Alyssa Gallarneau
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Iman Gum
Alyssa Gallarneau is a singer-songwriter currently splitting her time between Chicago, Illinois, and Bloomington, Indiana. Her debut album ‘For The Record’ is out now.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory was playing “pop star” in dress-up clothes as a little girl and singing along to the radio and television. I would carry around a plastic microphone, wearing sparkly scarves like Hannah Montana. Eventually, I sang in public for the first time at seven years old in my elementary school talent show. I sang “Rolling in the Deep”, and from then on, I never stopped performing.
When did you begin songwriting?
I started songwriting when I got my first piano around 9 years old. I remember the first song I ever wrote was about Peter Pan, and I really enjoyed being fanciful from a young age.
You have your debut album ‘For The Record’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
I wanted to approach the album by including the complex emotions I was feeling at 22. Some of the songs share themes of love, yearning, hope, and even faith, as my relationship with God is very important to me. The writing of the album ended up taking place across three countries—the United States, Mexico, and England—and it all became very thematic, which made visual motifs an important part of my approach as well.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
I recorded For The Record in London, England, with my producer Ian Barter. His studio is in his garden, and we really enjoyed our time together, including visits to the pubs in Whitchurch.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
Yes! My mother came with me to London when I was recording, and one day Ian had trouble with one of his headsets. He handed them to my mom to see if she could hear out of both ears, and she said yes—they were working fine! I started laughing and pointed out that she is deaf in one ear. So the consensus was that they were, in fact, not working fine. She had only heard the headset operating out of the one ear that was working! We all shared a good laugh about that.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
One interesting microphone I used for Love Business (Sha-Boom) was a bit more aged to add to the vintage sound we were aiming for!
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
A: My happiest track is “Love Business (Sha-Boom).” I remember recording that song with a smile on my face, grinning ear to ear, particularly when we recorded the “Sha-Booms.”
B: While I wasn’t angry during the recording of “Proverbs 3:5,” I recall it being the last song we recorded and the most emotional recording. I was experiencing frustration after losing a lot of my vocal strength and power on the final day. I cried toward the end of the song’s belt and last verse, and while it came out beautifully, it took a lot of strength to finish.
C: My most reflective song is “Consider This The End.” I remember going into the studio with so much peace while recording “Consider This The End.” It felt like the ribbon on my album and the big red curtains were closing. Listening back, I feel so much closure and completeness in that recording.
Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?
It was just Ian Barter and me! We make a mighty team.
Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?
Certainly, “For The Record” means more to me than just clearing the air. It felt almost confessional in the way I was releasing songs about love, honesty, longing, and putting it all out into the world, for the record. The album will always exist even after I am gone, and I think that is the neat thing about putting art out there in such a public, bold, and lasting way.
Was it a difficult album to write?
In some areas, yes. In some areas, no. Some songs came very organically, with lyrics coming out like water from a faucet. However, some topics were difficult for me to truly articulate, which required more creative thinking and different ways of presenting the complex emotions I was feeling at the time.
Who designed the album artwork?
I did! My photoshoot was with Iman Gum, and I did the graphic design for the final cover art.
One of the tracks is the single “I Don’t Want To Think About You” out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
“I Don’t Want To Think About You” was actually co-written with my sister, Brittany Gallarneau. It was inspired by the idea of not wanting to think about the one person you can’t stop thinking about. Since my sister is an airline pilot and I was traveling a lot at the time, we incorporated travel motifs that tied into the idea of a push-and-pull relationship that wasn’t working. A special
element of the song was the outro we wrote for my producer, Ian, to say, which is the “final boarding call” for the flight.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
My hometown is Lake Villa, Illinois. Quaint. Historic. Green. Lakeside. Charming.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026/2027?
I do not currently have any live dates planned for the UK or Europe in 2026, but I certainly expect to play there in 2027!
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I hope to, first, draw people into a special moment that helps them escape reality for a little while, and second, bring a new original song into someone’s life.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I sing the entire show and am accompanied by my band, but I really enjoy bringing out my acoustic guitar for originals or playing electric guitar live on some of my songs.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I recently re-read The Giver by Lois Lowry and think it would be really neat to write a score for. I would aim to make the songs feel like a warm memory or something nostalgic.
How do you look after your voice?
I drink tea with honey before every show and recording session, use a vocal humidifier before shows and on tour, and prioritize vocal warm-ups and vocal rest between shows.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Some of my musical influences are Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Joan Baez. I love belty singers from the ’60s, as well as folk influences like Joan.
What makes Alyssa Gallarneau happy and what makes you unhappy?
Very few things make me unhappy, but I dislike not knowing what to wear for a show and tearing down the stage after a long set. What makes me happiest is playing live music for people, making memories with new crowds, and meeting people after every show!
Feature Image Photo Credit: Iman Gum
Alyssa Gallarneau debut album ‘For The Record’ is out now on MackLife Records/So, Let’s Talk, distributed by Stem.
https://fanlink.tv/alyssagallarneaufortherecord
