Ali Isabella

Ali Isabella, fresh off of an appearance at the Mercury Lounge in New York opening for Kelley James, is overflowing with sweet talent and young ambition. Just 18 and out of high school, Ali Isabella's single "New York City Country Girl" reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales Chart, and spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Country Hot Singles chart in the UK. She's toured with Camplified and was the youngest performer at London's Webley Arena where she opened for superstars Reba McEntire and Lonestar.

Via telephone, Ali and I spoke on December 20, 2013, while she was in the midst of her holiday campaign to raise money for the Variety the Children's Charity of New York with song she wrote "A Little Love This Christmas." With a heart and a voice as sweet as molasses, Ali says her dream collaboration is with John Mayer and opens up about graduating high school and following her passion, (hence song "Taking My Own Sweet Time"), on a path she's paving as she goes.

A true music fan and ready to push through walls, Ali embraces her youth and says she is taking a gap year to "see where I want to go with my life first." She's the only one of her friends who did not head off to college and shares, "It's a little weird, all of my friends are at school and I'm actually out in the real world doing a job. It's been really fun and I really like it a lot. It's my passion. I hope this is something I can do for the rest of my life."

Ali's song "Crazy Beautiful Life" contains honest lyrics that say, "I come with insecurities." I asked her how acknowledging her weaknesses helps her overcome fears. "With my song 'Crazy Beautiful Life' I wrote that about something I went through at school a couple of years ago. I had a friend group and it kind of fell apart. For me, writing that song helped me stay strong. Music is really the way I get my words across to other people. Sometimes in conversation I will be a little shy but in my music I can say anything I want and feel comfortable sharing that with people."

I mention her similarity to Taylor Swift with story like honest lyrics and a country pop crossover sound and Ali lets out a modest giggle saying, "I get that a lot." I ask her if she ever holds back when she's songwriting and Ali replies, "Whenever I write a song there's never anything I'm scared to write about. I really just write about anything I feel; music is my way of getting my words across to other people. That's pretty much what I use it for."

On opening for Reba McEntire and Lonestar Ali says she only remembers getting on and off the stage and that, "everything in between was such a blur." She adds, "I couldn't believe that I was actually there. It was really crazy but I had a lot of fun."

Her childhood was filled with Frank Sinatra music which she listened to with her dad and as she grows as an artist she is incorporating influences from influences of rock, blues, jazz and soul into her songs. Says Ali, "I like to pull a lot of things together to create my own sound." That she is certainly doing...creating the sound of a rising star. - Life Of A Rockstar

16-year-old New York singer-songwriter Ali Isabella made her global concert debut on February 26 at the International Festival of Country Music at Wembley Arena in London, England, the same day as her first CD, "Say You'll Be Mine," was released simultaneously in the UK and through iTunes and Amazon. This week (March 11 2012), one of the cuts on that album – "What If" – hit The Hotdisc Top 40 Chart in the #21 spot overall and #9 of the new releases.

Songs on The Hotdisc Top 40 can also be listened to on www.CMR Nashville.com every Sunday at mid-day and the British & Irish Top 10 show on UKCountryRadio.com every Monday at 8 PM.
Ali's debut album, Say You'll Be Mine, made in New York and Nashville, features nine songs written by Ali alone and with collaborator. Working with an eclectic mix of songwriters in New York, Nashville, London and Bristol, England, the first collection of tracks showcases Ali's personal interests and fun activities by translating her everyday world into original lyrics and music.

"Performing at Wembley Arena with Reba McEntire, Asleep at The Wheel, Lonestar and all the other great country singers was amazing," Ali says. "I still can't believe it. I had such a good time on stage and the audience reaction was greater than I could have imagined. I'll remember that experience for the rest of my life."

