Artist Interview: Allison Phillips
- nickinhailer
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Allison Phillips (she/her) is a nomadic musician who transforms her lived experiences into honest, storytelling driven songs. Originally from the Chicagoland area and now based in Cincinnati, OH, she has backpacked across Europe and South America and spent four years living in New Zealand after college. Her songwriting reflects a deep commitment to emotional truth and self-reflection. We chatted with her about the new EP, WHAT I NEED TO DO and some other surprises.
-What's your earliest musical memory?
Allison: I grew up splitting my time between two very different musical worlds. At my mom’s house, it was all hair metal and classic rock, and at my dad’s, it was smooth jazz and showtunes.
One year, when I was about five, I was at my dad’s place during a big family Hannukah gathering—lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. We put on a little variety show we called ShowTime, where my siblings and I took turns singing and dancing to our favorite songs. When it was my turn, I proudly stepped up and belted out Smokin’ in the Boys Room by Mötley Crüe… right in front of my very religious stepmom’s entire family.
I was loving every second of it. The rockstar in me was BORN!! The rest of the room? Let’s just say my mom got a phone call from my dad that night about what kind of music a five-year-old should really be listening to. Still, to this day, it’s one of my all-time favorite songs!!
-What can you tell us about The Knee’s Bees?
Wow, I’m impressed—you really dug deep to find this! The Knee’s Bees (3am Edition) is a barbershop/barberpop quartet I sing in with some amazing folks from all around the globe—Denver, Albuquerque, Cincinnati, and Christchurch, New Zealand! We arranged and performed Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish and Happier by Olivia Rodrigo at the 2023 International Barbershop Festival in Louisville.
All of us are also proud members of an incredible chorus called Prism! We’re spread out all over the world and connect entirely through Discord, only meeting in person twice a year to compete at district and international contests. Last year, we placed 14th in the world in Cleveland, and we’re gearing up to compete again this year in Denver!
Barbershop music is alive and thriving, and I feel so lucky to be part of such a passionate and creative community!! If you’d like to see us in action, here’s a video of our performance of Best Day Ever from The SpongeBob Musical:
-How did WHAT I NEED TO DO come to be?
-What did you discover about yourself after working on this EP?
I can do this. I have the capacity to create the life I have always wanted for myself. My grandfather's phrase was "you are the only problem you will ever have, and you are the only solution." I find that the thing that gets in my way is my own fear and self-doubt; however, not many people can say they created a story, an album, or a piece of art that truly captures their life. I have to step out of my own way, recognize my accomplishments, and let myself fly.
-What musical or non-musical artists are currently influencing you?
Psychologist and YouTuber Dr. Ramani played a huge role in my emotional healing and understanding of what it truly means to be in love with a narcissist. Her insights were incredibly grounding for me during the breakup. I was also deeply moved by Carmen Maria Machado’s In the Dream House—her voice, her vulnerability, and the sheer courage it took to share her story had a profound impact on me.
On the musical side, I’m a huge Swiftie. Taylor Swift’s ability to weave a narrative through her songs is unmatched, and I’ve always admired how she creates full arcs within her albums. That storytelling inspiration really drove me to craft a cohesive body of work with one continuous thread. Other artists who’ve done this beautifully—and influenced my own songwriting—are Ethel Cain with Preacher’s Daughter and The Wonder Years with The Greatest Generation. Both albums shaped the way I think about concept work and emotional depth in music.
I also find a lot of inspiration from local artists like Lydia Shae, Sami Riggs, and Hillary Hahn. I’ve only recently met them all, and it’s been such a gift to feel supported by fellow creatives. It takes real bravery to put your heart into a song and share it—and being surrounded by others doing the same has made this journey even more meaningful.
-What do you hope listeners and fans take away from WHAT I NEED TO DO?
I am not alone. My experience is true and valid. I deserve authentic love and the ability to pursue my wildest dreams.
And...also, that was amazing. I must listen again.
WHAT I NEED TO DO is out now and Allison will be performing at Voice For Public Media July 8
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