CLAIMING HER TRUE POTENTIAL: An Interview with Ally Brooke

Words by Kimberly Hadid

PRESENTED BY CHINA POBLANO @drinkchinapoblano

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VIKTORIJA PASHUTA @viktorija_pashuta

PRODUCER/CFO JACKSON CHONG @jacksonchong_

PHOTOGRAPHER SEQUOIA EMMANUELLE @sequoiaemmanuelle

STYLIST AMBIKA SANJANA @styledbyambika

HAIR & MAKEUP TATIYANA ELIAS @tatiyanaelias

ASSISTANT TO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF GUADALUPE ZARAGOZA @guadaaochoa

PHOTO ASSISTANT JUSTIN PICCARI

STYLIST ASSISTANT KELIANNE LONG @kelianneleong

HAIR & MAKEUP ASSISTANT SRAVYA VATSAVAI

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ZEVARRA LOFTS @zevarralofts

Signing with Atlantic Records in 2018, Ally Brooke has established herself as a multi-faceted star, from the release of her official debut single, “Low Key” featuring Tyga, to her best-selling memoir, Finding Your Harmony, and a memorable performance on Dancing With the Stars.

For most of her life, Brooke has always been on a unique journey of self-discovery, and now, since breaking away from the American girl group Fifth Harmony, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter is embracing her most authentic self and tapping into her greatest potential. With her latest hit singles, “Tequila” and “Por Ti,” a music video that has already reached nearly two million views, and a recent collaboration with acclaimed guitarist Carlos Santana on their new song, “Yo Estare,” Brooke is positioning herself to be one of the industry’s hottest Mexican–American artists around.

How would you describe your personality? Who is Ally Brooke in the spotlight and who is Ally Brooke behind closed doors?
I would describe my personality as fun, outgoing, crazy—but in a good way—and thoughtful. I’m a deep thinker and sometimes I can be bashful or silent when I’m in those deep thoughts, but I love being able to make people feel great about themselves. In the spotlight, I feel like I am fun and have such a big personality. I love doing what I do and being true to who I am.

You began writing and recording music at just 12 years old. Tell me about your upbringing and family life growing up in Texas. Can you recall one of your earliest memories being around music or when you realized it was your purpose?
My childhood was really fun and I have always had support around me. I am very grateful for that. Being cheered on and being able to do what I love was and is everything. It got me to where I am today. My earliest memories are just performing and knowing it was something I wanted to do. It just lit me up like nothing else in the world.

Tell me about one of your fondest memories performing.
There were so many. I did a lot of pop music and one of my favorites was doing a Hillary Duff one. It was in front of a regular audience, but it was iconic. I wish it was for her. Well, maybe not, actually.

Where do you draw inspiration and motivation when it comes to your creative efforts? Did entertaining always come naturally to you or did you have to work at it?
Entertaining has always come naturally to me and it’s something that has developed over time. I feel that I am really good at it and it’s something I was born to do. I can always improve and push to be greater, but honestly, just being on stage and being who I am is just amazing. My inspiration always comes from my life-whatever I am going through or experiencing at a certain time, even the music I listen to, and of course, the people I love. Those things for me are a huge inspiration.

Talk to me about your journey of self-discovery. How did you gather the courage to look within, uncover your personal values, and really narrow in on who you genuinely are outside of societal or cultural expectations?
It really has been such a big journey and an adventure. It’s something that I have developed over time and as I continue to live and see the world around me, I am really able to focus on what’s important and what really matters to me. That’s really what defined who I am, what I desire, and what I crave, both in my life and career. Knowing that I really can do anything and that I have a gut that will guide me if I just listen to it more, has been so helpful. These are things you develop on your path and self discovery journey.

What has been one of the most unexpected challenges or things you have learned about yourself throughout this process?
There have been many, but one of the bigger things was my realization of how OCD I really am. I always want things to be a certain way and while sometimes, it can be a great thing, there are also times when it’s hard for me to let things go and allow them to be different. It’s hard to allow that and invite that in, that feeling of okay, things don’t always have to be perfect; things can just be alright sometimes. But when you do, that’s when you really get to a point of true happiness and peace.

Having parted ways with Fifth Harmony, you are finally able to own who you are as a solo artist rather than being attached to a group’s collective mission. You stated you are ecstatic to paint your own portrait. What does this look like for you?
I really just want people to see that I am a performer. I love being able to reach people and provide them with a good show. To do that on my own is really great.

You’ve returned to your Latin roots, something you’re incredibly passionate about, but I’m curious how you discovered your signature sound.
This has been a big process. I have explored so many different sounds and really love playing around with that. But I have finally homed in on my sound in my recent records, which I am just dying over. They are amazing and to me—it’s who I am at my core.

What role do you think emotions play in your creative process?
Everything. It’s why I’m so passionate. My emotions allow me to reach people and to be there for others through my music. Music is so powerful and for me to play a part in music is just incredible. It’s something I cherish. I have a lot of gratitude.

Talk to me about your memoir, Finding Your Harmony. What did this project mean to you?
It was something I wanted to put out to inspire people and give them a glimpse into who I am. It is something I am very proud of.

How was the process of writing your memoir? Did you find it difficult to recollect memories and piece together your story in such a precise way?
It absolutely was, but at the same time, I am so proud of it. It’s amazing to be able to share my stories because they mean so much to me.

Was there something you learned about yourself while writing your memoir?
I learned how strong I really am and how much I have done. Sometimes that is hard to acknowledge, but I realized just how much I have actually done and that’s really cool to see.

You have dedicated your life to music, but is there anything you haven’t done yet that you feel compelled to achieve in the near future?
I want to be in films. This is something that has been calling to me, especially the thought of being in a musical or taking on a deep role. That would be such a dream, but I am certain that it will happen when it’s supposed to.

How do you think other people perceive you?
I’ve received so much positive feedback in terms of my life and career.

What person (living or dead) would you like to spend a day with? Why?
Leonardo DiCaprio, but that doesn’t need to be explained.

Top three things on your bucket list?
To be in a film, skydive, and go on a European trip for weeks.

What is your typical day like?
Crazy. It varies though. Sometimes it’s normal and other times it’s very active and I am doing a lot of different things.

What is your favorite sleeping position of all time?
I’m always crouched or on my back. Being crouched like that is probably not good though.

What are two of your biggest pet peeves?
When people cut you off in the middle of conversation and when you tell someone something, but they don’t listen to you.

If you were given the chance to make one wish come true, what would it be?

To go back in time.