Meet Alton Allen | Singer-Songwriter

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

Hi Alton, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been involved in some kind of art, whether it was acting, writing, or music. I think for me the best way to make sense of the world around me is to filter it through some kind of creative process. I’ve always been really wary of calling it a career, to me creating music has been almost more of a lifestyle choice. I’ve had many jobs in my life to pay the rent, sometimes music has been that job, sometimes working at a coffee shop, but that entire period I’ve never been able to stop writing songs.

As cheesy as it maybe sounds, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I never chose to pursue art as a career, it’s just always been who I am, and I think the truest and most authentic version of myself exists in that process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a singer-songwriter and producer currently working in the alt-pop / electro folk space. My most recent album Bad Magick came out on May 28th on Popgang Records, and is doing really well for me! My former project, Niteppl, has three album out across the 2010’s, and while I love those albums, I feel really happy and lucky to be moving on to a new name and style that more fits my life now. Authenticity for me is really important, and I think I’m my best when I’m playing guitar and singing songs. Along with that I’ve written numerous pieces of music for contemporary ballet throughout my career, and have toured the world playing guitar for Icelandic band Low Roar. I feel incredibly privileged to have all these different experiences as a relatively young artist.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been helped and supported by so many people throughout my life, I feel incredibly lucky to have many supportive people in my life. I think I’m really lucky to have parents who have always encouraged me to find my way as an artist. I was born into a pretty hippy-type family, one of my mom’s favorite bragging points is that I got to see Jerry Garcia play when I was a baby. I think the Grateful Dead aesthetic has played a major role in my life as an artist; the feeling of community, kindness, and a working-class attitude has been a guide in my life that has helped me move through more and more complex situations. Simplicity in all things is my guiding mantra.

Instagram: AltonAllen__

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sQbmL5ZGPpkwWNVxCJ2nq?si=2jkWBa-OSNqajXMDCy0LsA