Ally Parsons
Happy First Show Friday folks! We're back again with another amazing local artist to talk to them about the first show they played! This week we had the pleasure of talking to the amazing Ally Parsons from Trash Brain!
“The first show I ever played was actually a battle of the bands! I believe that was in 2018. I bought my very first guitar at about 17 years old, but didn't really genuinely learn how to play guitar until I was closer to 19… and I didn't join my first band until I was 21. Once I hit 19 I was surrounded by people playing original music all the time, and really ached to be a part of a band. Shen id finally built my skills and confidence a little bit, my partner (James) and two of my best friends (Tanner and Dale) started Trash Brain. Our first all ager AND first bar show ended up being on the same day which was wild for someone as anxious as i am, haha. The battle of the bands was in the afternoon and the bar show at the Black Diamond followed a few short hours later - both were an absolute blast!”
“My best memories from that first set of shows, other than the absolutely exhilarating feeling of playing in front of people for the first time, was the sense of accomplishment and pride that came with all of my friends rushing over just as we finished to congratulate us and tell us what they thought of the set(s).”
Even before performing in bands Ally has made her presence in the Sydney Music Scene known with her undying love and support for not only the people on stage but for the people in the mosh pits and the wallflowers alike. Outside of music Ally is an incredibly talented artist dipping into multiple mediums such as painting, digital art, tattooing, and so much more.
“Hilariously, as shy as I am, one of my biggest “dreams” in life as a kid was to perform. As my poor mom, I used to perform “concerts” for her by forcing her to sit in my room and listen to me sing along to an entire CD from the age of 7 years old onward. Guitar came later, which I love with my whole heart, but singing has been one of my longest standing hobbies that brings me joy, haha. In addition to that, I feel imposter syndrome so much in my life in many areas whether it’s my singing, my guitar playing, work, etc. - so to finally overcome the anxiety and nervousness that comes with being that vulnerable in front of a lot of people felt massively empowering, and to hear my peers validate that it sounded good? That my musical contributions were worthwhile? Even amongst my bandmates who have been in countless amazing bands over the years? Gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings.”
“After that day, it kinda felt like no matter how nervous I'd get before a show, or how much I felt like throwing up before getting on stage, that I had done it once - and if I could do that, I could damn well do it again, haha. That, combined with the completely incomparable feeling of simply playing music with other people…i know every musician says it, but there's truly nothing like that feeling, and i want to relive that as often as i can in my life. Not to be a sap, but I really love writing music with my bandmates, they make every step of the process so rewarding and so much fun. That's what keeps me coming back every time, the mutual love of music, creating it, and when youre lucky - the rush of adrenaline that comes with sharing it with a room full of excited people.”
It was seriously so much fun talking to Ally this week, we can't wait to see all of the amazing things she is going to accomplish in the future! We're now only a month away from Gobblefest so check back for some countdown editions of First Show Fridays soon!!
