Today we’d like to introduce you to Aly Rowell
Aly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Orange County, surrounded by books and music. I picked up playing music regularly in middle school and got into youth group and Christian/worship through high school and college. I met a lot of cool artists and musicians that became some of may closest people and collaborators. I wrote a ton of songs during that time, but I kept them to myself, thinking they were just for me. In 2021, I started a band with some close friends, and when we went our separate ways a year later, I decided to give solo artistry a shot.
Currently, that’s what I’m in – doing the solo musician thing, writing music, live shows, and fostering a genuine artist community in San Diego.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The pandemic was a crazy obstacle – I had started pre-production on my first record on early 2020, but when the pandemic hit I was forced to stop. Most artists during that time had time to make and create, but I was working at a pathology lab at the time and didn’t have time for anything, on top of that moment in time being so stressful.
But I think even beyond the pandemic, my greatest struggles have been inward – I love my parents, but coming from a family of immigrants, it was very difficult to communicate that I wanted to be an artist and a musician. It took a long time in therapy and some deep soul work to clarify what I truly desired: playing music, writing stories, and caring for/championing others—rather than just meeting expectations.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself fairly prolific in a lot of different areas. I’m a writer first and foremost, and while I love making music, my creative journey began with writing. In addition to composing and performing music, I write short stories, essays, and poetry. I also run my own copywriting business, Prose Craft Copy, to support all of my art projects. Right now, I’m working on a collection of short stories and outlining my first novel. To me, some of the best art involves narrative storytelling, and I love weaving that element into my work.
As far as music goes, I came out with my first EP in July 2024 and am currently charting the next record. I play live shows multiple times a month and am planning some exciting things for 2025, so stay tuned for that!
I’m also passionate about people and helping fellow artists find opportunities to showcase their work. I’m part of a nonprofit called The Table, where we create spaces for artists from all disciplines to support one another, share resources, and engage in deep soul work in monthly gatherings. This is some of the most meaningful work that I do, since it involves what art is all about – community.
On top of all that, I’m writing a musical with some composer friends, and we’re hoping to begin pre-production next year! I’m grateful to feel such a deep sense of fulfillment in my artistry at this stage of my life.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Acceptance.
A someone that is constantly wanting and desiring more out of life/art, this is the hardest and best thing to learn as an artist.
I probably won’t ever be ‘famous’. I may not ever win awards or sell millions of books or have a show on broadway.
That’s ok. Because that’s not why I make art.
I do it because I have to – I will be miserable if I don’t. I can’t explain it unless you’ve been there.
Accepting and doing it anyway – that’s the secret of being an artist. Otherwise, you’ll be loving this thing that will never love you back, and can never give you the things you’re craving that you can only get from people – love, community, support. Art is beautiful, but putting it in its proper place is crucial to living in a healthy relationship with it. And with yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyrowell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyrowellmusic
