Meet Allison Mahal | Songwriter & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Mahal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My community. I feel lucky to work with people who are not only very generous with their time, but also believe in the songs I write. I love making music with my friends!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hello, howdy! I am an independent artist currently based in Nashville, but will soon be based in Milwaukee, and I’ve been busy finishing my debut album!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my career is to try and block out the noise. I still struggle with comparing myself to other artists, but I’ve realized that I’m at my best when I let that BS go and focus on the music. If you’re proud of your craft, and you’re putting in the work, then everything else will follow. There’s always going to be someone who has more followers than you, more streams, or seems like they’re beating you to the “finish line,” but I really believe that there is no finish line. Define what success means to you and go from there. I, admittedly, am still figuring out in real time what that means to me, but she’s trying 😉 All you can do is be proud of the art you make and surround yourself with people who believe in that art (and in you).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My dream Saturday in Nashville:

– Breakfast at Star Bagel in Sylvan Park (my fav is the Denver sandwich). Local tip: place a to-go order on their mobile app so you beat the insane weekend crowd. Alternative breakfast spot: 51st Deli (you won’t be disappointed)

– Afternoon thrifting at Anaconda Vintage, then walk next door to buy some dope vinyl at Grimey’s (and hopefully catch a show there too), and then get lunch at I Dream of Weenie.

– Dinner at The Smiling Elephant off 8th Ave. and then get your first beer of the night down the block at Melrose Billiard Parlor

– If you’re feeling fancy & willing to make the drive back to East Nashville, then drinks at Attaboy, but if you’re wanting a chill vibe & cheap beer, then head back to West Nashville and find a table on the patio at Nations Bar & Grill.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my friend and producer Van Isaacson. There are MANY people in my music circle to thank (Sam Roller, Hayden Tumlin, Jack Stark, Cameron Row, my parents), but I know I wouldn’t be pursuing a career in music without Van.

He was the first peer of mine to believe in my songs and tell me that I could be doing more with my music. Not only did he give me the validation that I needed to hear at the time, but he was persistent in helping me get to the next level. I didn’t know this back in 2017, but I needed someone who was on my team to motivate and challenge me in that way. I now understand how rare it is to find someone who is 100% dedicated to your craft in those early years of your career.

There aren’t enough words in the world to thank him, so here’s a list of why I’m grateful:

– He went from making my demos in his tiny Chicago apartment to producing & recording my first full-length album
– I bet we’ve played close to 100 shows together, if not more, and Van single handedly booked 99% of them
– He taught me how to play to a click (you can laugh but it’s TRUE lol)
– He moved to Nashville
– He has always believed in my songs, even if they were cringe

Thanks for everything, Van!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmahal/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/allisonmahal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmahalmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChptGbhbgm5JTav6eF1uUgA/videos

Image Credits
Matt Blum