Raised on a tour bus and deeply rooted in the Nashville music scene, Alyssa Bonagura‘s journey began with her parents’ band, Baillie and the Boys. “I was born and raised on a tour bus! My earliest memories are probably hearing the booming of the bass and the drums from outside the concert,” Alyssa reminisces. She fondly recalls stealing the microphone from her mother on stage at the tender age of two. “I was either sleeping on the bus while they were playing or I would run on stage and I’d sing with my mom.” Music was an inescapable part of her upbringing and shaped her into the artist she is today.
Alyssa has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, but one collaboration stands out the most. “I think collaboration is magical. One of the most life-changing ones for me was when Steven Tyler from Aerosmith cut my song ‘I Make My Own Sunshine.’ It went No. 1, and I remember him calling me from Maui, saying it’s gonna be a HIT,” she shares. This experience cemented her belief in the magic of collaboration and its power to transform a song.
Her time studying in Liverpool at the age of 18 at Paul McCartney’s LIPA was pivotal. Alyssa explains, “All the guys in my band except for my fiancé went to LIPA with me. It’s a very cool community of people that love music and art.” Alyssa’s love for the UK has only grown since then, and now she’s engaged to Welsh actor and musician Steve Shirley, solidifying her connection to the country.
Exciting times are ahead for Alyssa as she prepares for upcoming shows, including performances on the BBC2 Indigo stage at the C2C festival and Highways festival in May. “I’m so excited and grateful to be playing at these festivals. I’m doing a late-night jam at the Highways festival, and you might see some special guests,” she hints. “I’m also doing some days with The Shires in May – I love the Shires, the two of them have become my really close friends and I’ve written some songs with them for their new project too.”
Country music’s growing popularity in the UK brings joy to Alyssa. “I love that country music is blossoming everywhere, especially here in the UK. It’s all about the story, and people connect with these songs because they’re real life experiences wrapped in a three-minute song,” she says. Alyssa values the soul connection that country music offers, appreciating artists like Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, and Chris Stapleton.
Blending genres is second nature to Alyssa. Her music incorporates country, pop, and Brit-pop influences. “I’ve grown up around so much music my whole life. I’ve been so lucky to grow up and work with amazing artists like Kenny Rogers and Reba McEntire. Then moving to London and Liverpool immersed me in the amazing music scene,” she explains. Alyssa’s eclectic taste includes Coldplay, U2, Brandon Lake, and Irish folk music, contributing to her unique sound.
As a producer, Alyssa finds fulfillment in helping other artists’ visions come to life. “Producing for me is one of my all-time favourite things because it takes me out of my own music and helps me create something different,” she says. She has worked with Kezia Gill and Jade Helliwell, producing award-winning songs that showcase her diverse talents. Of Kezia, Alyssa says, “She’s just such a superstar and I’m so excited for a British country artist to be breaking out.”
Alyssa’s advice to aspiring musicians is simple: “Never give up. There’s going to be so many doors that you have to push down to get through. You just gotta keep going – be relentless!” Her experience in both the American and UK music scenes highlights the unique differences between the two, with UK audiences being attentive listeners and American crowds bringing a more rowdy energy. “When I first started coming here I was like ‘Do they hate me, you’re so quiet’ but it’s because they’re listening and I love that.” she says.
Looking ahead, Alyssa has new music on the horizon. “March 7th, I have a brand new song called “Old Piano” coming out. It’s the first song off of my new record. I cut it in Nashville with the best of the best,” she announces. This upcoming record promises to be a blend of old and new, with songs like this finally seeing the light of day.
And yes, she will be touring a new album in 2025, including a special performance at the Grand Ole Opry with Charles Kelley from Lady A on April 9th.
Alyssa Bonagura’s journey is a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and the soul-stirring power of music.
Alyssa Bonagura
Catch Alyssa on tour in the UK in 2025 and beyond. Follow her journey via these links.
