Meet Ali T | Singer-Songwriter/Performer/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali T and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali T, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always loved music – I wrote my first song when I was seven, and picked up a guitar when I was 11. I always knew I wanted to be a performer. In college (Wagner College on Staten Island) I majored in Arts Administration so if I didn’t make it as the talent, I could at least work in the business. I like to think my business degree has helped my career. I not only write and produce my music, but am my own manager, agent, publicist, graphic designer, etc. I take a great deal of satisfaction in being my own boss. It takes a lot of self discipline. If music doesn’t work out, I still see myself owning my own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started writing songs when I was seven and have been ever since. In seventh grade my parents bought me a Mac computer. I found GarageBand and that was the first time I recorded my music. Over the years, throughout high school and college, I kept producing my own songs. I learned by doing. Listening back to my older recordings, I am still pretty impressed by my producing skills. However, I had a lot to learn. I downloaded new software and continued to hone my skills.

I am proud to say my latest album, Pancakes At Midnight, was entirely self-produced. I play every instrument on the album, programmed the drums, synths, strings, etc. The stats show that less than 4% of women in the music industry are producers. I am proud to be a part of that 4%.

I have been playing professionally for the past 8 years. I typically play over 150 shows per year. I have had to work hard to get my name out there. It has taken a lot of patience. However, I think my patience has also been a hindrance to my success. Sometimes I hesitate to be aggressive (something that doesn’t come naturally to me). You have to know your worth, which is something I continue to work on. However, I gain confidence as each year passes.

The reception I have gotten from Pancakes At Midnight has been wonderful. I like to think my hard work is paying off and I hope the momentum continues.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I come from a small town in Vermont. If it’s summer and a nice day we might go for a short hike and bring a local beer for us to drink when we reach the top. One day we could go tubing down the river and soak up the sun we only get for 4 months out of the year!

For dinner we’d grab a bite and drink at one of my favorite local spots (I’ll list them below).

When the night falls I would take them to a couple of my favorite dive bars and breweries. Hopefully there’s a band playing that night!

My favorite spots to hang out for a drink or bite in Vermont include:

Barr Hill Gin (Caledonia Spirits) – Montpelier, VT
Carlita’s Cantina – S. Royalton, VT
Babe’s Bar – Bethel, VT
Windsor Station – Windsor, VT
Silo Distillery – Windsor, VT
Vermont Beer Makers – Springfield, VT
Switchback Brewing Co. – Burlington, VT
Putnam’s Vineyard – White River Jct., VT
Crossroads Bar & Grill – S. Royalton, VT
Cold Hollow – Stowe, VT
Stowe Cider – Stowe, VT

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents are my biggest supporters. It’s not easy to watch your kid pursue a career in the arts. Ha! It is rewarding in many ways, but financially not so much. I have been lucky to have them on my side.

Another person who has been instrumental in my career (no pun intended) is my guitar teacher, Ed Eastridge. I was 11 years old when my parents bought me a cheap electric guitar and Sunday lessons at Hanover Strings in Hanover, New Hampshire. Ed was very laid back and helped me learn the music I wanted to play (a welcome change from the Suzuki piano lessons I took when I was six). Ed is multi-talented. Not only is he an amazing guitar player, but has owned his own record label for years (Big Mo Records) and won a Grammy for sound production in the 90s. His impressive list of credentials goes on and on. Even years after I stopped taking lessons, he continues to be a mentor for me. I’m very thankful for him.

Website: https://www.sheisalit.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/alicatkittycat

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alitentertainment

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cantdothis1

Image Credits
Luke Awtry Mike Reilly