Alanna Chuyan

How did you get your start in music?

I was pursuing musical theater for many years in New York City. A few years after college I met a friend named Scott Bradlee. He asked me to sing in a few of his vintage-inspired gigs at local cafés in Astoria, Queens. We had fun putting together a ragtime 80’s night once. It’s so awesome that he went on to launch Postmodern Jukebox. Years later I made my way back to Orlando and started singing in duos and bands. 

 

Do you come from a musical family?

Members of both sides of my family have had careers in music. My mother is a singer and my father is a guitar player. I ended up singing in choir and acting in musicals in elementary school.

 

Do you come from a musical theater background?

Yes, I had my first lead in a musical in the 7th grade in “Meet Me In St. Louis.” Acting in high school inspired me to move to NYC and pursue it there. 

 

Who inspires you and how do they influence your music?

There are many artists who inspire my songwriting: Alanis Morissette, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Nicks. My mom Naome Bradshaw. Some of my favorite bands growing up were No Doubt, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Celine Dion–and let’s not forget my first concert–Weird Al Yankovic! 

 

What was one of your biggest obstacles in your music career and how did you overcome it?

For many years I let my relationships, especially the failed ones, hold me down and put me in a state of frozenness. It took a long time to learn to put me first and really follow my passions. 

 

If there is one thing you wish you knew before you decided to pursue a music career, what would it be?

I would tell myself to pursue exactly what I love doing; to just go for my passions no matter what. I would also tell myself to speak up more to people in the music world who were trying to take advantage of me, whether it was financial or mental/emotional. 

 

How do you stay inspired to write music? Have you experienced writer’s block. If so, how did you overcome it?

I am a bit of a perfectionist and that has prevented me from releasing a lot of music. I can write a great first half of a song and then not know where to go from there. If I put my song on the shelf for a bit and come back to it later that helps to get a fresh perspective. What I learn from the female vocalists I emulate is many of them are poets first. They are very conversational in the way they write and I try to practice doing that. 

 

What is the story behind your song “Strike Three”?

This was the first song I wrote after my first relationship of eight years. They cheated on me for the third and last time and I was over it. 

 

Tell me about your tribute show for Orlando Fringe Festival. What made you decide to do a tribute to Alanis Morissette?

For the last few years I’ve made a career out of singing in album concerts and tribute bands. After my last tour, I decided I wanted to create my own show. I have many musical influences, but I remember the first time I took the Jagged Little Pill cassette tape from the top of my mom’s dresser. I love the music and I want to share it with people. 

 

How do you think the music/entertainment industry can improve with representation and creating an environment for women to flourish?

I’d like to see many more female artists headlining local venues. 

 

You’ve recently made your move to Orlando from the East Coast (Florida). What are some things that you find unique about the local music scene? 

I find many Orlando area musicians are not only talented, but driven. They play multiple instruments and are in many different bands. The music circle I find myself in is supportive and kind. 

 

If you can give any advice to an aspiring musician, what would it be?

Find your passion. There are many talented musicians. If you find what drives you and pursue it, people will be able to see and feel that energy. 

 

What project or music can we look forward to in the future?  

I hope to expand my band Jagged Little Live for a full-length concert. I also hope to record and release an original album. I’m not sure when that will be, we’ll see!