Meet Allyn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyn.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Allyn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I first fell in love with music at three years old. I started playing the violin. When I turned five, I started learning the piano. As a classically trained musician, I grew up playing in many different adult orchestras and symphonies. In every setting, I was always the youngest person. The youngest female, and one of the only people of color. I later became interested in jazz music. I studied jazz and classical music every day. My parents — my blessings — were able to put me through accelerated programs and lessons. My mom is African-American from Memphis, Tennessee. My dad is Indian, from Mumbai, India. Therefore, I was able to really learn my craft.

During this time, I was also singing. I picked up guitar, drums, and viola as my new instruments of focus as well. Once I got to high school, I was still playing my instruments but I realized I wanted to sing more. I had dreams of moving to LA. Being from Sacramento, CA I never knew such things would actually be possible. In my family, it’s a must to go to college. So, I decided I would pick a college in LA. California State University, Northridge (CSUN) had a great program, and it was in LA. I had my mindset. Fast forward some years later, I am a proud graduate of CSUN. I received my bachelors in music industry studies with a minor in Africana studies. I graduated with honors and a 3.8 GPA. College taught me a lot about the music business and being in LA gave me the experience.

In college, I built a lot of relationships inside and outside of school. I worked at studios and interned at Power106, which helped me expand my network. I played viola in the CSUN symphony but I also played background music for tv shows and movies. I am able to compose and create scores as well. I write my own music and also write for other artists as well. I’ve been in the studio with a lot of amazing people. I have worked with people I used to look up to and am grateful for every opportunity. Coming from Sacramento, I would like to say I have a different mindset which allowed me to stay dedicated and be humble. I had some dope experiences in college as a studio musician and as a songwriter but I decided I wanted more. Right before I graduated college, I released my first single. Shortly after in October of 2018, I released my first EP, “All You Need.”

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s definitely not a smooth road. Being an independent artist isn’t easy but there is beauty in every struggle. Everything I do is by myself. Although, I’m grateful for the support I receive. I did it all by myself. No manager. No label. No budget. No connections. No famous friends. No famous boyfriend. Just me. As a female, in a male dominated industry it was hard to get taken seriously at first. After all, who was I? I was only 17 when I first came to LA and I was just an ordinary college student. I didn’t know where to start or who to talk to. I was working at a studio in North Hollywood where I met Grammy award-winning producers, songwriters, engineers, etc. I met some of my favorite artists there too. It was the real music industry right in front of my face. It was a dope experience but sometimes I used to think “they will never want to to work with me.” I used to be scared to tell people I did music because I didn’t have any actual music out yet. A lot of people didn’t know for a while, but I decided to go all in. Timing is everything. I had to get my mind right before I could really decide to be serious with music.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m an artist. A singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. I play five instruments as well as write/compose music.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently except for not stress. Often times, we are so worried about other people’s progression and compare it to our own. When in reality, we don’t need to compete with anyone but ourselves. I’ve been doing music professionally for about a year and I’m blessed to have gotten the type of support and recognition I get. I believe that everything is already pre-destined by God. God has a plan for all of us and we can’t get distracted or discouraged by our own thoughts. God will handle all things we feel we can’t do by ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all.yn/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/allyn_music

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