Growing up near Gainesville, Fla., singer/songwriter Aslyn started playing classical piano at the age of 7. But she knew there was more to music than playing other people’s compositions.
“It wasn’t until I left home that I really started writing my own music,” says the daughter of a preacher and a teacher who got her early vocal training performing in churches. “Up until then, it was me interpreting another composer’s piece. But the transition to songwriting happened naturally for me.”
She says moving to Atlanta at 20 became something of a muse for her. “Being away from everything familiar, I began processing my feelings and thoughts through songs. Songwriting became my outlet ... my therapy.”
A decade later, the city remains a strong influence on her music. “I’ve lived a lot of life here,” she says. “All my songs are inspired by real-life stories. More life equals more songs. So for me, Atlanta is a huge part of what I do. It’s my home.”
And while her roots are firmly planted in Atlanta, Aslyn couldn’t be happier to be on the road promoting her independent second album, "The Dandelion Sessions." (Her first album, "Lemon Love," was released by Capitol Records in 2005 and produced the top 20 hit “Be the Girl.”)
The songbird -- along with fellow musical ingénue Toby Lightman -- will be performing her way down the East Coast throughout the summer. “As an artist, your art is really personal to you,” says Aslyn. “But to be able to share it with people every night and witness them be moved -- make it their own and learn how it has inspired their life -- is an amazing feeling.”
Aslyn and Lightman are fostering those reciprocal relationships with their fans on this tour. “In every city, we are playing listening rooms; storyteller-type venues,” says Aslyn. “Every evening feels really up close and personal. I am so grateful for my fans. That feeling of connecting with people through the offering of song is what keeps me going. It’s my fuel.”
But when that fuel runs low, Aslyn is always happy to return to Atlanta and recharge. “I miss my dogs,” she says. “I miss waking up to coffee on the couch first thing every morning. I miss the sauna at the gym, and of course I miss my family and friends.”
And her fans.
“I’m always super excited to play Atlanta,” she says. “To recognize faces in the crowd and feel that support, it’s amazing. Atlanta knows me pretty well now, so more than anywhere else, I feel I can let my hair down and have a good time. I love seeing the world, but there’s nothing like coming home.”
Concert preview
Aslyn with Toby Lightman
7 and 9:30 p.m. June 24. $15-$18. Eddie's Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-377-4976, www.eddiesattic.com .
All about Aslyn
Q: Who’s on your iPod?
A: I have a lot of ’60s and ’70s music. I [also] love Ben Folds, Patty Griffin, Regina Spektor, and Sons of William. I discovered a cool band at South by Southwest this year called Lost in the Trees.
Q: Who are your biggest musical influences?
A: Elton John, Carole King, the Beatles, Billy Joel, Queen, Stevie Wonder and Sheryl Crow.
Q: Any favorite Atlanta bands?
A: Ponderosa. And lately I’ve been listening to my brothers’ band Georgia’s debut record called "Slow Down Easy." [Aslyn also collaborated with Zac Brown on a duet called "Trying to Drive," which can be heard on "The Dandelion Sessions" and on Zac Brown Band’s recently released live DVD "Pass the Jar," recorded at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.]
Q: What do you bring with you on the road?
A: Just your average woman’s overpacked suitcase. My iPhone keeps me entertained if ever I have a spare moment. I [also] bring hazelnut coffee creamer; a must in the case of purchasing cheap gas station coffee.
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