Ali's management team – John Velasco and Marc Jacobson of dba: direction by appointment – were happy, but not surprised, by the reaction of the Wembley Arena country music fans to Ali's debut performance. "We always knew that Ali had tremendous talent and to see her perform on the big stage at her age, in front of thousands of people backed up our faith in her," said Velasco, who traveled to England with Ali and her family for this breakthrough event. "As soon as she was introduced and she stepped out on the stage, there was a loud roar from the audience, she strode out with confidence and there was a rising star in our midst."

As soon as Ali returned to the states, she went back to her high school classes in Westchester County. "I had to prepare for my finals," she said with a big smile across her pretty face. - Broadway World News

I wasn’t sure what to expect from singer/songwriter Ali Isabella.

I met her at her hotel in Los Angeles the day before she was to perform for a showcase I hosted at the ASCAP expo last month for the Women’s International Music Network. I can honestly say I was delighted with everything about her — her smile, her giggle, her infectious music, her strong songwriting, and her energy. Like a breath of fresh air.

At the tender age of 17, Isabella has checked more off her bucket list than some do in a lifetime. She’s opened up for Reba McEntire at Wembley Arena and was the youngest performer to ever appear on that famed stage.

She’s headlined pre-Grammy parties that honored Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. Her debut single, “New York City Country Girl,” reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales Chart and was No. 1 for four weeks on the Billboard Country Hot Single Sales charts.

Now Isabella is poised to release her next album, which will include co-writing credits with top writers like Chas Sandford, Susan Ruth, Marty Dodson, Ryan Tyndell and Matt Bednarsky.

Her music has matured into a lovely blend of country-tinged pop songs that showcase her sweet voice and knack for writing those niggling hooks that play over and over in your head. I for one anticipate her star will continue to rise. And I’m usually right about these things!

GUITAR WORLD: Tell me about your background. Why did you start playing guitar and writing songs?

I got into music because of my dad. My grandma lives in Queens, New York, and we lived in Westchester. When we came home from her house, it seemed like a pretty long drive for a little kid. My father would play Frank Sinatra in the car, and those are some of the first songs I learned. I remember my favorite song of his, and it still is today, “My Kind of Town Chicago Is.” I know all the words to it.

You have some country tinges to your music. How did you get into that?

I do like country music. I don’t consider myself a full-on country artist. I definitely have country influences, but the reason I love country music is because a lot of the songwriting is story-telling, and that’s what I love to do with my songs. That’s why country music is so relatable. I really love the story-telling aspect.

I hear you have some new songs you’re going to be releasing.

On my last trip in Nashville, which was a couple of weeks ago, I had this new song, “Stay.” I wrote that with Chas Sanford, and it’s got a bossa nova kind of feel to it. It’s really cool. It’s really different, but it’s really fun. I’m also doing this other song, “Remind My Heart,” which I wrote with Marty Dodson and Ryan Tyndell. Ryan Tyndell, actually, he co-wrote “Springsteen” for Eric Church, so it was really cool. It was awesome.

And you’ll be touring this summer?

Yes! I’m doing Cirque Musica. It has an orchestra and there’s also like trapeze artists. It’s really cool. It’s kind of like Cirque du Soleil. But I’m going to be headlining that for them. I’m going to be singing some songs Debbie Gibson wrote. Then I’m also going to some summer camps and performing there for kids, so that should be a lot of fun.

Can you tell me a little bit about your guitar?

I have a Taylor 814-CE, and it’s really nice. It’s acoustic-electric, and I really love it.

Do you play any other instruments?

Yeah, I play the piano. I really wanna master both of them. I also picked up mandolin. It’s just really fun. And you can take it anywhere, it’s so small. I kind of know ukulele, but not that well.

You're not a ukulele master?

No, I think I know like two chords on that. It’s a cool instrument. It’s just, I don’t know, I really wanna master the guitar and piano first before I start doing that. Also, it doesn’t really help me with my music, but I played French horn for the longest time ever in elementary school and middle school. So I know French horn, and you can’t really use that to sing bu ...

Well, you probably learned how to read music from playing the French horn.

Yeah, I think doing band in middle school and elementary school really helped me.

That’s why there needs to be music in school, right?

