Amy Allen: Crossing Genres, Connecting Stories [Interview]

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Amy Allen. Photo: David O’Donohue

Amy Allen’s career as a songwriter might have roots in the woods of Maine, but her influence has grown far beyond those quiet beginnings. Now nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 67th Grammy Awards, Allen is celebrated for her genre-crossing versatility and a storytelling approach that resonates with listeners around the globe. From chart-topping pop hits to poignant ballads, her work reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and emotion—qualities that shine through in both her collaborations and her own music.

Allen’s love for storytelling was nurtured early. Growing up in a small-town lake community, she was exposed to a rich tapestry of musical influences. The first band she ever joined was a bluegrass group, a nod to the genre’s strong scene in Maine, while her father’s classic rock playlists introduced her to legends like Rush.

This mix of heavy rock and intimate, lyrical folk storytelling set the foundation for her artistic identity. Today, Allen credits her small-town upbringing and eclectic musical exposure for her ability to write across genres without losing her distinctive voice.

“I’ve always been drawn to storytelling,” Allen reflects. “For me, it’s about writing honestly about your own experiences, and that translates across any genre.”

That approach has made her a sought-after collaborator for artists ranging from Sabrina Carpenter to Koe Wetzel. Her recent work with Wetzel at Sonic Ranch, a famed Texas recording studio, highlights her ability to connect with artists on a personal and creative level. Though pop is Allen’s comfort zone, her willingness to step into new territories like country music speaks to her adaptability and curiosity. The risk resulted in several cuts on Wetzel’s 9 Lives album, including “Damn Near Normal,” “Sweet Dreams” and “High Road” with Jessie Murph, which is in the top five at country radio this week.

“I absolutely love Koe. He is phenomenally talented and he loves to tell a story, which is why I connected with him immediately,” Allen says. “When I was invited to work with him, I wasn’t sure how it would go because I’m definitely more of a pop person, but the second I got there and we started talking, I realized how honest he wanted to be with his stories and how much he wanted to have fun with it. ”

Her adaptability is further evidenced by her success on the Billboard Songwriters chart, where she’s spent significant time at the top. Yet, Allen approaches the metrics of success with a refreshing perspective.

“Once a song is written, it’s for the world to have,” she says. “Looking at charts or stats doesn’t help me. If anything, it can make me feel disconnected from the music.” This philosophy allows her to focus on the craft itself rather than the commercial outcome, a mindset that has sustained her through nearly seven years of intensive songwriting.

One of Allen’s most prominent collaborations is with Carpenter, whose record-breaking Short n’ Sweet album features several of Allen’s contributions, including mega-hit “Espresso” and Grammy Song of the Year nominee “Please, Please, Please.”

“I’ve never really dove headfirst to a specific genre. I’ve just been honing in on my craft in telling a story, so it’s really exciting that radio and pop culture are where they are right now where we can have artists like Sabrina who has an album with a country-influenced song like ‘Slim Pickens,’ an R&B moment like ‘Good Graces’ and a very pop-leaning song like ‘Please, Please, Please,'” she says. “It’s great to be able to team up with collaborators and amazing artists that are able to do all of those things.”

Allen is particularly excited about Grammy season, where she plans to take a moment to reflect and celebrate with her collaborators. “The music industry moves so quickly,” she notes. “I’m looking forward to pausing and soaking it all in.”

In addition to her collaborative work, Allen recently released her own album, a project six years in the making. She describes it as a “time capsule” of her life, a personal statement that bridges her early days as a songwriter to her current Grammy-nominated status. “I want my songs to be timeless and meaningful,” she says, envisioning a legacy where her music resonates just as deeply decades from now as it does today.

As a mentor to aspiring songwriters, Allen emphasizes the importance of authenticity.

“Learn how to tell your story as honestly as you can,” she advises. “Human emotion is the key to every great song.” It’s advice that has guided her career and continues to define her work, whether she’s penning a pop anthem or a reflective ballad.

With multiple Grammy nominations to her name and a catalog that spans genres and emotions, Amy Allen is at the height of her career. But for Allen, success isn’t just about accolades or charts. It’s about creating music that connects with people on a human level, a goal she pursues with the same honesty and passion that first drew her to songwriting in her Maine hometown. In Nashville and beyond, her influence is undeniable—and she’s just getting started.

LB Cantrell
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