Get to know me

How long have you been performing?  

I have been performing professionally for about 11 years.     

What do you enjoy about performing?

The thing I love most about performing is connecting with the audience. There’s something about singing a lyric to someone and seeing them physically respond. 

What’s the most challenging thing about performing live?

The most challenging thing about performing live is getting out of your own head. It can be debilitating if you’re not careful. If you’re having a bad day it doesn’t matter, the show isn’t about you. It’s about creating an experience for your audience.

What are some of your most memorable gigs?  

The most memorable gig I’ve had is a couple of summers ago when my band and I were able to travel out to Mammoth Lake California a couple days after the 4th of July. The feeling of having 3,000 people dancing and enjoying themselves to your music is something I will chase forever! 

How would you describe your sound?

As the Wicked Things I would describe our sound as black dirt country. It’s a mix of red dirt, Oklahoma sound but with our Midwest experiences. We’re country but with an edge. Personally, I don’t feel like I have a certain style, I’m just singing from the heart. 

When not making music, how do you like to spend your time?

When I’m not making music I like to spend time with my dogs and fiancé Chris. I especially love to “try” to play golf and settle in with a good book! 

Were you involved in music/arts growing up? If so, in what ways?  

I grew up in music. I sang with my two sisters and mother ever since I could form words. We would perform in church any time my mom said we should and I joined the church worship band as soon as I learned to play bass. When I turned 16 my sister Alyssa Allbee joined a local band called Salty View and she asked me to come to a practice. As soon as I walked into the practice room I knew I wanted to be a part of whatever was going on. Thank god my mom and dad allowed me to follow my dream because otherwise I would have been sneaking out and performing no matter what! 

You can have dinner with anyone - famous or not, alive or dead, who do you choose and why?

If I could have dinner with anyone, living, dead, celebrity or not, I’d have dinner with my Uncle Jackie and Dolly Parton. I can only imagine the abs I’d have after that conversation! My Uncle Jackie was very wise in his own way, and Dolly is, well, Dolly! 

What, or who, inspires you?

I’m not sure if it’s one thing or a whole conglomerate of things that inspire me, I just keep going because I’m chasing a dream. I’ve always wanted to perform and play music. I’m getting my chance now and someone will have to pry my guitar out of my cold, dead hands before I stop making music.