Yeah, definitely. And actually, at my school where I am, they didn’t have music before, but a couple of friends and I were suggesting it, and now they do have band and orchestra.

What advice would you give other aspiring musicians if they wanna move ahead with music?

I think it helps a lot if you write your own songs, ‘cause I think by doing that, people are able to relate more to them because you’re telling your own story. I think that’s really important just to have your own music. I just think it’s different if you’re singing a song that someone else wrote for you.

I heard you are involved in a Foundation, can you tell me about that?

Yes! I recently became a creative activist for the Creative Vision Foundation in Malibu. This lady, Kathy Eldon, her son Dan Eldon was the youngest Reuters photographer over in Somalia. There was an international crisis over there, and unfortunately, he was stoned to death when he was 22. But the way that she dealt with this ... her son was really into inspiring people and spreading a positive message, so she created this foundation Creative Vision Foundation. Its goal is to inspire other people to make change to the world through media and art. I recently wrote a theme song for them for their movie. You can find out more about them at creativevisions.org.

What’s the name of the song?

It’s called “All of my Life.” It’s about making change in the world and inspiring other people to be inspired. I think that’s really important, because especially with all these tragedies, to send positive messages out there.

Find out more about this talented singer/songwriter at aliisabella.com. - Guitar World Magazine

Ali Isabella is just seventeen years old but this New York pop star has quite a resume and get ready because you will soon be seeing a lot of her. Her hit single “New York City Country Girl” reached #14 on the coveted Billboard Hot 100 singles Sales Chart and was #1 for 4 weeks on the Billboard Country Hot Singles Sales and this is just for starters. If you haven’t heard it stop reading go to you tube, and come back. You will thank us. Ali is a star and the music Royalty adores her. Ask a New Yorker thinks she’s fabulous too! Ali has already performed at many of New York’s legendary clubs, headlined at Grammy parties honoring such icons as Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder and the list goes on. Ali was the opening act to Reba McEntire and LoneStar at the Wembley Arena in London and the youngest ever performer to play at the famed venue.
Already a big hit in the UK and Europe. In 2012, Ali was selected for The New Music Seminar’s ‘Artist On The Verge’ – Top 100 Chart. Ali now appears regularly with her band in major NYC venues including The Studio at Webster Hall. The Delancey, The Living Room, and Central Park. Ali is also the Youth ambassador for the Babies Division at March of Dimes in Westchester County, NY.
In April, Ali will be a headline artist at the 2013 “ I Create Music” ASCAP expo at LOWES Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.
While in May, you can get a chance to witness her talents first hand in New York as she will return to the East Coast as a featured act at the Montauk Music Festival. Closer to home Ali will also be the headline artist for the NYC Grand Central Station Centennial Celebration in Vanderbilt Hall.
Everyone who hears her music is inspired. Ali Isabella’s songs and lyrics are very special and she is truly a songwriting talent! Stay tuned for more on Ali Isabella and follow her amazing career via social media.

website: www.aliisabella.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMaliisabella?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/imaliisabella

Instagram: ImAliIsabella - Ask A New Yorker

NEW YORK-BASED singer-songwriter Ali Isabella is still in high school, yet her résumé already includes a single - "New York City Country Girl" (from her debut album Say You'll Be Mine) - that reached No. 14 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. How has a 17-year-old reached such impressive heights?

