By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
Budding country star Alana Springsteen is striking a chord with an entire generation with her debut album TWENTY SOMETHING.
Released in August 2023, Springsteen’s first studio album is being described as groundbreaking and a “pathway to those seeking connection, solace, and understanding” by American Songwriter. Lead songwriter on all 18 tracks and co-producing nearly every track, Springsteen has put her heart and soul into TWENTY SOMETHING – and is connecting with millions of listeners because of it.
Authenticity on tour
The rising star is hitting the road with singer-songwriter Tyler Hubbard on his STRONG World Tour and will perform at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids on Oct. 31.
Springsteen performed with Hubbard on the West Coast in 2023, prompting Hubbard’s invitation to join him on the STRONG tour.
“From the second I hit that stage, the energy I felt from his fans and his community was another level, and it felt like we just connected,” says Springsteen. “I loved those shows so much.”
Springsteen’s arrival in West Michigan follows 10+ years chasing a dream, performing and collaborating with Country superstars and GRAMMY Award-winning writers, over 200 million streams globally, and the accumulation of numerous accolades.
But the twenty-something singer is more concerned with finding her most authentic self than she is with awards.
A dream comes true
Growing up surrounded by cornfields and strawberry fields in a rural Virginia Beach community called Pungo, Springsteen began singing in church as soon as she could talk.
“Music is something I fell in love with really early in life. When I was seven years old, I picked up the guitar for the first time and fell in love with it.”
Springsteen wrote her first song at age nine, and calls it the turning point.
“I realized that I could say things in music and writing that I couldn’t say to even my closest friends and family,” says Springsteen. “Writing has always been my therapy. It’s how I process what’s going on inside me, and also in the world around me.”
Springsteen had her heart set on becoming a country music artist and told her parents she wanted to go to Nashville. At age 10, her parents took Springsteen to Nashville where she had her first experience co-writing a song.
“I got to see that there was this entire community that existed that loved the same things I love, or was passionate about the same things I was,” says Springsteen. “It felt like we spoke the same language, and I felt right at home.”
Springsteen’s first publishing deal came at age 14, officially making her a paid songwriter. Shortly after, Springsteen and her family moved to Nashville.
Cycles of life in song
Springsteen began writing and co-writing full-time. Prior to TWENTY SOMETHING, the singer released EPs relating to recent relationship breakups – but had more intricate plans for her debut album.
A self-professed romantic, Springsteen admits to feeling things deeply – and learning hard lessons through those breakups. Springsteen turned to writing and music to process her emotions.
“When I wrote ‘twenty something’ – the title track – it felt like exactly where I was in life. I was like, this is it.”
Springsteen’s album consists of personal experiences depicting the cycle of mistakes, figuring things out and getting things right.
“I wanted to release the songs in that order and take fans along that journey with me,” says Springsteen.
What people don’t know…
What most people don’t know, Springsteen says, is that she is an introvert – and revealing her emotions is not easy.
“[The album] is some of the most personal songs I’ve ever written, and I was terrified to release a lot of it because it’s like putting yourself on display,” says Springsteen, likening the album release to that of sharing her deepest, darkest feelings with the world.
“What drove me was knowing that if I was scared to say these things, then there were probably so many other people out there going through the same things and needing to hear it.”
Springsteen lives by a code of authenticity.
“In your twenties, you’re pulled in different directions trying to find where you fit,” says Springsteen. “If I’ve learned anything through this process, it’s that the only thing we’re chasing is the most honest, authentic version of ourselves all the time.”
Springsteen’s song “Amen” is a promise to always stay true to herself and live on her own terms.
“A lot of those lyrics are really hard for me to say,” Springsteen says. “But it was so healing just putting it on paper, releasing it, and being able to have these conversations with friends and family that I never would have been able to without this song.
“If I can help them take one thing from this album, it’s to chase the most honest, authentic version of yourself.”
Springsteen says she is a regular 23-year-old girl making mistakes, living life and working her way through it. Feeling seen and understood through the music community has felt like coming home – and she is grateful.
“That’s what makes music special. It’s so healing, and it can connect people in ways that nothing else can.
“There’s nothing better than getting through [life] together, sharing stories and being there for each other. That’s why I love live shows. I’m really excited to feel that energy again on the tour.”
Find out more about Alana Springsteen and her music here.
STRONG World Tour dates and ticket information can be found here.
