![]() Atlanta-based artist Alannah McCready attended the University of Madison on a full athletic scholarship for women’s hockey winning two National Division 1 Championships as a goalie for the Badgers and played in two NCAA Division I Women’s Ice Hockey National Championships, as well as the WCHA (league) championship. But Alannah felt another calling, and traded in her skates to follow a musical path. Releasing on April 27, her sophomore effort Ricochet Heart features ten original tracks, including lead single,“Last Girl Standing,” that blend soul, country, and pop in a way that emits a self-assuredness and strength. Ahead of its release, McCready kindly took the time to answer a few questions via email and talk in depth about the album, the move from hockey to music, and more. Being that you were a very successful college hockey player, how did the change to music come about? Was it [music] something that was always there or something you discovered later? Music was definitely something that was always there, I have been singing since I could talk, so my entire life was surrounded by music and hockey. I had to sort of put music on the back burner while in college because playing a Division I sport is basically like having a full time job while attending school. I am definitely not complaining about it though because college hockey was some of the best times I will ever have in my life and I am very grateful for everything the University of Wisconsin has done for me! Once I graduated I knew that chapter of my life was coming to a close and I wanted to focus on music as my next, and hopefully final, chapter! I knew if I didn’t pursue it full time then I probably never would and I would have always regretted it. So I did! Quit my job and moved to the south and started my band and the first album. Your music blends pop and country, among other genres. What shaped your sound? I grew up listening to country music so that is definitely my root as far as inspirational sound, however I have lived in many cities and encountered so many different genres that I loved throughout the years that I think subconsciously trickle into my writing. I like how soul sounds on my voice so I try to make sure and incorporate soulful aspects as well as a nice beat because you have to be able to dance to it! I am also a huge hip-hop fan, my friends say I have rap tourettes, so I’m sure there are some minor hip-hop accents they spark up in my music as well haha The upcoming album is called Ricochet Heart. Is there a particular significance to that title? The first album was titled Love Hangover and I kept that in mind when titling this next release because I wanted something that would be a cohesive follow-up. The first album is all about a Love Hangover, and in this next album, the themes are more ‘girl power’, so it's sort of an evolution that even though you may get your heart broken and have a Love Hangover, tomorrow does come and you can have a Ricochet Heart that bounces right back stronger and ready for love & self-love again. ![]() You co-wrote all of the tracks. Were they written recently, in your pocket, or a combination? And where do you draw from when writing – personal or others’ experience, stories, all of the above? It was definitely a combination of the two. As a songwriter I am always jotting down notes of lyrics/hooks/titles etc. some of them turn into songs and some of them I read later and realize are ridiculous lol. So going into the writing sessions with my co-writer & Producer Kevin Bowe we both had ideas and bits & pieces of tracks that we thought would work for the album, add in a million cups of coffee and countless hours of work/collaboration & voila you have an album. I definitely draw from my own personal experiences for sure, especially now that I have turned 30 (shh). I feel like there are MANY experiences whether it be in life/friendships/relationships that I have gone through, and if I have, other girls/women have too. My friends are my chosen addition to my family & I hear stories from them constantly about situations they go through as well which have led to some pretty interesting lyrics over the years. My hope is that these songs empower & heal girls of every age when they listen as much as they empowered & healed me to write. Why did you choose to bookend the album with “Enemies with Benefits” And “Stop Time?” (great question!) A lot of people don’t actually realize that picking the track order is SO HARD and stressful actually, ask my team, they will tell you how stressed I get about it lol. I feel like "Enemies with Benefits" is a real rocker and attention grabber with a touch of cheekiness, this I think is a great way to theoretically slap the listener in the face and say “listen up” this album is strong and worth a full listen. "Stop Time" is one of those feel good songs that I feel every album needs, I think it’s a nice way to bring the listener back down from the roller coaster that is Ricochet Heart and end the album with a smile. I LOVE “Steal A Ladder” and “Undefeated.” Is there a story behind one of those tracks you can share? THANK YOU! "Steal a Ladder" was an awesome concept that Kevin came into one of our sessions with knowing I would relate and love, so we took his concept and created "Steal A Ladder." Anyone close to me and my friend group knows we love to have a good time and live happy lives, but yet we realize living in the moment is probably going to have consequences in the long run haha! However, we don’t care because you only live once and if we have to steal a ladder to get to heaven we will and we will do it together. What are your professional plans for 2018? Will you be touring? Yes! Tour is in the works for 2018! The band and I are hoping to be out on the road as much as possible this year especially with the release of the video and album! Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure song or is there one recent release you cannot stop listening to? As I mentioned I love all genres but recent releases I am currently obsessed with is "Lonely" by Demi Lovato (actually that entire album is fire) "Not My Ex" by Jessie J (my favorite artist), pretty much anything with Nikki Minaj on it and I could listen to Dan & Shay "How Not To" & "Tequila" all day long. Website Purchase
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