For this week’s 10 Questions we catch up with Rich Allen who can also be found on Linktree.
It’s been too long since their first 10 Questions interview, so we asked them 10 brand new questions.
Lets dive in!
1. For those that aren’t already familiar, tell us about the music of Rich Allen.
Hey, I’m Rich Allen, an indie singer-songwriter from Tampa, Florida. My music is a reflection of my soul—raw, honest, and deeply personal. I write from a place of vulnerability, sharing my stories, struggles, and hopes through melodies that come straight from the heart. For me, music is a way to connect on a real level, to find healing and understanding in the chaos of life. It’s about authenticity, about being true to myself and encouraging others to do the same. My songs are my truth, and I hope they resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost, hopeful, or just searching for something real.
2. Tell us about your recent release.
My recent release is a deeply personal project that explores themes close to my heart, especially the idea of ‘the Ghost we keep.’ It’s a reflection on those parts of ourselves we often hide, the pain, fears, and regrets that linger in the shadows. Through this music, I wanted to confront those ghosts, to give voice to what we sometimes keep buried deep inside. It’s a raw and honest expression of vulnerability, a journey toward acceptance and healing. I hope listeners can find comfort in knowing they’re not alone in their shadows and that embracing our ghosts can lead to genuine growth.
I wanted to confront those ghosts, to give voice to what we sometimes keep buried deep inside.
3. Are there any artists that have an influence on your music that people wouldn’t expect?
Definitely. While my music is rooted in indie and singer-songwriter traditions, some of the artists that influence me in unexpected ways are actually from genres like classical, jazz, and even folk storytelling. For example, I’ve been inspired by classical composers for their sense of arrangement and emotion, and jazz artists for their improvisation and freedom in expression. Additionally, traditional folk storytellers have taught me the power of narrative and authenticity. These influences might not be immediately obvious, but they shape how I approach songwriting, focusing on emotion, storytelling, and creating a genuine connection with listeners.
4. How did you start making music?
I started making music the moment I first opened my mouth—like every child, it’s just something that’s always been a part of me. Music has always been woven into who I am. I’ve come to realize that I’m someone who feels everything deeply and has a strong sense of others’ energy. Making music became my way of expressing those feelings, connecting with others, and navigating the emotions that come with being human. It’s been a lifelong journey of discovering how to turn those raw feelings into songs that hopefully resonate with others.
5. Which of your songs are you most proud of and why?
I tend to be humble when it comes to my music because I believe each song is a piece of my soul, my hopes, joys, fears, and pain. For me, it’s about being fully transparent and honest in what I create. I don’t see my songs as something to be proud of in a boastful way, but rather as a reflection of my inner world. The ones I’m most connected to are the ones where I’ve laid bare my vulnerability, where I’ve allowed myself to be completely authentic, even when it’s uncomfortable. That level of transparency is what makes the music meaningful to me, because it’s real, raw, and honest. It’s about sharing my truth and trusting that others will find resonance in that honesty.
I don’t see my songs as something to be proud of in a boastful way, but rather as a reflection of my inner world.
6. Do you come from a musical family?
No,I discovered my love for creating and expressing through music on my own, and that passion has become a vital part of who I am.
7. Do you prefer performing live or recording and releasing music? Why?
I truly love both aspects of making music, each offering a different kind of fulfillment. Performing live is an electrifying experience, there’s something profoundly connecting about sharing my art in the moment, feeling the energy of the audience, and witnessing how my music resonates with others. It’s raw, visceral, and reminds me of the power of human connection through art.
Conversely, the recording and creative process is a much more introspective journey. It’s a sacred space where I can delve into my thoughts and emotions, carefully craft each detail, and give voice to parts of myself that need time and space to be expressed fully. Both processes are essential to me, they nourish different parts of my soul. Live shows keep me grounded in authenticity, while recording allows me to explore and refine my inner world. Together, they create a balance, one that keeps me inspired and honest in my artistry.
8. What is your favourite part of being an NAS member?
My favorite part of being an NAS member is truly the sense of community and the support I receive from fellow members. It’s about knowing I’m part of a collective that understands the struggles and triumphs of this journey, people who genuinely care, inspire, and lift each other up. That connection, the shared passion and encouragement, creates a sense of belonging that fuels my creativity and keeps me motivated. For me, it’s more than just an organization; it’s a family of artists who understand what it means to pursue your dreams with honesty and resilience.
That connection, the shared passion and encouragement, creates a sense of belonging that fuels my creativity and keeps me motivated.
9. How many instruments do you play and which instrument(s) would you like to learn?
I play guitar and piano, which are my main instruments and really close to my heart. I also fool around with the banjo whenever I get a chance, just to explore different sounds and musical textures. I’d love to deepen my skills on the banjo and maybe learn other string instruments like the violin or mandolin in the future. For me, every new instrument is a new way to express myself and expand my musical horizons.
10. Other than your usual ones, which genres would you like to explore?
Other than my usual genres, I’d love to explore Arabic rhythms. I find their intricate patterns and rich cultural depth incredibly inspiring. Incorporating those rhythms into my music would be a fascinating way to expand my creative boundaries and bring a new, vibrant energy to my sound.
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