and healing.
So with the new album out now, we sat down with him to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I started on the piano, believe it or not, and that was my first love. It was the same piano my mom grew up playing, and I used to love it when she’d play late into the evening, practicing and playing. I’d love to pick it back up again when we can fit something into our place.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of jazz and classical music. And 70s folk/rock. I loved the Beatles and would do my homework to Sgt Pepper and Revolver on my CD player.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think it was “Don’t Forget” by Demi Lovato. Honestly, that record is freaking killer and needs more attention.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Being Alive” by Stephen Sondheim. “Someone to crowd you with love” is an unbelievable line. Cecile Mclorin Salvant’s interpretation, highlighting the genius of the lyrics and musicality, is by far the best I’ve heard.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I’m not sure as far as habits or rituals go, but I know I have something to say when I have something I’m thinking about over and over, and it ends up becoming a bunch of songs. For Where It All Goes, I was thinking a ton about the women in my family, and ended up writing all these songs about those experiences. I tend to black out when I’m writing and have a bunch of songs when I emerge. I don’t know how to explain it outside of that.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I love Anna Tivel and listen to her all the time. I have been listening to Lisa O’Neill and Beth Gibbons and their most recent records. Gorgeous stuff. Also found this Scottish artist named Michael McGovern who has a song called “Evelyn” that I can’t stop listening to.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Laura Marling, or Haley Heynderickx. Those two artists have been deeply inspiring to me over the years, the way they prioritize good art over output and the people in their lives over their careers. And they just write some of the most honest folk songs I’ve ever heard.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being an indie musician can sometimes feel masochistic, being doggedly committed to art while trying to fight off the existential crises and external pressures that come with it. The reward, honestly, is making art. There’s no high like creating something that I’m proud of. Connecting with people in community and sharing art. To my core I can’t not make stuff. A lot of people don’t understand that, and that’s ok.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I don’t enjoy the business pressures of trying to gain visibility or advocating for yourself all the time. It’s incredibly taxing. I also don’t enjoy the ego that is pervasive in this line of work, and the god complexes people can give off. I try to be as honest and humble as possible, and being in proximity to these spaces is tiring to say the least.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’ve gotten a lot of good advice over the years, and I’ve distilled it down to a few things for me:
Keep your head down and make the best art you can. Don’t give up. Prioritize community, sleep, taking care of your body, and being ordinary.
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Aly Rowell's new album 'Where It All Goes' is out now. Check it out in the player below.