NASHVILLE — New country music artist Allie Louise was born in the small town of Macomb, Illinois. At four years old, her family moved to the Great Lakes state of Michigan. That’s where she still lives to this day.
“Ever since I was little, I always loved singing and performing,” Louise said in an exclusive phone interview. “My personality was the drama queen of the family. I started taking singing lessons and that’s when I started learning the guitar. From recitals, I went to talent contests and open mics. I started doing opening sets and I met people along the way who kept saying, ‘Go to Nashville.’ About three years ago was the first time I went to Nashville. That led to a recording and getting my music out there right now. I got to record at the RCA Studio where Elvis Presley had recorded.”
Who are some of your musical influences?
“I would have to say Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert,” she answered. “They are very strong in the music industry today. Also, I’ve always loved Reba McEntire and Martina McBride and the old classics such as Patsy Cline. I listen to a bunch of different genres–pop and EDM.”
What’s the story behind your new single, “Stilettos”?
“I was in the studio with my producer and he got a pitch to him. He told me he had listened to it and that it was perfect for me. I fell in love with the name right away. Right from the first line, I was already hooked on the song. Even thought I didn’t write it, which is different for me, because all of the songs that I’ve recorded before that were co-written by me. I just loved it so much and truly relate to it being a girl going through the music industry. The song is so perfect and said everything that I’d want to say. We had a blast doing so. When it came time to pick a single for radio, I knew that was one of the songs I wanted to release.”
Please tell me more about your self-titled, debut EP record.
“It was released in January. I’m so excited. It’s gotten such good reviews from fans and from magazines. It’s very rewarding for me. Me and my producer worked very hard on it. We spent hours in the studio. We just had a blast doing so. It has my current three singles which have all charted. It’s got a mix of upbeat faster songs and slow songs and then you have upbeat summer love songs. It’s a mix for every mood. I like to say it’s the story of my life. I’m the youngest of six kids. It’s just how I tell my feelings. All of that hard work is finally paying off.”
How was your recent concert in Monroe, Michigan?
“It was a fantastic show. The weather was absolutely beautiful. There was nearly 700 people there. Everyone was dancing and really enjoying the music. My band and I had a blast on stage. It was so great to meet all of the fantastic people that were there. I got to sign autographs and get to know these people. I hope that I get invited back next year.”
Looking at your schedule I see you have some other shows coming up in the Detroit metro area.
“I will be doing Rhythmz in Riley Park in Farmington. That’s August 26th. On September 17th, I’ll be at the Harvest Music Festival in Croswell, Michigan.”
Who are some artists that you’d like to collaborate with on a song or single?
“I get this question a lot. It’s always very hard for me to answer because there’s so many people I’d love to collaborate with. I’ve always been a huge fan of Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett. That would be so cool to do a duet with them. Of course, Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert, that would be amazing to be singing by their side. I listen to EDM a lot or electronic dance music. I’d love to collaborate with Tyga. My goal is to collab with each person on that list. That would be a dream come true.”
What are some of your hobbies when you are not busy recording music?
“I love to play tennis. I’m actually the varsity captain for my school right now going into my senior year. I also love art–painting and drawing. Hanging out with my friends and driving around and all of that. I keep myself busy when I’m not doing music.”
Just as a curiosity, have you tried the Pokémon GO game?
“Oh my gosh, I am addicted to that game. I think I am level six right now. I just recently got it. Everywhere I go, I will try to find Pokemon. At performances, there are people collecting them there. I just find it so funny. You actually meet people while hunting for Pokemon. I think that’s the greatest thing. Yeah, I love the game. It gets me out and moving for sure and traveling around.”
For more information about Allie Louise, visit her website at www.allielouiseofficial.com, like her Facebook page and look for her music on the iTunes music store.