Tiffany Alvord

Nathan Trecson

It has been 10 years since singer/songwriter Tiffany Alvord stepped onto the music scene and won the hearts of millions. With over 3 million subscribers and 635 million views on her YouTube channel, the 25-year-old musician is a force to be reckoned with. Tiffany began posting covers on YouTube when she was just 15 years old. " I had NO idea what was in store for me with YouTube. I just loved to sing and wanted to share my music through this new platform.With the support and love of my fans, I?ve had so many amazing opportunities. I?ve been able to post music videos for 10 years, travel and perform, as well as partner with brands I love! It?s been cool to see how the digital age of music keeps unfolding. Each day is a surprise and a gift!"

In January 2011, after her channel started to gain more and more fans, Alvord launched a kickstarter campaign to ask fans to chip in for her first album that contained all original music. The fans loved her covers on YouTube so much that they raised even more then what was asked of them. The 10 track album entitled 'My Dream' was released December 2011. "I was so inspired and moved when they were willing to support me creating my first album because I truly felt like we were on this journey together! I?m only able to keep creating music and do what I love because of my fans!"

After the success of her first album, Tiffany decided to release another original album entitled 'My Heart Is' in 2012. To no surprise the album debuted at #1 on the iTunes charts the day it was released. This time, it was self produced by Alvord. "I really enjoyed the process of producing of my album because it gave me more creative control over my music. When you learn how to produce you are able to prevent things getting lost in translation and the final project is more along the lines of what I had in my head" That same year, she had the

honor of performing in Times Square on the Nivea Kiss Stage for New Year?s Eve. "Performing on the Nivea Stage is still one of the most surreal experiences that I?ve had to date."

Her latest album "Legacy' was released in 2014. That was four years ago. Since then she has continued to release coves on her popular YouTube channel as well as work with brands such as Holister but according to her, the wait for new music is almost over. "In the past 4 years I have really grown as a person and an artist. I wanted to make sure that everything I released represented that and it would perfectly match all of the goals I

"You need to d o w ha t y ou d o FOR YOU, not for fa m e or to m a ke a ny one else ha p p y. If it?s w ha t y ou tr uly lov e, then lov e it a nd d o it, a nd enjoy ev er y step of the p r ocess!

had for this album. My fans have been on this journey so long with me that I wanted to make sure they got the best from me." Within this 4 year journey she learned that life takes you in all different directions and she says that her new music will reflect this mature chapter in her career. "I think the most difficult part of this album is making sure I continue to evolve as an artist. Basically pushing myself to try new things and to be creative to find what fits my sound and style of music best." Continue p.48

Nathan Trecson

Nathan Trecson

Her favorite song on the new album you asked? 'Where would You Be?'. The song is about how fragile life truly is. "It hit me that no matter our plans or dreams, NO DAY is promised. Whether we are safe, careful, and cautious, there?s really no guarantee. I

Nathan Trecson

wanted a song on the EP that would make you reflect and think about life and your intentionsand connections with people. The idea was, ?If I told you today, thattomorrow would be the end would you keep things the same or would you do it differently?? So if you had one day left how would things change, or wouldn?t they? I?m excited about this and think we all need this reminder in life!" There is no date set on when the new album or music will come out but it will be soon.

Outside of music, Tiffany?s main passion is pursuing acting professionally. She made her debut in her first film, School Spirits, last year, as well as played a role in the AT&T Hello Lab YouTube series Guilty Party. "I actually wanted to pursue acting BEFORE I started music! I did local musical theater for 8 years and I fell in love with acting and being on stage. I tried to give acting a shot but never got connected with the right agent or opportunity. When I was 15 years old, I found YouTube. I watched other musicians on YouTube and was intrigued by what they were doing. I have always loved writing songs and singing so I figured I?d ?give it a shot?. My YouTube channel just took off and has had a momentum of its own the past 10 years. Being able to jump back into acting has been a dream come true! Both of these projects were so much fun. I really love acting and it has caused me to want to challenge myself in new ways!"

Nathan Trecson

Aside from acting Alvord also has had her hand in fashion. She started her own clothing boutique 'True Love Apparel'. The first letter of each word in the name is the initials of her full name

' Tiffany Lyon Alvord'. "It?s never really been about the brand for me, it?s honestly what I like best and what makes me feel comfortable and confident! " This past summer clothing company, Hollister, added Tiffany to the Hollister Swim Squad where she and a couple of other influencers (Larsen Thompson, Aspyn Ovard, Alisha Marie) were flown to Hawaii and Mexico for photo shoots. The photos from those shoots were then placed in several stores across the country. "That was so surreal!" What is your advice to young girls who feel like they have to be a certain size to fit into that standard? "Don?t listen to the nonsense. I know it?s easier said than done, but you have to block out the people who think you should be this or you should be that. A size means absolutely nothing. All sizes, shapes, colors , etc are all beautiful. Never forget that!

No matter how big she gets in this industry, she will always use her platform to help others find purpose and happiness whether if its through her music or who she is as a person. "I feel it is for a reason and a purpose. I think the world needs more positivity and encouragement. There are so many people that have hard lives or are dealing with very hard issues and I just want to use my voice to share positivity and to bring people together so they know they aren?t alone."

To end the interview I asked Tiffany if she had any advice for anyone wanting to become a music artist like her and her response is something anyone wanting to follow their dreams needs to hear."You need to do what you do FOR YOU, not for fame or to please a producer/manager/ label, or to make anyone else happy. If it?s what you truly love, then love it and do it, and enjoy every step of the process! Take opportunities to sing out in public, collaborate with friends, jam to the radio, create music that you?re proud of. It takes time to build an online fan base, so be patient. Remember, ?the harder you work, the luckier you get!?

Guilty Party & School Spirits are available to watch online now.

Written by Ella Audrey Rae

Photogrpahy by Nathan Trecson