Although she didn't begin lessons until middle school, Isabella's musical development began at age four during long car rides to her grandmother's house. Her father, a jazz fan and recreational singer, would play Frank Sinatra on the stereo, eventually leading to a routine of sing-alongs.
As she got older, Isabella started to draw inspiration from pop and country stars like Adele, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, Colbie Caillat, and Taylor Swift. She soon realized that she wanted to do more than just sing other people's material. "I started writing songs about my everyday experiences," she says. Her very first song, "Crazy Beautiful [Life]," deals with teenage fears of imperfection. "It's about something I went through at school a couple of years ago. Songwriting is a great way to express my feelings."
Her hit "New York City Country Girl" is also drawn from her real life. It describes growing up in a big city while loving horses (she's an award-winning competitive rider) and country music.
Like many songwriters, Isabella keeps a journal. She also uses an app on her smartphone to record ideas. "I don't like to sit down and write," she explains. "It's more like it has to come to me. I might get a tune in my head while I'm out somewhere; it'll just keep repeating. When I get home, I'll get my guitar and start writing. Usually the melody comes first, and then I'll look in my journal and see what fits."
With the help of her manager, who agreed to listen to Isabella's demos on a family friend's recommendation, [she] has been making frequent trips to Nashville to work with established songwriters such as Chas Sandford, Marty Dodson, Josh Foster, and Anton Mullan. "My first album was just fun, country/pop crossover music," she says. "But on my second, I want to have more serious songs, and more emotional songs - songs that really mean a lot to me." - In Tune Monthly Magazine

(Nashville, May 29, 2014) New York’s country music phenom, Ali Isabella will be returning to Nashville for a number of high profile performances during Music City’s very busy CMA Music Festival week.

This talented singer/songwriter is only 18, but has already achieved many major career milestones. She has opened for Reba McEntire and LoneStar at the world famous Wembley Arena, London, England; she performed for Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder and named Youth Ambassador for the Babies Division of March of Dimes. Ali’s 2012 debut album, "Say You'll Be Mine" became an international hit, and her stateside single, "New York City Country Girl" raced to the top of the Billboard Hot Single Sales Country charts last year.

Ali has made a name for herself in her home state, playing in some of NYC’s most popular clubs, including the Bitter End, The Living Room and The Studio at Webster Hall. She made her television debut on Good Day New York, before taping her own TV special at the Hard Rock Café in Foxwoods Casino in nearby Connecticut. Recently, she toured the US and was featured at the Montauk Music Festival and headlined at the NYC Grand Central Station Centennial Celebration.

Ali is signed as a writer to Roundhill Music and has been honing her songwriting skills as she prepares to release her next album, and has had the opportunity to write with some of Nashville’s top writers including Chas Sandford, Marty Dodson, Ryan Tyndell, Susan Ruth and New York transplant, Matt Bednarsky.

“I love country music,” she offered in a recent interview with Guitar World Magazine, “because a lot of the songwriting is story-telling, and that’s what I love to do with my songs. That is why country music is so relatable. I really love the story-telling.”


Ali’s Performance and Appearance schedule during CMA Music Festival:

Sunday, June 1, 2014 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM World Famous Tootsies Orchid
Lounge

Monday, June 2, 2014 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM World Famous Tootsies Orchid
Lounge

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM World Famous Tootsies Orchid
Lounge (Rooftop)

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 6:00 PM "Hollywood Meets Nashville CMA Kick Off Party" at Film House

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Honky Tonk Central (2nd Floor)
Fan Fair Launch

Thursday, June 5, 2014 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Honky Tonk Central (3rd Floor)

Friday, June 6, 2014 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Honky Tonk Central (2nd Floor)

Saturday, June 7, 2014 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM World Famous Tootsies Orchid
Lounge (Rooftop)

Saturday, June 7, 2014 3:00 PM CMA Fan Fair signing at Tootsies Orchid Lounge Artist Booth at Music City Center

For more information, the latest news and tour dates, visit www.aliisabella.com. Fans can join the conversation at Facebook/IMaliisabella and Twitter/IMAlilsabella. - Music Industry News Network

Ali Isabella is a young lass who makes very catchy country-pop music. Something of an unpopular genre over here in the UK. Yet, she has enough charm, pop sensibility and passion to break the British market in my opinion.

