What the world has gone through these past two years has changed a lot of life habits and activities. Some were local, like not seeing friends and family who live near by, but with travel also disrupted, those living through a long distance relationship had to go make it through longer periods between seeing each other, relying on phone calls for contact more than ever. Putting her pen to paper, Minnesota native Alannah McCready has captured that emotional struggle in her new single “Can I Call.”
We recently caught up with Alannah to talk about her latest release, her songwriting process and more.
CN: On March 4th you released your latest single “Can I Call” which centers on the highs and lows of being in a long-distance relationship. How did the idea for this song come about? Is there a personal connection?
AM: “Can I Call” was the last song we wrote for my new EP, and we knew we wanted it to be a duet! Sterling, the producer on the track, actually came up with the concept in the shower, and then he brought it to Will and me to take from there! Will and I have previously been in long-distance relationships, so this song evolved pretty naturally once we got going! I am ecstatic with how it turned out and so happy everyone finally gets to hear it!
CN: You co-wrote the song with Sterling “David” Gittens Jr. and Will Gittens. What was the writing process for this like?
AM: I collaborated with Will and Sterling on my entire EP, and I think the fact that they know me so well made the whole thing go so smoothly! That, paired with the fact that they are two of the most talented people I have ever seen! I trusted them fully with my music, knowing they knew exactly how I wanted to sound and the type of project I wanted to create.
CN: Were you able to meet and write in person or was the song written virtually?
AM: We actually created the entire EP during quarantine in their home studio together!
CN: During the pandemic, did you find yourself writing more or less? Did you participate in many co-writes or stick more to solo writing?
AM: Before quarantine, I was touring a lot, and once that came to a screeching halt, I knew I wanted to get back to writing and releasing new music. It had been about three years since my last project. So throughout quarantine, I finished my entire EP and was able to do a ton of virtual co-writes.
CN: Are there any difficulties or obstacles that you encounter when writing virtually, versus writing in person?
AM: You can produce wonderful music when writing virtually, but I just don’t think anything compares to being in the same room where everyone has the same vibe and goal.
CN: One of your co-writers is also your duet partner on this single and your harmonies are incredible. What was it like to record this song with Will?
AM: Thank you so much! It was so much fun and an extremely smooth process. He is one of my best friends, so creating and singing together is just another extension of that! I think the fact that he makes r&b music and I do country makes for a new and interesting collab that doesn’t really exist right now.
CN: The storyline of the song, and it being a duet, lends itself to the possibility of a highly emotional music video. Are there any plans to release one?
AM: Yes! We just shot the music video a few weeks ago in LA, and it’s out now!
CN: This release follows last year’s single “Something Like That,” which you also wrote with Will. Both songs will be included on your new EP that’s scheduled to be available sometime this year. Can you give us some behind the scenes info on the EP and what fans can expect?
AM: I am so excited for everyone to finally hear the EP! I think it is the most relatable music I have ever released! I also love how the project is very well-rounded. I think there is something on there for everyone, no matter your mood!
CN: Will you be heading out on tour in support of the single and upcoming EP? Where can fans see you?
AM: Yes, I definitely plan to get back out on the road this summer and in the fall. I am figuring all of that out as we speak!
For more information on Alannah McCready, visit her website www.alannahmccready.com and follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.