Summerside native heading to Nashville for her slice of the spotlight

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A Summerside native proves that with true grit and perseverance, anything is possible.

Alli Walker has fought through periods of low motivation and strummed her guitar until her fingers were raw, but this talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist never let the dust settle.

“When I left Summerside for Toronto (aged 19), I didn’t realize how much development and work was in store for me. I spent the last decade performing anywhere and everywhere, writing hundreds of songs, collaborating, learning the music business, taking vocal lessons and – most importantly – soul searching,” Walker said.

“In summer 2019, I was lucky enough to make my debut P.E.I. performance at Cavendish Beach Music Festival. While on the Island, my husband and musical partner (Eric Paul) and I decided to film a music video to my song, ‘Raise Your Head’, at Three Oaks Senior High School (TOSH) in Summerside.”

Walker didn’t have the easiest time in high school and was ostracized by the other kids.

But she turned an ugly situation into something that blossomed, and while chasing the dream as a singer, she became a model.

“'Raise Your Head' is all about keeping your head held high, knowing your truth, standing in your power and being proud of your journey, because when you shed your old ways – and leave the negative behind – you birth a whole new beautiful version of yourself.”

She added, “Going back to TOSH was cathartic because I could really reflect on the changes I’ve made in my life. And I've read messages that this song empowered a lot of people who have ever dealt with bullying. It’s heart-warming to hear other peoples’ stories and how this song has helped them feel a little less alone.”

Walker recently made Top Country’s Top 15 Female Artists of the Year for her songs she calls “Mindful Music” and “Conscious Country”.

Her music explores mental health subjects, empowerment and reflects on real-life issues.

“I was overwhelmed to be in the company of some of my favourite artists, like Tenille Townes and MacKenzie Porter,” continued Walker, who released her first album in September called, "The Basement Sessions: What I’ve Learned So Far".

The album debuted at No. 9 on iTunes.

“Eric and I were ecstatic to make this list. To this point, it’s been just the two of us. My husband produced the whole album, we took our own single and album cover pictures, filmed our own music videos and got presented with some amazing opportunities.”

For Christmas, Walker released a festive song – with no wrapped shiny stereotypes – of her family scattered around Canada.

“I decided to write and put out a festive song this year called ‘Our Christmas’, and it has really taken off. This song is about how family Christmases aren’t exactly Hallmark or traditional. It was a depiction of my family Christmas, and I’ve been surprised by how many people have related to it,” she said.

“From bickering with your family to running late to church to getting the last pick of Christmas trees to wrapping presents on the kitchen floor and getting drunk on eggnog with your Dad. This is what makes the best memories, and that’s what makes each family Christmas unique.”

In January 2020, Walker will be in a music video with a top Canadian County Music Artist.

“I was blown away and shocked when I got his message on Instagram. The next day I was on his music set for the video, hanging out with him and his family. It’s still a secret who it is, but it will come out in January. I'm also putting out the music video for my song titled ‘Little Things’ the same month.”

In February, Walker is on her way to Nashville, TN.

“It’s been just Eric and me to this point, but we are excited to bring new members onto our team so we can accomplish even more in 2020. But I would absolutely love to come home to P.E.I. and perform at Cavendish Beach Music Festival this summer. It's on the top of my list."

For more information visit, alliwalker.ca.

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