Ali is a very sweet girl, and she makes ridiculously catchy, yet touching country-pop songs. She's not "just another Taylor Swift" though she will no doubt get comparisons to her, she's in a league of her own. I sat down to have a chat with Ali about playing Wembley Arena, her new single and what we can expect in the future…

Hey Ali, thanks for taking the time to talk to us here at Popshade! Why don't you start by telling us a bit about who you are and what you do?
I’m a singer/songwriter born and raised in New York. I write all of my own music and play both piano and guitar. Through my music, I aspire to inspire others through the stories I tell. I would describe my music as a little bit of everything. In writing my music, I tend to pull influences from a bunch of different genres, such as pop, country, rock, soul, and the blues, creating my own unique sound in the process.

You've accomplished an awful lot for your young age, when did you first start realising your passion for music?
I realized my passion at a very early age. When I was little, my Dad, the big jazz fan that he is, would always play Frank Sinatra like “My Kind of Town” on the long car rides to my Grandmother’s house. These songs were the first songs that I learned all of the lyrics to and they always seemed to put a big smile on my face. My Dad ultimately showed me the joy that music brings to life. It is because of these early memories that I have since shared and taken part in the joy that music can bring.

We love your new single "Taking My Own Sweet Time", it's so uplifting! But what does the song mean to you?
Thank you! This song is about letting life take you where it wants to take you. I strongly believe in the concept that everything happens for a reason. I don’t think that you should ever be in a rush to get to your destination. It’s important to take the time to figure out what you want in life and who you want to be. If you do so, you will surely end up exactly where you were always meant to be.

Who inspires you the most? (either in music or life)
Artist wise, I’m inspired by Taylor Swift, Colbie Caillat, and John Mayer. They are three of my favorite artists and I really look up to them in terms of songwriting. I am also inspired by my surroundings. I love to tell stories, so I tend to draw a lot of inspiration from what I experience on a daily basis, such as places I’ve been, people I’ve met, etc.

What can we expect from your upcoming album?
Now, at 18, my music is much more diversified. My upcoming album will contain a mix of genres that influence me. That’s why I label myself as a singer/songwriter because I don’t want to limit myself to one specific genre. I believe I’m unique in the way that I love to mix many different sounds and influences together. This next album will definitely show my growth as an artist over the past two years, as well as contain songs with deeper meanings.

How was it performing at the world famous Wembley Arena?
It was absolutely incredible! I only remember getting on and off the stage; everything in-between is a blur. It was all so surreal and I couldn’t believe that I was actually experiencing this wonderful opportunity! From the artists I shared the stage with that night to all the history that the arena holds, I was so grateful to be there.

What can people expect if they come down to one of your gigs?
They can expect to have fun! My band and I are all about getting the audience up and dancing. We usually do a set of about 12 songs, including 2 to 3 covers.

Finally, where can people find you?
All my shows are up on my website, AliIsabella.com. People can also contact me on my Twitter (@IMAliIsabella), Instagram (@IMAliIsabella), Facebook (Ali Isabella), and even download my mobile app from the App store!

I'd like to thank Ali for taking the time to answer these questions!

Ali is very talented, and I know that's something very simple and almost cliche to say. But it's true. Given the UK's slow liking towards county-pop I feel she could have a chance of breaking the charts over here. There's a reason she's playing stages like Wembley Arena and I wish her all the best in the future! - Pop Shade

