Ally Adams Has No Patience for your Misbehavior
Ally Adams Has No Patience for your Misbehavior
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ally Adams who is making their mark in the London R&B scene.
Nostalgia is a fascinating phenonom. It is often linked to a human’s childhood or their earlier adult years. To be nostaglic about something, Mustard has observed, can create an influx of positive emotions. It allows a human to reflect and become introspective. Nostaglia has the ability to shapeshift. At any moment nostaglia can be your favorite toy, a song, or that cute actor from your favorite sitcom you used to grow up watching.
Ally Adams, an emerging artist on the London R&B scene, has created a sound that will have you reminising while feeling present in 2024. When listening to Adams it may feel like you accidentally switched onto 90s radio; which plays throwbacks that bring you back to that middle school dance in which nobody knew how to properly Dougie. Ally is inspired by the likes of Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, and Jojo. Her music honors those artists without trying to sound like a knockoff copy of them.
Last week Adams released their newest single Through to Me which hints at what is coming next for them as an artist. In our interview you will get the chance to learn more about Ally Adams. We discuss topics such as their relationship with music growing up, being needy, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
Very well thank you, Mustard, I'm grateful to be chatting to you today!
2. Mustard wonders what your relationship with music was growing up?
I was always a musical kid where I've been singing practically from birth.. I was in music classes for piano, guitar, drums and vocals from the age of 6 and haven't stopped learning since. It's part of me.
3. Some of your influences include Destiny's Child, Brandy, and Mary J Blige. Which album from each do you consider essential listening?
Ooo this is a good question. The Mary album you MUST listen to is 'The Breakthrough'.. so many bangers on that album omg. Brandy's 'Full Moon' album goes crazy, that's like real old school 2000s vibes and then Destiny's album choice is sooo hard cause I love both The Writing's On The Wall and Destiny Fulfilled too much to choose between the two.
4. You get the opportunity to travel back in time to collaborate with your favorite 90s and 2000s R&B artist. Who do you collaborate with and why?
I feel like Boys II Men would be an insane collaboration. The vibes in that room and the talent and the energy would be unmatched. Equally, collaborating with Timberland would be crazy too, he's so talented and I feel like I would learn so much. Obviously also Brandy, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton... I cannot choose!!
5. When it comes to vocal training Tori Kelly, Jojo, and Kim Burrell are some of your inspirations. What makes these artists stand out vocally to you?
The things I love about these artists are very similar but also very different. Tori Kelly and Kim Burrell have insane agility and control, whereas Jojo has this control too but also lots of power. I am just obsessed with vocal manipulation and these three are the queens of this; I literally used to sit for hours and study their vocals (I still do)
6. Outside of vocal training, who (or what) inspires you?
My family.. everyone says that haha but it's true.. they're just some people I want to make proud because they have done so much for me that I want to do even more for them.
7. Mustard is curious: what are some key elements to an Ally Adams song?
MANY vocal stacks and harms. If you listen closely to my music, you can hear alllllll the stacks and harms that I incorporate, sometimes it's up to 100+ stacks ahahah
8. In November 2022 you were on the move. Are you still on the move now?
hahahah have you been Insta stalking me, Mustard? Yes I am, I’m always outside iykyk
9. One playlist your music can be found on is "Girls Get Listening." Would you say this playlist accurately represents your music?
Absolutely! This playlist is for up and coming, powerful women of the industry and I can't get enough of it... go save it if you haven't already!
10. You released your debut single Goodbye on October 22nd. Mustard is curious if the story told in this release was inspired by actual events?
I did indeed... and unfortunately yes it is...
11. Mustard wonders if you are still thinking of love? What does love look like to Ally Adams?
I am in some ways and in others I am not. I've been hurt and used and I need a long break. For now, I'm gonna fall in love with myself and my art.
12. As a condiment Mustard is curious: what does it mean to be needy? Can a human be too needy? Is there a fine line on neediness?
Oooo interesting last question. Being needy can be lots of different things I think... one can be too needy, yes, and there is definitely a fine line on neediness but honestly since having written that song I've realised that if you're in a reciprocal situation then neediness won't even be a thing. I feel like neediness only comes out in one-sided scenarios, and in that case, you're with the wrong person.
13. Earlier this year you released Settled. What are some things that Ally Adams has settled on?
I've settled on the fact that being in the moment is the most important thing. I struggle so much with judging my career trajectory and numbers and stats and comparison and it's such an unhealthy hole to fall down. I've decided it's not about looking too far ahead into the future, it's about enjoying the here and now and being grateful for your current situation.
14. Can you confirm if it is too late or not?
hahah it is indeed too late, it seems...
15. Mustard would like to wish you congratulations on your newest release Through to Me. Could you share more about your latest release?
Ahhh yesss thank you so much. I created this song with the wonderful and extremely talented producer Sunset Drver, and this was actually our very first song together so I am so proud of us and what we have created. It's definitely my favourite project to date as it speaks directly to where I'm at in my music right now and hints towards what is to come!
16. They think they are a 10 but are a 4.5 at best. What are some things that could lower a human's rating with Ally Adams?
looool im dead... I think someone who is unsure of me. That is my biggest turn off. Like, if it's not 100% me, then you can 100% leave.
17. You got no patience for misbehavior. Mustard wonders what are some ways a human can behave properly?
Hmmm I think good communication, reciprocation and respect... three very simple things that seem so difficult for some.
18. For those who have not had the pleasure of seeing you perform live how would you describe your live shows? How do you prepare for a gig?
I love to feel connected to the audience when I perform so I tend to do a bit of audience participation and I talk to the listeners like they’re my friends.. I like to think everyone feels involved. Preparation for gig usually is a very early night the night before and lots of honey and ginger tea hours before I go on... and lots of anxiety suppressing breathing exercises before I go on cause I get nervousssssss
19. What is on the horizon for Ally Adams?
I THINK I am starting a little project as we speak... I'm not too sure though
20. Where can readers listen to your music?
You can find me anywhere/everywhere if you just type in my name Ally Adams and I should come up :)))
Music Shelf with Mustard is a publication that interviews independent musicians from all across the globe. It is read in 32 states and 19 countries. Check out previous interviews here.
Music Shelf with Mustard originally began in early 2021. Inspired by independent musicians on social media application TikTok Mustard knew they had to do something to help share their music. Shortly after Music Shelf with Mustard was born. Its goal is to highlight independent artists from all across the globe. Mustard appreciates you taking the time out to read this interview.
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