Interview & Article by Wynn Wilder
As the sun sets and colors the sky, one is reminded of the ethereal and painterly lyrics that define alternative folk singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong. This New Jersey native's six-song EP, Brontë, is set to be released in summer 2023, and Nfm Magazine has the exclusive scoop on her journey, inspirations, and what fans can expect from her upcoming music.
Strong is a talented singer-songwriter who is best known for her roles in Netflix's "The Week Of" and hit TV shows "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "The Blacklist." Strong's music has a distinct sound that is both captivating and enchanting, drawing influences from her Colombian roots, childhood love of show tunes, and admiration for artists such as Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush.
Allison recently opened up about her upcoming EP, Brontë, which she wrote during the pandemic. "The songs read like pages of a journal; each one is different, but they all are a cross-section of my anxious brain—finding your person, working through past relationship trauma, moving too fast but wanting to slow down and be present, and being scared to dare but deciding to do it anyway," she shares.
Allison began her musical and acting career at a young age. With a love of singing and a knack for storytelling, she quickly found herself on Broadway in shows like "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Mamma Mia!" before moving on to TV and film.
Strong's performance in "The Week Of" with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock was memorable. "Every day on set felt like summer camp. Chris would be testing out new jokes during breaks, and Adam would blast oldies and belt show tunes in between takes. I loved every minute of it," she recalls.
Allison's commitment to her craft has earned her awards, including the Garden State Film Festival Rising Star Award and Homegrown Music Video Winner for her upcoming release of Brontë. "I was born and raised in New Jersey, so it was a huge honor to be honored by the State Film Festival—they’ve been so supportive of my journey not only as an actor but as a filmmaker," she says.
Her Colombian ancestors have had a significant influence on her acting and music. "Growing up, I spent every summer visiting my family in Colombia. I have fond memories of listening to my grandparents sing Latin folk songs and recite poetry late into the night. I come from a family of storytellers, and their influence is undeniable," she explains.
During the pandemic, Allison's songwriting process evolved with the formation of a Zoom songwriting group called Writelight. "Every week, I pick a prompt from a jar, and songwriters from across the country write pieces inspired by the prompt for one hour. After an hour, we presented our work to each other. It’s how most of the songs for my new record were written," she says.
As for the message she hopes to convey through her music, Allison shares, "My upcoming single 'La Luna' embodies what I hope listeners will take away from the EP: that there is always a sliver of light in the darkness, you just have to look for it."
Allison Strong is well on her way to making her mark on the music scene, with upcoming performances and the release of Brontë. Her words of wisdom for aspiring musicians and actors? "Make your own work and collaborate with friends. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities."
Allison Strong has already made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, from her enchanting voice and distinct sound to her captivating acting performances. Fans and newcomers alike will be drawn in by the raw emotion and authenticity that Strong infuses into her work with the release of her highly anticipated EP Brontë. One thing is certain as she continues to grow and evolve: the world is ready for Allison Strong's multifaceted talent.
Keep an eye on this rising star and catch her first single "La Luna" on April 21st at Green Room 42 in NYC, or follow her on Instagram @allisontstrong for more updates on her journey.