Unlike the other artists I’ve featured on the weekends since I’ve relaunched my blog, I didn’t discover Ally Evenson while she was streaming. In fact, I’ve known her for over a decade. We shared a stage in two local productions of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2008 and then again in 2010. (I played Judge Turpin and Ally was Tobias both times.) She’s an incredibly talented singer and songwriter who is interested in literally everything about music. She’s one of those people who can pick up an instrument and the next time you see them they’re already playing it better than you.
She released an EP (Not so Pretty) this year in the midst of the pandemic, and it deserved a more proper introduction at a launch party or some such, but despite that it’s been well received and is a great listen. Apple Music calls it “alternative folk,” but the songs don’t fit easily into any specific genre. Each has its own vibe. Worth an add to your playlist, or even better, buy your own digital copy to say thanks to the artist (always a good idea, by the way).
Ally made a video for NPR’s “Tiny Desk” contest, done at home due to virus restrictions, for the title song from Not so Pretty. Here it is – enjoy.