Check out our interview with LA based talented songstress Annie O’Malley who is quickly finding success with her latest singles, including the new track “11th Hour” which is out now on all DSPs. Annie O’Malley is putting the final touches on new music, including a new single “Klose the Door”, which will be released in August.
Follow Annie @annieomalley
Hi Annie, please tell us a little about you?
Hello! I am an independent singer/songwriter, living in Los Angeles but originally from Chicago. My love for music began before I could remember and it’s been the only thing I’ve ever wanted since. I started writing songs and playing piano and guitar around 7 or 8 years old, and before I could spell my mom would write it down for me. Growing up as the oldest of 5 there was a bit of competition when it came to getting my parents attention so I was constantly performing. Ever since High School I have been writing, recording, and releasing original songs about my life and the things around me. I love writing about inner conflict and self reflection because I believe things can always be better and brighter.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
I would say, energetic, curious, and imaginative.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My earliest influences were Nora Jones, Keane, Camp Rock (the movie), and Taylor Swift. I started writing music cause at about 6 I realized that if I was gonna be a “rockstar” then I have to have songs to sing. Then I fell in love with the process of feeling, emoting, and explaining. Songwriting is a way to process the things around me while also figuring out what’s happening inside me.
Do you play any instrument?
yes! I play guitar and piano
Do you ever get nervous?
I don’t get nervous when it comes to performing or recording, honestly that’s when I feel the most calm and at peace. However, when I have to make business decisions or have difficult conversations I get really nervous that I’ll make the wrong choice. It’s completely natural to feel anxious or stressed or nervous but when the nerves are out of fear or because you are uncomfortable that’s when we should take them as a sign to reroute. If I’m trusting my gut I find that my nerves aren’t overwhelming and I just have to breathe.
Tell us about your new single “11th Hour?”
I wrote “11th Hour” in November one night and the next day I was playing it and my roommate who is one of my producers heard it and was like “let me record that and add drums”. We worked on it for a couple hours and both loved it and then I was like “what if we get a feature on it?” We thought of some people and decided to ask Cvbz and he said yes! It was a super seamless and enjoyable process and I feel so grateful that it all worked out the way it did.
What’s the story behind the song?
I wrote it about a situation-ship that had been on and off for about a year but neither of us were admitting how we truly felt. I was writing about how maybe our fears have been holding us back and that we should just put it al out on the table. It had been back and forth for so long that it felt like if we were ever gonna talk it was gonna be at the very last second, the “11th hour”.
Can you share some details about your next single “Klose the Door, and what your fans can expect from this single?
Y’all get a little inside scoop cause I haven’t announced it yet, but “klose the door” is coming out in august. It’s the first single of my sophomore album that will be out in the spring of 2024. And it just might hint to klosing the door on that situation-ship I just mentioned above, *wink wink*.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part is definitely when people reach out to me and tell me how my music got them through a tough time, or was the soundtrack to one of their favorite memories. Specifically getting through a tough time though because knowing my music created a space where someone felt safe to emote is all I could ever hope for.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I would say “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. I watch and listen to everything he says to help me with business and better understand humans. He is incredible. I would also say, even though this isn’t a book, I tell everyone to listen to the podcast “Diary of a CEO” it has changed my life.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell her that whenever someone tells her she isn’t smart enough or being too sensitive, they are wrong. I would tell her to keep trusting herself. And I would also tell her that it’s not bad to be bossy and know what you want and chase it. Your determination and self confidence might make others want to bring you down but they are projecting their own fears onto you.
How would your best friend describe you?
I think they would say I am strong in my opinions, that I love very deeply, that no matter what I will be there, and that I am creative. I think some would say that I’m strong and sure of myself, and I think others would say I’m fearful but optimistic, and I think all are true.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I would say “curious” ; it was the first word that popped into my head. My whole life I have always been extremely curious, about everything, and I think my constant searching is what has led me to where I am. I also could make the chapters about different topics I was curious about and what I have learned.
What’s next for Annie O’Malley in 2023?
Continue to try and be the best version of myself, finish album 2, and release music I believe in.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I would say maybe avocados, I love adding avocados to things. Lol that’s so random but I’m such a picky eater, always have been.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food would be vegan pizza or something fried because I would fall asleep after I ate it from being so full. Or maybe a vegan mint chocolate chip milkshake.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I would say I wear a lot of colors and patterns and layers in my day to day life. My stage outfits or photoshoot outfits also have lots of colors and patterns and layers but are more sparkly and extra. My favorite things to wear are tie dye sweat sets or anything oversized.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I would say happiness are the small moments in life where we get reminded why we are so lucky to be alive. But happiness is random and exciting, whereas joy is contentment, peace, and gratefulness.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
That’s super hard to answer because there are a lot of people, but I would maybe say my moms Grandmother who I never met, or the funniest person in the world. I’m not sure who that is but I wanna meet them. I would want to meet my Great Grandma because my mom always talks about how amazing she was. I wanna meet the funniest person in the world because there’s nothing better than laughing so hard that your stomach hurts.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday would probably be staying in a hotel somewhere tropical, with someone that makes me feel super safe. I love staying in comfortable hotels, ordering room service, and since it’s a new place I would wanna be with someone who feels safe.
Best advice ever given?
I asked someone this question and they told me it was “don’t wait on anybody” and I couldn’t agree more. Whether that’s business or personal I think it’s really important and I have lived by that ever since.
Do you support any charity?
I am not currently involved with a specific charity but I have been involved in different charities throughout my life and it’s a beautiful thing. Being able to help others while also getting out of your own head for a while is so beneficial for both sides.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
5 years from now I will be headlining my own stadium tour and I will be beyond grateful for everything that has happened to me and all that will happen.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
In the car I would say “Enchanted” or “Dear John” by Taylor Swift or honestly any of her songs, and for karaoke it’s “You oughta Know” by Alanis Morrisette.
What do you think of Social Media?
My perspective on social media is most likely different from the average person because I have to use it for music. It can get very overwhelming and if I look at it too much it’s hard to not compare myself to other artists. It’s a great tool for showing more people my music but it is only a tool, there is still a real world outside of social media. It can also be really helpful when looking for information but again that can be harmful if the information is false or biased.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on all platforms if you look up annie omalley 🙂
Favorite
Quote: “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” -P.T. Barnum
Movie: The Grinch
Tv Series: Law and Order SVU or The Good Place
Favorite Food: Salami
Travel Destination: Anywhere tropical
Sports Team: The bears (I grew up watching football cause my dad and my brothers, but I don’t really mind who wins)
Cover Photo Credit: @_bradenyoung
2nd Photo Credit: @matt.n24
