Meet Alli Cripe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alli Cripe.

Hi Alli, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s difficult to pinpoint. According to my mom, I was humming made-up songs before I could talk.

At 13, my mom noticed an Arizona Republic article about a female guitarist named Corrie Zazzera. She signed me up for guitar lessons with her and it really all started there. Corrie expanded my musical world. She introduced me to rock music I’d never heard of like Hole, Pantera, and Coheed and Cambria.

When I was 16, an internet friend from England introduced me to hugely influential and not-so-mainstream artists like Tom Waits, Lydia Lunch, and The Birthday Party. Music became really interesting to me when I heard Edith Piaf, Bille Holiday, and 70’s punk like Richard Hell.

I’d always wanted to perform my music but never did–though I did end up in a creative career. After high school, I jumped into a global career as a fashion model and I met all kinds of fascinating, creative people. But, for some reason, I kept my music a secret. Performing has always been a passion of mine. Once on the rooftop of the Ace Hotel in LA, stylist Briana Gonzales dressed me in an astronaut outfit with a Kabuki white face and I danced inside a bird’s nest. Such great fun.

Only a few years ago did I start playing gigs and had a great time? But you always want more so I recorded my song, ‘Look.’ Johnny Smoke, who lives in LA–he’s seriously amazing. He produced “Look’ and made the dream a reality.

So then, now what? I had this really amazing single and needed a video. It took me–I’m not joking–a year to find a crew in Arizona to film the video at Usery Mountain. But it had to be right! Jim Hesterman filmed “Look” and Diane Aiello did my hair and makeup. I’m really happy and proud of what we made and there’s more to come.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I was 18, I was in a traumatic abusive relationship that resulted in PTSD and depression. The biggest struggle for me has been self-love and finding the ability to use my voice. That includes music too.

There’s still a lot I want to do with music. But, if you love something, you should make the time and also share it with others. People have incredible capabilities to create. Social media shows the unique expression of every artist and builds communities and we need that as human beings. We need to connect.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Talking about yourself is so weird! I’m a songwriter and singer currently living in Phoenix. The producers I work with are very nice about my voice. Perhaps that’s how I stand out? Hopefully, the songwriting is also OK by now…

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Look is my first single and it’s available on streaming platforms. The music video is on YouTube. Comment and share! Honestly, even if you hate it–share how much you hate it, haha! Not everyone will like something and I’m good with that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allicripe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alli.cripe/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cuHmXvPn0w
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/alli-cripe

Image Credits
Jim Hesterman