HTF are pleased to introduce to you New York based, 18-year-old pop singer Ali Isabella.
She may be young, but don’t let that fool you, as she’s headlined pre-Grammy parties and her debut single, ‘New York City Country Girl’, reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales Chart and was No. 1 for four weeks on the Billboard Country Hot Single Sales charts.
We had the lovely pleasure of catching up with Ali, to discuss, her upcoming sophomore album, what it was like to perform at Wembley arena, and how she feels about the Taylor Swift comparisons.
HTF: For those who haven’t heard of your music before, how would you describe your sound?
Ali Isabella: The music from my first album is strictly country/pop. However, since the release of my first album, I have grown as an artist and have further developed my sound. Nowadays, I find my music to be very eclectic. It’s a mix of not only pop and country, but also rock, blues, and soul.
HTF: When did you first realise that you wanted to be a singer?
Ali Isabella: I have always loved singing, but it wasn’t until I was around the age of fourteen that I became curious in pursuing my musical abilities and the possibility of carrying it out as a career.
HTF: Who would you say are your musical inspirations?
Ali Isabella: Frank Sinatra, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, Norah Jones, Joss Stone, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, the Dixie Chicks, and Adele inspire me.
HTF: Listening to some of your tracks, you remind us of Taylor Swift, you must get compared to her a lot, what do you think of that?
Ali Isabella: Thank you! Yes, I do get that quite a lot. Taylor is a very talented songwriter and entertainer. I really look up to her and it is absolutely amazing to look at all that she has accomplished at such a young age. Over the past two years, my sound has changed a bit in terms of style, but I think Taylor and I both share the same love of wanting to tell stories through our songs. Storytelling is something that I always strive to do when I sit down at either the piano or guitar to write.
HTF: You’re from New York, but some of your songs have a country influence, where does that come from?
Ali Isabella: I have always loved country music. I love the storytelling aspect that comes with it. In terms of my sound nowadays, I would say that it isn’t necessarily completely country sounding, but the storytelling aspect is definitely still there. Honestly, I just love the way country songs are written. I love its ability to make an audience feel as though they’re watching a story being played out right before their eyes.
HTF: You’re newest single is called ‘Taking My Own Sweet Time’, can you tell us a bit about the reason behind the song?
Ali Isabella: ‘Taking My Own Sweet Time’ is a song about letting life take you where it wants to take you. I believe that everything happen for a reason. If you just live life with an open heart and mind, you will eventually end up right where you are meant to be. Life is about taking chances, so why not make the most of all opportunities thrown your way!?
HTF: What inspires you when song-writing?
Ali Isabella: I am inspired by my daily surroundings. I usually carry around a journal with me and jot down things I feel or see throughout the day. It can be anything really, such as a creative idea sparked by friends, a boy, feeling happy or sad, etc.
HTF: You’re currently working on your second album, can you tell us a bit about it? What can we expect from it musically? What’s the writing and recording process been like? And any details about when it should be released?
Ali Isabella: My second album is definitely going to be eclectic and unique. It’s going to be a mix of pop, country, rock, blues, and soul. I love to mix different genres together because it allows me to create a sound that is not only unique to me, but also unique to the music scene. I want to create something new and unexpected.
The album is going to be recorded and put together after all of the holiday craziness. I already have a list of songs going and plan to release the project within the first quarter of 2014. It’s been two years since I have released an actual album, so I’m definitely excited to get some new music out there!
HTF: You were the youngest person to ever perform at Wembley Arena – what was it like to play there?
Ali Isabella: It was absolutely incredible! Honestly, all I remember is getting on and off of the stage; everything in-between is a blur. It was just all so surreal and I couldn’t believe I was actually experiencing this wonderful opportunity! I am still so grateful to have been able to share the stage with amazingly accomplished artists such as Reba McEntire, Lonestar, Ricky Skaggs, among others.
HTF: Have you got any plans to come back to the UK any time soon?
Ali Isabella: I don’t have an actual time set in stone yet, but I am definitely returning to the UK sometime after the holidays. I am in the planning stages with an exciting new project for the UK.
HTF: You’ve previously opened for Reba McEntire and Lonestar, but who else would you love to tour with?
Ali Isabella: I would love to tour with John Mayer, Taylor Swift, or Adele.
HTF: What about anyone you would like to collaborate with?
Ali Isabella: John Mayer and Colbie Caillat are artists who I would really love to collaborate with.
HTF: What’s in store for you for the rest of this year and 2014?
Ali Isabella: On December 18th, I’ll be opening for Kelley James at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. All my upcoming shows are being put around my recording. Everything will be up on my website (aliisabella.com) at the start of 2014.
While we wait for the release of Ali Isabella’s second album, make sure you check out the music video to her current track ‘Taking My Own Sweet Time’ below! - Hit The Floor Magazine