Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Omalley.
Hi Annie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music has been one of the greatest parts of my life since birth. I remember the moment I asked my Dad if I could go to a “real recording studio” like it was yesterday. Since I was only five years old, he said, “When you get older, if you keep working hard, you can.” Since then, I have found the studio to be my home. Growing up as the oldest of five, I had to learn how to captivate an audience in the chaos. Throughout my adolescence, I struggled in school with focusing and comprehending, and my teachers weren’t patient with me. The environment I was in wasn’t suitable for how I learned, and rather than teaching me tools; they told me I wasn’t smart enough. I always ran to music during these times because it was a place where I could follow my instincts and never be wrong. Years later, I have had to spend a lot of time healing my inner child after years of being shamed for who she is. This is why I spell all my songs differently; I’ve made a language of my own and have felt empowered while doing so.
I started playing guitar and piano to write songs with either instrument. Before I could spell, I would tell my mom my lyrics, and she would write them down for me. When I was nine, my choir teacher said that if we wanted to put a spin on a song for the Christmas show, we could audition. I wrote a song with my guitar and played it for 800 people while the rest of my peers sang the chorus with me. That was the first time I performed an original song for many people, and I was addicted. I began releasing music on Soundcloud in high school, and during my senior year, I had the opportunity to tour with the band Chicago. On the first night of the tour, I performed in front of 20,000 people and had the privilege of joining the band for 14 more shows. The lack of fear when stepping on stage with just my guitar in front of all these people confirmed that this was what I was made for. I released my first song in 2018 and started working with different producers in an effort to find my sound. I have been writing, recording, and releasing nonstop for the last couple of years.
I moved to Los Angeles officially almost two years ago, and I live with five other creatives in the valley. I have built a very strong community of friends, artists, and producers, and this is the first time I have ever been surrounded by people who are just like me. The more time I spend creating music, the more I fall in love with it. Whether it’s self-reflection, facing my insecurities, or better understanding the world and how humans communicate, writing gives me the chance to evolve, learn, heal, and explore. I released my debut album, “skrapbook,” in November of 2022 and am currently writing my second album.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life in general, isn’t always a smooth road, but this industry is no exception. However, this is something I have learned to appreciate and value. There were many challenges when I first started releasing music and developing my artistry. I would compare myself to others and second-guess the music I was releasing. I would also struggle to let go of work relationships that were no longer suitable and have had to make personal sacrifices that are not easy. I had to learn how to handle rejection, pressure, expectation, failure, acceptance, and so many other things that can take a toll if not addressed. In facing these challenges, I have had to ask myself, “Why am I still doing this?” I have come up with reasons that make every moment worth it. Some examples are connection with others, giving hope to those that have little to none, becoming proud of my sensitivity, finding strength in vulnerability, getting chills when driving and listening to demos, seeing my vision come to life, and shedding light on complex topics. I put everything into my art, and whether two people are watching or two million, I will continue to do so because it all comes from utter obsession and love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer-songwriter full-time. My mission is to show the people who were told they were too sensitive, emotional, or dramatic that their sensitivity is a superpower. To encourage them not to run from it but to run towards it. People might know me for the music I release or the consistent content I post. I love promoting my next song and talking about why I wrote it. I also do a lot of skits because that’s my humor, and people have resonated with it. I am most proud of my willingness to leave no topic untouched. I’m fearless in addressing all thoughts and feelings in my art. I want to encourage others to be vulnerable in their lives while I am learning to be vulnerable in mine. What sets me apart from others is how much I genuinely care about every aspect of my life. I want to be a better person and help others. I also want to make the world a better place and devote every moment I can to creating art that positively impacts people’s lives. I love what I do, and I feel blessed to have found what brings me joy. What it can do for others is a responsibility I value and do not take for granted.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating an impact in this world that helps heal and unite everyone. We all want to be loved and seen, and when we don’t feel loved or seen, we act out in ways that hurt others. If we know ourselves and what makes us feel fulfilled or broken, we can all build a safer, more loving society. The more self-reflection I do, the less I react when things upset me, and the more I grow, the more I learn that connection, relationships, compassion, and love are what we are all searching for. I want to do what I can for others and find ways to make life a little easier. Then spread that knowledge so we can all help each other. And in my personal life, my family: I adore my parents and my siblings are the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annieomalley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annieomalley/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@annieomalleyyewtoob
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/annemarieo-2
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0TEaL7Y50jr7N3mjxqFGBK?si=VndirWcHSNyAFpGtJE7CpQ
Image Credits
Photos by Matt Nelson
