Alanna Quinn-Broadus: FACES of Nashville

As lead singer for the band Alanna Royale, Alanna Quinn-Broadus is one of Nashville’s rising stars. The band formed in the fall of 2012 and is releasing its first album this fall. Be prepared to hear more and more about this funk rock band and its fearless lead singer with the big, soulful voice and commanding stage presence.

Pin

When and why did you move to Nashville?

I moved to Nashville based one my one time visiting. After three days of hanging out in the city, I ditched all my plans to move to LA and decided I should come to this new place I knew nothing about. I can’t explain it, there was something telling me to come here, and it was the best decision I could have made.

What makes Nashville so amazing for artists like you?

Nashville is amazing because the rest of the world has no idea how amazing it is. They know if you want to play music it’s reasonable to live here, but it’s so much more than that. Nashville is good for me because it keeps me in constant work mode. I am surrounded by talent everywhere, and it keeps me on my toes, constantly pushing to be better. At the same time, I see everybody else’s struggles so I never lose perspective.

What was it like playing Bonnaroo?

We played last year, but it was INSANE. Certainly something I will never forget, and I hope we get the chance to do it again. It’s my new favorite place in the world.

Pin

How long have you been working on the album that’s being released this fall?

Since we’ve only been playing shows for about a year and a half, this record is everything we are as a band so far. We’ve written a lot of new material, but since we’ve grown so much, the old jams have to be there, too. Hopefully we’ll be wrapped tracking by April.

How do you describe your music?

We like to say AR is music to make you feel. Whatever sort of vibe we’re in on stage, we want to the audience to be there with us — whether it’s good or bad. We put our hearts out there when we do our thing; it’s soul music from the gut.

Where are some of your favorite places to eat in Nashville?

The Wild Cow, brunch at Tavern Midtown and Mas Tacos! Anything spicy or super veggie, I’m in.

What advice have you relied on through the years?

Be nice to everyone. Bite your tongue. Even the walls have ears. And respect and affection are two different things. Please, everyone, save yourself the trouble and just live by those.

Pin

Were you born with an amazing voice? Or was it something you discovered later?

I am a lifelong ham. Every photo, every home video, it was me — front and center. My whole life I have been singing and dancing and running my mouth. Singing was always an easy way for me to entertain.

Can you bear to watch The Voice and American Idol?

If you are talented and don’t know how to get out there, I guess those shows are a great way to show off your goods. I’ve never watched them, but I’ve watched Kelly Clarkson’s audition on YouTube a million times.

Who were some of your best buds upon moving to Nashville?

Some of the first friends I made in Nashville were Kate Mills from Old Made Good, her husband, Henry, Jacob Jones from Mountain, my band, and my good friend Sara Tuchman. I felt that my Northern sensibilities were appreciated with these fine folks, and they are like family to me now.

What does your ideal Saturday night look like?

My ideal Saturday night is me on stage performing. I hope someday that I’m doing it every Saturday night of the year.

Pin

If you could change one thing about Nashville, what would it be?

I would make this a bike-friendly city. No question there.

What do you love most about Nashville?

I love that everybody is somebody here. You’re always one step away from the person you want to reach.

What is your favorite indulgence?

I love big fake nails. They cost too much money and make it hard for me to text, but I don’t care!

What books are on your bedside table or e-reader?

I am reading Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut. I love to read and recently finished White Teeth by Zadie Smith, and that just shook something inside me.

Do you have any fears?

ALIENS!

What are three things, besides god, family and friends, that you can’t live without?

Eyeliner, Michael Jackson and bananas. No hesitation.

Thank you, Alanna! To see more about the band, Alanna Royale, please see: alannaroyale.com

Special thanks to Ashley Hylbert for the gorgeous photos today! Check out her new website: ashleyhylbert.com

And, to read even more of our conversation with Alanna, be sure to pick up the current issue of Nashville Lifestyles.