Music artist Rich Allo explores the ups and downs of the human experience through music. From mental health to relationship dynamics, his introspective lyrics speak to deep human emotion. His new single, “You” details the emotional difficulties of trying to stay in control and not let something break you down. Show his dedication to mental health awareness even further, a number of his shows have been in aid with the mental health focused organization Mind Jersey. To learn more about Rich Allo and his new single, read on.

Where are you based?
A mix of Jersey, Channel Islands and London!

What inspired you to start making music?
I have always loved creative writing. I wrote stories and poems from a very young age, and at the same time learned to play instruments like drums and guitar. It wasn’t until my late teens that I decided to try combining these skills into writing and recording songs.

How would you describe your music? Are there any artists that inspire your sound?
I would describe my music as larger-than-life, anthemic and cinematic. Artists like Keane, U2, M83 and Elton John have been massive influences.

Congratulations on your new single “You!” What inspired this song?
Thank you! “You” was written spontaneously on a cold winter’s night while I was playing my piano in my flat. It was quite an emotional and vulnerable experience, not to mention inspiring, so I knew it wasn’t a song I couldn’t let slip through my fingers. Lyrically, I think the song is about trying to find the balance between staying in control and not descending into a meltdown. I think we all go through that experience and it can be pretty scary.

What is the feeling you hoped to invoke within listeners with this “You?”
I wanted to convey a sense of melancholy and desperation, but also the idea of hope and transcendence. There’s a bittersweet feeling in almost everything I write. Life is not black and white, and is full of ups and downs. My music aims to translate that honesty too.

“You” starts off a bit slower and restrained, led by piano, and then eventually grows into a much bigger, cinematic sound. What was the thought process and reasoning behind this creative choice?
I treated the beginning of the song almost like a heartbeat under stress. The first half is really contained, I guess like someone trying to keep their breathing steady. Then, when the emotional dam finally breaks, I wanted to let the track breathe out too. There’s a combination of heavy drums, pulsating piano and distorted guitar played by Barry Curtis which I think collectively convey chaos and destruction. I wanted to sing as though my life was depending on it, hence the drama of the vocals.

You also released another powerful single this year titled “Sabre Teeth.” What is the story behind this song?
This song is all about the impacts of emotional abuse. Someone very close to me was unfortunately subjected to this for many years and, while protecting their identity, I wanted to convey my feelings about it. It also gave me the opportunity to write a very raw and aggressive rock song.

Music is a creative way for individuals to not only express emotions, but also connect with others. What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope people feel seen. My songs come from really personal places, but the goal is always for someone else to hear their own story in mine. If a listener feels understood, or a little less alone, then the song has done its job.

A number of your live performances have been in aid of Mind Jersey, a charity that provides support to those struggling with their mental health. Can you tell us more about this charity and your involvement?
I first became a member of Mind in 2016 when I was at university. They are a fantastic multi-national charity who spread awareness about mental health conditions, support those suffering, offer peer support services and grant training to those who wish to become involved. The vast majority of my songs touch on mental health, or at least the emotional world, and I have always wanted my art to promote closeness and connection. Many of my shows have been in aid of Mind to try and encourage this.

A lot of your music also touches on the subject of mental health. Why is it such an important topic to you?
Mental health is always there. It affects how you function everyday and influences everything you do. To me it is central to my daily life and therefore influences the way I express myself.

What advice do you have for someone who might be struggling with their mental health?
Talk to somebody. My Nan always used to say that a problem shared is a problem halved, and I have always carried that mentality with me. I also find that exercise, meditation and writing gratitude lists do wonders. Everyone is different, so try and find something that works for you.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
I am always writing new music, so at the moment my focus is on releasing new singles and performing shows, both in my hometown of Jersey and the UK. Stay tuned for upcoming dates!

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
It’s hard to stay positive in a world that often feels like it’s turning upside down. I stay active as much as I can and surround myself with people that I care about, and who care about me. I’m all about connection. Performing adds another level to that, so I’m always getting on stage when I can.

What is your motto in life?
Whenever I say goodbye to someone I always find myself saying “look after yourself”. I think it’s paramount to living a happy life. It doesn’t have to be anything significant, but if you can do something small for you, it goes a long way.

To learn more about Rich Allo, please check out the links below:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Mind Jersey

Rich Allo's Introspection